Canada Will Now Accept Up To 25,000 Parents and Grandparents Applications in 2025
Canada to Accept 10,000 Parents and Grandparents Program Applications in 2025
The Canadian government has announced its plans to accept up to 10,000 new applications under the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) in 2025.
In total, 25,000 applications are expected to be processed, combining new submissions and those carried over from previous years.
PGP Application Process for 2025
The Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will continue selecting sponsors from the existing pool of interest-to-sponsor forms submitted in 2020. This means that no new interest-to-sponsor forms will be accepted in 2025. Instead, IRCC will invite individuals who previously submitted their interest to apply and give them a specific timeframe to complete and submit their sponsorship applications.
Processing Times and Requirements
Processing times for the Parents and Grandparents Program applications vary:
- Outside Quebec: Approximately 24 months
Canada's PGP Immigration Targets
According to the 2025–2027 Immigration Levels Plan, Canada plans to welcome the following number of new permanent residents under the PGP:
- 24,500 in 2025
- 21,500 in 2026
- 20,000 in 2027
In 2024, Canada welcomed 27,290 new permanent residents through the PGP.
Super Visa: An Alternative Option
For those not selected under the PGP, Canada offers the Super Visa as an alternative. This visa allows parents and grandparents to:
- Stay in Canada for up to five years per visit
- Apply for extensions of up to two additional years
- Make multiple visits over a ten-year period
The Super Visa is an attractive option as it provides long-term visits without requiring sponsors to meet the same financial obligations as under the PGP.
Eligibility to Sponsor Under PGP
To qualify as a sponsor for the Parents and Grandparents Program, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident
- Be 18 years or older
- Reside in Canada
- Meet the Minimum Necessary Income (MNI) requirement for the past three tax years
- Agree to provide financial support for the sponsored parent(s) or grandparent(s) for 20 years
How many PGP applications will be accepted in 2025?
Canada will accept up to 25,000 PGP sponsorship applications for processing in 2025. This includes leftover applications from 2024 and 10,000 new applications submitted in 2025.
Can I apply if I did not submit an interest-to-sponsor form in 2020?
No. IRCC is only selecting sponsors from the 2020 interest-to-sponsor pool. If you didn’t submit a form in 2020, you cannot be considered for the 2025 intake.
How long does it take to process a PGP application?
PGP applications take about 24 months to process outside Quebec and about 48 months for applicants going to Quebec. Times may vary depending on volume and completeness.
What is the Super Visa and who can apply?
The Super Visa allows parents and grandparents to stay in Canada for up to five years per visit and re-enter multiple times for up to 10 years. It’s a good option for those not selected in the PGP.
What are the income requirements to sponsor under PGP?
Sponsors must meet the MNI for the past three tax years. Income levels vary depending on family size and are published annually by IRCC. Co-signers are allowed.
Conclusion
With a limited number of invitations being issued under the PGP 2025, many applicants will need to explore alternative options like the Super Visa.
The government’s continued reliance on the 2020 interest-to-sponsor pool means that those who have not previously submitted an expression of interest will not have an opportunity to apply under this program.
For individuals looking to bring their parents or grandparents to Canada, it is essential to stay informed about available pathways and prepare for upcoming sponsorship opportunities.
