While Canada’s overall immigration targets are on the rise, the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) has seen a sluggish start to 2024. New data from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) reveals a slight increase in PGP arrivals in February compared to January. However, the program remains significantly behind pace when compared to the same period in 2023.
Numbers Show Slower PGP Intake
According to the IRCC, 3,735 parents and grandparents became permanent residents of Canada through the PGP in the first two months of 2024. This represents a 13.9% decrease compared to the 4,340 who arrived during the same period in 2023. If this trend continues throughout the year, the PGP is on track to welcome approximately 22,410 new permanent residents by December, reflecting a 20.8% drop from the previous year.
Provincial Distribution
Ontario continues to be the most popular destination for PGP arrivals, with 1,795 parents and grandparents settling in the province during the first two months. The remaining provinces and territories saw varied numbers of new residents, with no specific breakdown provided in the IRCC data.
Reasons for the Slow Start
The reasons behind the PGP’s slow start in 2024 remain unclear. It’s possible that changes made to the application process in recent years have created delays or confusion for potential sponsors. Additionally, the random selection of sponsors from the pool of interest to sponsor forms might be resulting in fewer applications being submitted.
Future Outlook: Experts Remain Optimistic
Despite the current slowdown, experts believe the PGP is likely to see increased activity in the coming years. This aligns with Canada’s overall immigration plan, which aims to welcome 485,000 new permanent residents in 2024 and maintain this level in subsequent years. As Canada strives to strengthen its economy and demographics, the PGP is expected to play a key role in facilitating family reunification.
What do you think?
The PGP offers a valuable pathway for Canadian citizens and permanent residents to sponsor their parents and grandparents for permanent residency. Do you believe the program is working effectively? Should any changes be made to improve the application process or increase intake levels?
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