Canada's Parents and Grandparents Program Set to Welcome 10,000 New Applicants in 2025

The Canadian government has announced that it will accept up to 10,000 applications for the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) in 2025. This initiative allows Canadian citizens and permanent residents to sponsor their parents and grandparents for permanent residency, promoting family reunification across the nation.

Key Takeaways

• Application Limit: 10,000 applications will be accepted in 2025.

• Eligibility: Only those who submitted interest forms in 2020 can apply.

• Processing Times: Approximately 24 months for applicants outside Quebec, 48 months for Quebec.

• Alternative Options: The Super Visa remains available for extended visits.

Overview of the Parents and Grandparents Program

The PGP is a vital pathway for family reunification in Canada, allowing citizens and permanent residents to bring their parents and grandparents to live permanently in the country. The program is designed to strengthen family ties and support the integration of new immigrants into Canadian society.

In 2025, the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will randomly select sponsors from the existing pool of interest-to-sponsor forms submitted in 2020. This means that no new applications will be accepted for the upcoming intake.

Application Process and Requirements

To be eligible for the PGP, sponsors must meet the following criteria:

• Be at least 18 years old and a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.

• Meet minimum income requirements for the past three consecutive tax years.

• Commit to financially supporting the sponsored relatives for 20 years (or 10 years in Quebec).

Processing Times

Processing times for PGP applications vary based on the applicant's location:

• Outside Quebec: Approximately 24 months.

• Quebec: Approximately 48 months due to the province's specific immigration policies and lower admission targets.

Immigration Targets for 2025-2027

The Canadian government has set ambitious targets for the PGP over the next few years:

• 2025: 24,500 PGP immigrants.

• 2026: 21,500 PGP immigrants.

• 2027: 20,000 PGP immigrants.

Alternative: The Super Visa

For those who are not selected for the PGP, the Super Visa offers a viable alternative. This visa allows parents and grandparents to visit Canada for up to five years per entry, with multiple entries permitted over a ten-year period. Recent changes have made the Super Visa more accessible, including updates to health insurance requirements, allowing applicants to use policies from non-Canadian insurers.

Conclusion

The 2025 intake for the Parents and Grandparents Program represents a significant opportunity for many families looking to reunite in Canada. As the government prepares to process these applications, potential sponsors are encouraged to stay informed about the application process and requirements. The Super Visa remains a strong option for those seeking to maintain family connections while navigating the immigration landscape.

Sources

• Canada To Accept 10,000 Parents and Grandparents Program Applications In 2025, Immigration.ca.

• Canada PGP visa: IRRC announce Parents and Grandparents Program to reunite 10,000 immigrants families, BBC.

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

• EY Global Immigration alert - June 2024 - Government of Canada introduces legislation for citizenship by descent | EY, EY.

• Parents and Grandparents Program Update: What You Need to Know, Canadim.