“Update on 2025 Parents and Grandparents Program& Impact on Pakistani Students”

Overview: Outlines several changes and clarifications regarding family reunification under Canada’s immigration system. The program allows Canadian citizens and permanent residents to sponsor their parents and grandparents for permanent residency. However, this year, due to high demand and a backlog of applications, the IRCC plans to accept up to 10,000 complete applications, and invites will be sent randomly to individuals who submitted their interest to sponsor forms in previous years (2020, 2021, 2022, and 2023).

Key Aspects:

1. Limited Invitations and Random Selection:
   • This year, IRCC will not accept new interest-to-sponsor forms. Instead, they will send invitations to apply from a random selection of those who submitted in 2020. This approach has been in place since 2020 and ensures that the program remains manageable and aligned with Canada’s overall immigration plan.
2. Processing Times:
   • 24 months processing time for applications outside Quebec.
   • 48 months for Quebec-based applicants due to the province’s specific immigration targets.
3. Super Visa Option:
   • For those unable to apply for PGP, the Super Visa remains a viable alternative for parents and grandparents to visit for up to 5 years at a time with multiple entries. A recent change to the health insurance requirement has made the Super Visa more accessible.

Impact on Pakistani Students:

For Pakistani students who have Canadian study permits or are planning to study in Canada, the changes in the PGP Program can have significant implications:

1. Family Reunification and Visa Delays:
   • Pakistani students who are in Canada and wish to sponsor their parents or grandparents will face longer wait times due to the random selection system and the extended processing times.
     • Example: A student studying in Canada may want to sponsor their parents to join them. However, due to the random selection process and the 24–48 month waiting period, they may face a significant delay before their family can be reunited. This delay could also impact the student’s ability to focus on their studies if their family is not with them in Canada.

2. Limited Sponsorship Opportunities:
   • Only a limited number of 10,000 complete applications will be processed this year, which means there is intense competition to get an invitation to sponsor. Students may have to wait years before being able to bring their family members to Canada, depending on the random selection.
     • Example: A student may have applied to sponsor their grandparents under the program but may find out that their form was not randomly selected this year. This could lead to frustration and uncertainty about family reunification for a long period.

3. Super Visa as an Alternative:
   • If Pakistani students are unable to sponsor their parents or grandparents through the PGP program, the Super Visa offers an alternative. The new Super Visa health insurance requirement changes make it easier for students’ families to visit them. This is a shorter-term solution for those wishing to see their parents or grandparents but not for permanent family reunification.
     • Example: A student studying in Canada might opt to apply for a Super Visa for their parents to visit them. Since the new changes make this process more accessible, the student can bring their parents to Canada for a longer visit (up to 5 years), allowing them to be with their family while continuing their education. However, this is not a permanent solution like the PGP.

4. Impact on Students’ Emotional and Mental Well-being:
   • The uncertainty around family reunification could have emotional impacts on Pakistani students studying abroad. Many students are dependent on the presence of family for emotional support, especially during challenging times like exams or adjustments to a new country.
     • Example: A student studying in Canada may find it emotionally challenging to complete their studies without the support of their parents. The delays in family reunification through PGP may contribute to feelings of homesickness and isolation. The availability of the Super Visa may offer some relief, but it is still a temporary measure.

Conclusion:

The update to the 2025 Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) could have mixed impacts on Pakistani students in Canada. While the Super Visa provides a temporary solution for family visits, the longer processing times and the random selection process may make it more difficult for students to reunite with their families permanently. Pakistani students hoping to sponsor their parents or grandparents for permanent residency will need to plan for longer wait times and consider alternative options like the Super Visa in the interim.

This could cause emotional distress and uncertainty for students who rely on family support while studying abroad. However, the updates also underscore the growing demand for family reunification and the government’s effort to manage it more effectively.