Overview: Parent and Grandparent Program 2025

The Parent and Grandparent Program (PGP) allows Canadian citizens and permanent residents to sponsor their parents and grandparents for permanent residence in Canada. The Government of Canada recognizes the importance of family reunification and the hardships caused by family separation.

After a period of uncertainty regarding the 2025 program, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has announced important updates to the Parent and Grandparent Program for 2025, which are detailed below.

2025 PGP Program Updates

Initially in January 2025, IRCC announced there would be no new invitations for the program in 2025. However, on March 7, 2025, the government updated this position by confirming that invitations to apply would indeed be sent out in 2025. The most significant news came on March 24, 2025, when the Canadian government announced it would increase its target from the previously announced 10,000 applications to accepting up to 25,000 sponsorship applications for processing in 2025.

These 25,000 applications will include:

• Applications received in response to the 2024 intake
• New applications from those who will receive invitations in 2025

Important Points About the 2025 Parent and Grandparent Program

Who Will Receive Invitations in 2025?

IRCC will continue to send invitations to apply to randomly selected potential sponsors from the existing 2020 interest-to-sponsor pool. This is the same approach that has been taken for program intakes from 2020 through 2024.

If you submitted an interest to sponsor form in 2020 and have not yet received an invitation to apply, you may still have a chance to receive one in 2025. However, IRCC has not opened the interest-to-sponsor pool for new submissions since 2020, meaning those who did not submit a form in 2020 cannot be considered for the 2025 intake.

Current Processing Times

As of February 2025, processing times for PGP Program applications are approximately:

• 24 months for applications destined for locations outside Quebec
• 48 months for applications destined for Quebec

Eligibility Requirements

To Be Eligible to Sponsor, You Must:

1. Be at least 18 years old
2. Be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or a person registered in Canada as an Indian under the Canadian Indian Act
3. Meet the minimum necessary income requirement (based on your family size) for the three taxation years immediately preceding your application
4. Sign an undertaking promising to provide financial support for the sponsored family members for 20 years (10 years in Quebec)
5. Reside in Canada when you submit the application and throughout the application process
6. Not be in prison, bankrupt, under a removal order if you are a permanent resident, or charged with a serious offense
7. Not have sponsored a previous spouse or partner and then broken that undertaking

Who Can You Sponsor?

You can sponsor:

• Your parents and grandparents related by blood or adoption
• In the case of separation or divorce, a parent or grandparent's spouse or common-law partner

Siblings only qualify if they are considered to be dependent children.

You cannot sponsor your in-laws directly, but you are allowed to be a co-signer for your spouse who is sponsoring their parents or grandparents.

Income Requirements

To sponsor your parents or grandparents, you must meet minimum income requirements based on your family size, including the persons you are sponsoring. You will need to provide proof of income through your Notice of Assessment from the Canada Revenue Agency for each of the three taxation years immediately preceding your application date.

Application Process for Those Who Receive an Invitation

If you receive an invitation to apply in 2025, you will have 60 days to submit your complete application. The exact deadline date will be indicated in your invitation to apply.

If you are unable to obtain a document due to service disruptions caused by extenuating circumstances, IRCC may grant an extension. However, it's crucial that your application is complete and submitted on time, as incomplete or late applications will be returned without processing, and you will not receive another invitation to apply.

Super Visa: An Alternative Option

If you are not invited to apply for the PGP or if you did not submit an interest-to-sponsor form in 2020, your parents and grandparents may be eligible for a Super Visa.

The Super Visa allows parents and grandparents to:

• Stay in Canada for up to 5 years at a time (increased from 2 years previously)
• Enter Canada multiple times for up to 10 years
• Apply for extensions of 2 years while in Canada

Requirements for the Super Visa include:

• Proof that the sponsor meets minimum income requirements
• Purchase of private health insurance from a Canadian insurance company with coverage of at least $100,000
• Medical examinations for the applicants
• A letter of invitation from the child or grandchild in Canada

The Super Visa is a good alternative for families waiting for the PGP to reopen or for those who are not selected in the current intake. However, it's important to note that Super Visa holders do not receive the benefits of permanent residence such as public healthcare coverage or the right to work in Canada.

Looking Ahead: Future of the PGP

The decision to increase the number of applications accepted in 2025 is a positive development for families seeking reunification. However, it remains uncertain when IRCC will reopen the interest-to-sponsor pool for new submissions.

The changes to the program are influenced by:

• The Immigration Levels Plan 2025-2027, which includes a temporary reduction in overall immigration targets
• The need to balance the number of applications received with available spots in future years
• Processing capacity at IRCC

Expert Guidance for Your Family Reunification Journey

Navigating the parent and grandparent sponsorship process can be complex and overwhelming. With constantly changing rules, strict eligibility requirements, and high stakes for your family's future, professional guidance can make all the difference between success and disappointment.

Book Your Strategy Session Today

Our experienced immigration specialists understand the challenges you face and can provide personalized guidance for your unique situation. During your strategy session, we will:

• Assess your eligibility for the PGP and alternative pathways
• Identify potential issues before they become problems
• Create a customized action plan for your family reunification
• Answer all your questions about the application process
• Help maximize your chances of success

BOOK YOUR STRATEGY SESSION HERE

Don't leave your family's future to chance. With limited spots available and high demand for the PGP, proper preparation is essential. Our clients consistently report that professional guidance provided them with peace of mind and confidence throughout the sponsorship process.

Remember that timely preparation of documents and meeting all eligibility requirements are crucial for a successful application. Stay informed about program updates by regularly checking the IRCC website or subscribing to official communication channels.

Government Fees

For those invited to apply, the government processing fees include:

• Principal applicant: $1,050
• Additional fees apply for biometrics and medical examinations

Financial Responsibility

As a sponsor, you will be financially responsible for your sponsored family members for 20 years (10 years in Quebec), starting when they become permanent residents. This means you must provide for their basic needs and repay any social assistance they may receive during that period.

Conclusion

The Parent and Grandparent Program continues to be a key pathway for family reunification in Canada. While the program has undergone changes in recent years, the government's commitment to family reunification remains strong, as evidenced by the increased allocation for 2025.

For those waiting for an invitation or considering options for bringing parents and grandparents to Canada, staying informed about program updates and exploring alternatives like the Super Visa are the best courses of action.