Canada Opens Doors for Family Reunification: 10,000 Applications Under Parents and Grandparents Program in 2025

Canada has announced plans to accept up to 10,000 applications for its Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) in 2025, allowing Canadian citizens and permanent residents to sponsor their parents and grandparents for permanent residency. This initiative aims to strengthen family ties and support family reunification across the nation.

Key Takeaways

• Canada will accept 10,000 applications under the PGP in 2025.

• Invitations to apply will be sent to randomly selected sponsors from the 2020 interest pool.

• Processing times are approximately 24 months for most applicants and 48 months for those in Quebec.

• The Super Visa remains an option for extended family visits.

Overview of the Parents and Grandparents Program

The Parents and Grandparents Program is a vital pathway for family reunification in Canada. It allows Canadian citizens and permanent residents to sponsor their parents and grandparents for permanent residency, enabling families to live and work together in Canada.

To be eligible to sponsor, individuals must meet certain criteria, including:

• Being at least 18 years old.

• Meeting a minimum income threshold.

• Signing an undertaking to support their parents or grandparents financially.

Application Process for 2025

In 2025, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will send invitations to apply (ITAs) to potential sponsors who submitted interest to sponsor forms in 2020. This approach continues from previous years, where the intake has not reopened since 2020 due to high demand.

The application process involves:

1. Submitting an interest to sponsor form.

2. Waiting for an invitation to apply, which is randomly selected from the pool of applicants.

3. Completing the sponsorship application once invited.

Processing Times

As of February 2025, the processing times for PGP applications are as follows:

• Outside Quebec: Approximately 24 months.

• Quebec: Approximately 48 months due to limited family class admission targets.

These timelines reflect the government's efforts to balance the number of applications with available spaces in the immigration levels plan.

Alternatives: The Super Visa

For those who may not be able to secure a sponsorship through the PGP, the Super Visa offers an alternative. This visa allows parents and grandparents to visit their children or grandchildren in Canada for extended periods, with the following features:

• Valid for up to 10 years.

• Allows multiple entries to Canada.

• Each visit can last up to 5 years.

Recent changes have made the Super Visa more accessible by allowing applicants to obtain health insurance from both Canadian and approved foreign insurance companies, easing the financial burden on families.

Conclusion

The 2025 intake for the Parents and Grandparents Program represents a significant opportunity for family reunification in Canada. With 10,000 applications set to be accepted, many families can look forward to reuniting with their loved ones. As the government continues to refine its immigration policies, the PGP and Super Visa programs remain essential tools for maintaining family connections across borders.

Sources

• Update on 2025 Parents and Grandparents Program, Canada.ca.

• Want to bring parents to stay with you in Canada? Sponsor them under Parents and Grandparents Program - Investing Abroad News, Financialexpress.

• Canada will send invitations to apply for Parents and Grandparents PR pathway in 2025, CIC News.