December 19, 2014 — Ottawa — Today, Canada's Citizenship and Immigration Minister Chris Alexander announced that the parent and grandparent program (PGP) will re-open on January 2, 2015.
Alexander highlighted the success of the PGP, stating that Canada has welcomed more than 70,000 parents and grandparents since 2012. This number represents the highest level of parent and grandparent admissions in nearly two decades. Thanks to the government's Action Plan for Faster Family Reunification, the backlog has already been reduced by nearly 54 percent.
Parents and grandparents who wish to visit their family in Canada can also apply for the Parent and Grandparent Super Visa. It remains a fast, convenient option for parents and grandparents wanting to spend an extended period of time in Canada with their families. To date, approximately 45,000 Super Visas have been issued with an approval rate of over 80 percent.
Kevin Menard
Minister's Office
Citizenship and Immigration Canada
613-954-1064
Media Relations
Communications Branch
Citizenship and Immigration Canada
613-952-1650
CIC-Media-Relations@cic.gc.ca
Building a stronger Canada: Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) strengthens Canada’s economic, social and cultural prosperity, helping ensure Canadian safety and security while managing one of the largest and most generous immigration programs in the world.
