Maple News reports that Canada’s Parent and Grandparent Program (PGP) continues to face significant challenges, with a growing backlog of applicants and limited admission spots. According to a recently obtained internal memo from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), the demand for family reunification far exceeds the government’s current processing capacity and annual immigration targets.
As of late 2023, the inventory of PGP applicants stands at nearly 100,000 individuals. This backlog reflects a trend that began prior to the pandemic, where intake levels have outpaced the number of admissions year after year. Although IRCC aims to accept 28,500 PGP applicants in 2023, this figure is still insufficient to meaningfully reduce the existing waitlist.
The memo outlines that in 2022, IRCC invited sponsors from a pool originally formed in 2020, aiming to receive 15,000 completed applications. However, with annual interest to sponsor numbers often surpassing quotas, significant delays have become the norm. New applicants in 2023, for example, could face waits of two to three years, even if they meet all eligibility criteria.
Processing delays, according to IRCC officials, are largely due to imbalances between intake volumes and finalized cases. When the intake of applications exceeds how many are processed and admitted, inventories grow and wait times extend. The memo highlights the need for tighter intake management and better alignment between intake and processing capacity.
To address the backlog, the IRCC suggests implementing a multi-year intake strategy that mirrors the existing Immigration Levels Plan. This approach would allow the department to plan admission volumes more predictably and offer greater transparency to applicants. A similar model is already in use for Express Entry programs.
Looking ahead, admission targets for the PGP will gradually rise. Under the Immigration Levels Plan 2024–2026, Canada plans to admit 32,000 parents and grandparents in 2024, increasing to 34,000 by 2026. While these increases are modest, they indicate a willingness to gradually expand family sponsorship opportunities.
Still, IRCC emphasizes that no new intake is required in 2023 to meet current targets. The existing applicant pool is more than sufficient to fulfill upcoming quotas, underscoring the importance of intake-control mechanisms and long-term planning.
The memo reinforces that the immigration minister has the discretion to determine intake volumes and processes. However, consistent policy alignment, intake discipline, and data-driven planning will be crucial to ensure the long-term sustainability and reliability of this vital family reunification pathway.