Canada welcomed nearly 17,000 new permanent residents through the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) in the first seven months of 2024, according to recent data from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). However, the pace of arrivals slowed during the summer months.
In June, PGP immigration dropped by 7.1 percent, with 3,015 new arrivals, followed by another 9.3 percent decline in July, with 2,735 new residents. This marks a 10.3 percent decrease in PGP immigration compared to last year when 18,865 new permanent residents were welcomed by July.
Despite the decrease, Canada is projected to see around 29,014 new permanent residents through the PGP by the end of the year, slightly surpassing the 28,305 total from 2023.
Ontario remains the top destination for PGP immigrants, with 8,105 new arrivals in the first seven months of 2024. However, other provinces, such as Nova Scotia and Alberta, saw significant percentage declines in July, with drops of 40 percent and 26.8 percent, respectively.
Canada’s Immigration Levels Plan for 2024-2026 aims to increase immigration targets, which could lead to a rise in PGP arrivals in the coming years. The PGP process requires a $1,050 sponsorship fee and takes up to 27 months for applicants to become permanent residents. Canadian citizens or permanent residents must meet certain requirements to sponsor their parents and grandparents under this program.
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