The Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) is a key Canadian immigration initiative designed to reunite families by allowing citizens and permanent residents to sponsor their parents and grandparents. This detailed report (2014–2019) examines application intake processes, target achievements, demographic insights, and more.
The highlights include:
- Three distinct intake periods with evolving models to improve application efficiency.
- A significant decline in application backlogs, from over 79,000 in 2011 to under 41,500 by 2013.
- Implementation of quotas and Ministerial Instructions for effective intake management.
This report provides a year-by-year breakdown and sheds light on the program’s challenges, achievements, and future direction.
Key Glossary of Terms
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| Admissions Target | Planned annual target for PGP admissions. |
| Application Target | The number of applications the department plans to accept yearly. |
| ITS (Interest to Sponsor) | A form for sponsors to express their interest in the program. |
| ITA (Invitation to Apply) | Official invitations issued to sponsors, allowing them to submit a complete application. |
| Processing Time | Time from application receipt to final decision. |
Section 1: Intake Models and Historical Background
Transitioning from Unrestricted Applications
Prior to 2011, the PGP operated without application limits, leading to an overwhelming backlog. Changes were introduced to:
- Reduce inventory: A moratorium (2011–2013) limited new applications.
- Introduce targets: Post-2014, intake caps ensured alignment with processing capabilities.
Managing the Inventory
- 2011 Inventory: Over 79,000 applications (167,000 persons).
- 2013 Inventory: Reduced to 41,500 applications (86,000 persons).
- 2014 Onward: Annual quotas and Ministerial Instructions stabilized processing timelines.
Section 2: Intake Periods
The program transitioned through three intake periods with distinct models.
Intake Period 1 (2014–2016): First-In, First-Served
- Process: Applications were accepted until annual caps were reached.
- Challenges: Resulted in a “rush” to submit applications via mail/courier.
| Year | Opening Date | Closing Date | Applications Accepted |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | January 2 | February 3 | 5,933 |
| 2015 | January 2 | January 16 | 5,687 |
| 2016 | January 4 | January 7 | 10,461 |
Intake Period 2 (2017–2018): Randomized Selection
- Process: ITS forms submitted and randomly queued; ITAs issued based on quotas.
- Improvements: ITS system reduced administrative duplication.
| Year | ITS Submissions | Unique Submissions | ITAs Issued | Uptake Rate | Selection Probability |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 | 100,211 | 95,098 | 16,500 | 56% | 17% |
| 2018 | 99,895 | 93,836 | 23,500 | 74% | 25% |
Intake Period 3 (2019): First-Come, First-Served
- Process: ITS forms capped at 27,000; ITAs issued based on submission order.
- Achievement: A record 92% ITA uptake rate.
| Year | ITS Window | Application Window | Applications Accepted |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | < 8 minutes | 60 days | 24,292 |
Section 3: Application Outcomes
Applications vs. Targets
| Year | Target | Applications Received | Difference (%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | 5,000 | 5,933 | +18.7% |
| 2015 | 5,000 | 5,687 | +13.7% |
| 2019 | 20,000 | 24,292 | +21.5% |
Demographic Insights
- Gender: 54% of sponsors were female, with a decline over time.
- Age: Most sponsors (56%) were aged 31–40.
- Regions:
- Ontario leads (48% of sponsors).
- Western provinces follow (40% of sponsors).
| Region | 2014–2019 Average (%) |
|---|---|
| Ontario | 48 |
| Western Provinces | 40 |
| Quebec | 11 |
Section 4: Processing Outcomes
The program saw an improvement in processing times and approval rates.
Processing Time (2019):
- Average: 19 months (lowest in a decade).
Approval Rates:
| Year | Approved (%) | Refused (%) |
|---|---|---|
| 2014 | 87 | 11 |
| 2019 | 89 | 10 |
Section 5: Admissions
Admissions targets remained consistent, with notable achievements in 2019.
| Year | Admissions Target | Admissions Achieved |
|---|---|---|
| 2014 | 20,000 | 18,205 |
| 2019 | 20,500 | 22,011 |
Section 6: Conclusion
The Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) represents a critical pathway for family reunification in Canada. Between 2014 and 2019:
- Processing times improved, with record low delays in 2019.
- Demographics shifted, showcasing younger, more economically active sponsors.
- Intake models evolved, ensuring efficiency and fairness.
While challenges like backlog persistence and demand surges remain, the program’s continuous enhancements reflect Canada’s commitment to family unity.
Why Is the Program Temporarily Paused?
The suspension of new applications stems from the overwhelming demand for the program. With tens of thousands of submissions received in previous years, the IRCC aims to:
- Clear Backlogs: Process the substantial inventory of applications already in the system.
- Meet Quotas: Align with the admissions targets set in the annual Immigration Levels Plan.
- Enhance Processing Efficiency: Improve timelines for applicants awaiting final decisions.
While the decision to temporarily halt new applications may be disappointing for prospective sponsors, it reflects a pragmatic approach by the IRCC. By focusing on the current backlog, the program ensures that:
- Existing applicants are treated fairly: Those already in the queue receive timely decisions.
- Processing times remain manageable: Preventing excessive delays for new and existing applicants.
- The program remains sustainable: Addressing demand responsibly without overwhelming the immigration system.
The temporary pause provides an opportunity for the IRCC to refine its processes further, potentially introducing more innovative intake and processing methods when the program reopens.
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