In a recent announcement, the Canadian government revealed a significant change that will affect many Indian immigrants. The federal authorities confirmed that they would halt the acceptance of new applications for the Parents and Grandparents Sponsorship Program (PGP) for 2025. This means that only applications submitted in 2024 will be processed under the program.
The PGP allows Canadian citizens, permanent residents, and registered Indians to sponsor their parents or grandparents for permanent residency. Once approved, the sponsored individuals are granted permanent residence in Canada, with the possibility of applying for citizenship after fulfilling certain criteria.
Sponsored parents and grandparents enjoy numerous benefits, such as access to healthcare, social services, the right to work, and the protection of Canadian law and the Charter of Rights and Freedoms. However, the decision to halt the program for 2025 is a blow to many families hoping to reunite with their loved ones in Canada.
This policy shift comes at a time when immigration is a highly sensitive issue, and the move may be seen as a response to increasing pressures on Canada’s immigration system. The change will undoubtedly impact the plans of countless immigrants who had hoped to sponsor their parents or grandparents, leaving many uncertain about their future family reunification plans.
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