Starting in 2025, Canada will no longer allow permanent residents (PR) to sponsor their parents, grandparents, or close relatives for PR through the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP). This change was announced by Canada’s Immigration Department (IRCC).
From 2025, the PGP will not accept any new applications. However, applications made in 2024 will still be processed. If families want to bring their parents or grandparents to Canada, they can use the Super Visa. This visa lets relatives stay in Canada for up to five years, but it does not give them permanent residency.
Canada also plans to reduce the number of people it gives PR to by 20% in 2025. In previous years, 500,000 people were granted PR each year, but the new target for 2025 is 395,000.
Canada’s Immigration Department has been struggling with a backlog of applications. It plans to focus on processing 15,000 PGP applications that were submitted in 2024. The goal is to clear up the backlog and reduce waiting times.
The policy change is expected to affect over 100,000 Bangladeshi residents who live in Canada. Many rely on the PGP to bring their family members to join them.
Prosanjit Das Joy, a Bangladeshi resident who has worked in Canada for five years, said,
“It’s getting harder to get PR. Many Bangladeshis without PR are worried about their future.”
Salahuddin Bachchu, a businessman in Canada said,”In the early days of my time in Canada, I could bring my wife, children, and parents at my own expense. Over time, this situation has become much more difficult.
This change in rules will make it harder for families to reunite in Canada. The Super Visa is an option for families, but it is only a temporary solution, as it doesn’t lead to permanent residency.
Source: Prothom Alo
