Maple News reports that Canada’s approach to family class immigration experienced significant developments throughout 2024, setting the stage for noteworthy changes in 2025. From reducing annual landing targets to expanding humanitarian pathways and overhauling work permit eligibility, the past year has reshaped the landscape for family reunification in Canada.
In a major policy shift, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) confirmed a reduction in its 2025 targets for family class immigration. The number of expected landings for spouses, partners, and children will decrease from 82,000 in 2024 to 70,000 in 2025. Similarly, targets for parents and grandparents are set to drop from 32,000 to 24,500 landings. While these figures refer to landings—the final stage of the immigration journey—they reflect a broader intention by the federal government to moderate immigration levels.
This change comes amid growing pressure to manage housing availability, cost-of-living concerns, and resource optimization across Canada’s settlement services. However, immigration experts caution that scaling back targets could lead to longer processing times for sponsorship applications submitted in 2024 and beyond.
In a more focused update, IRCC modified eligibility rules for the Spousal Open Work Permit (SOWP). The aim is to ensure that spousal applicants already in Canada may continue contributing to the economy while waiting for their permanent residency approvals. Although changes in eligibility criteria have added complexity, the policy still allows many spouses and partners of Canadian citizens or permanent residents to work while their applications are in process.
Quebec also updated its criteria for family sponsorship, aligning partly with federal policies but continuing to apply its distinct process and caps. These changes affect both new and ongoing applications, highlighting the importance of understanding Quebec’s separate immigration system.
On the technological front, IRCC implemented advanced automation tools for processing family sponsorship and related immigration applications. The modernization effort is intended to streamline decision-making, reduce backlogs, and ultimately improve client experience.
In terms of humanitarian policy, Canada introduced temporary special pathways for families of Canadians in conflict zones. These include new measures for families affected in Gaza and Sudan, reflecting IRCC’s commitment to compassionate and responsive immigration policy during crises.
Lastly, the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) officially reopened in 2024, continuing to draw high levels of interest. Given the lower targets for 2025, competition for PGP invitations could intensify, making early preparation essential for hopeful sponsors.
With these dynamic changes now in effect, Maple News will continue to provide updates and expert insights for families navigating the evolving Canadian immigration system.