The Government of Canada has announced that no new applications will be accepted for the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) in 2025. Instead, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will focus on processing existing applications submitted in 2024, with a cap of 15,000 applications set for processing throughout the year. This development reflects changes in Canada’s immigration policies and targets, as outlined in the 2025 Immigration Levels Plan.

About the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP)

The PGP allows Canadian citizens, permanent residents, and registered Indians to sponsor their parents or grandparents for permanent residency in Canada. This program is an important pathway for family reunification, enabling sponsors to bring their loved ones to Canada on a long-term basis. Due to the high demand for the program and a limited number of spots, the PGP operates via a lottery system. Interested sponsors submit an “Interest to Sponsor” form, and IRCC randomly selects individuals to invite for a sponsorship application.

From 2020 to 2024, invitations were issued exclusively to individuals who submitted forms during the 2020 intake period. This system has enabled IRCC to manage the program’s overwhelming demand more effectively.

Reasons for the Pause

The pause on new PGP applications is tied to a reduction in Canada’s permanent resident targets for 2025. The IRCC has decreased its allocation for PGP sponsorships as part of this adjustment.

• 2025 PGP target: 24,500 permanent resident landings.
• 2024 PGP target: 32,000 landings.
• Initial 2025 target in earlier plans: 34,000 landings.

This change reflects the government’s decision to adjust immigration priorities, with an increased focus on economic immigration and other programs.

Alternatives for Reuniting Families: The Super Visa

While the PGP will not accept new applications in 2025, Canadian citizens and permanent residents can still reunite with their parents and grandparents through the super visa program.

The super visa is a long-term, multiple-entry visa that allows parents and grandparents to:

• Stay in Canada for up to five years per visit.
• Make multiple entries over a 10-year period.

Eligibility Requirements for Sponsors:

• Be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or registered Indian.
• Be at least 18 years old.
• Reside in Canada.
• Meet IRCC’s minimum income requirements, which vary based on family size.
• Provide a written commitment of financial support for the visiting relative(s).

Requirements for Visitors:

• Obtain private health insurance covering their stay.
• Apply for the super visa from outside Canada.
• Satisfy the general admissibility criteria for entry into Canada.

Unlike permanent residency, the super visa does not authorize its holder to work or study in Canada. It is best suited for extended visits rather than permanent stay in the country.