Canada to re-open parent and grandparent programme in 2014
Citizenship and Immigration Canada has announced that it will re-open the Parent and Grandparent (PGP) program for new applications on January 2, 2014, by which time the backlog and wait times in the programme are expected to have been cut in half.

- In 2012 and 2013, Canada will admit 50,000 parents and grandparents as permanent residents. This represents the highest level of parents and grandparents admitted in 20 years. In 2014, Canada will maintain high levels of admissions for parents and grandparents.
- The Super Visa (which is valid for up to 10 years and allows an applicant to remain in Canada for up to 24 months at a time without the need for renewal of their status) will become permanent and will continue to provide flexibility for families who access the multiple-entry visa. Over 15,000 Super Visas have been issued since the programme’s launch in December 2011 with approval rates averaging 86 percent.
- New qualifying criteria for permanent residency sponsorship of parents and grandparents will increase the financial responsibility of sponsors to ensure they have the means to support those they sponsor, while limiting the programme’s cost to taxpayers and Canada’s strained health and social programs.
- 5,000 new sponsorship applications will be accepted in the programme in 2014. By accepting 5,000 applications in 2014 while maintaining high levels, the government will be able to further reduce the remaining backlog so that families can be reunited more quickly.