Canada to Accept 10,000 PGP Applications in 2025: Key Updates and Eligibility

Canada’s Parents and Grandparents (PGP) Program 2025 is set to provide a crucial opportunity for family reunification, with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) planning to accept 10,000 sponsorship applications this year.

The program, which enables Canadian citizens and permanent residents to bring their parents or grandparents to the country, remains a key component of Canada’s immigration policies.

Parents and Grandparents (PGP) Program

The Parents and Grandparents (PGP) Program is a crucial component of Canada’s family sponsorship initiatives. It enables Canadian citizens and permanent residents to sponsor their parents and grandparents for permanent residency. This program facilitates family reunification, allowing loved ones to live, work, and build their lives together in Canada.

PGP 2025: Application and Processing Updates

For 2025, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) plans to accept up to 10,000 sponsorship applications under the Parents and Grandparents (PGP) Program.

However, instead of opening new interest-to-sponsor applications, IRCC will continue selecting potential sponsors from the existing pool of submissions from 2020. This approach has been consistent since 2020 and will be followed for the 2025 intake as well.

Processing Times for PGP Applications

The current processing times for PGP applications vary based on the destination within Canada:

• Outside Quebec: Approximately 24 months
• Quebec applicants: Around 48 months, due to the province’s stricter admission targets for family class sponsorships

To manage wait times, IRCC is aligning the number of accepted applications with available immigration spaces in the 2025–2027 Immigration Levels Plan. Given the reduction in overall immigration targets, IRCC will recalibrate the number of new applications processed each year.

Why is the PGP Program Important?

• Strengthens Family Bonds: It allows families to live together, providing emotional and practical support.
• Contribution to Canadian Society: Parents and grandparents often play a vital role in childcare and community involvement.
• Supports Cultural Diversity: Family reunification enhances the cultural richness of Canada.

Alternative Option: Canada’s Super Visa

For families unable to secure a spot in the PGP Program, Canada’s Super Visa offers an alternative way to reunite with loved ones. The Super Visa allows parents and grandparents to:

• Stay in Canada for up to five years per visit
• Have multiple entries for up to 10 years
• Benefit from recently eased health insurance requirements, making the visa more accessible

For more details on the Super Visa and the latest health insurance updates, visit the official IRCC page here.

Upcoming Announcements on PGP 2025

IRCC is expected to release further details about the 2025 PGP intake, including the timeline for sending invitations to apply. Potential sponsors should stay updated to ensure they do not miss any critical announcements.

Final Thoughts

With limited application slots and a waiting list of sponsors, securing a spot in the Parents and Grandparents (PGP) Program is highly competitive. For families seeking to reunite, exploring options like the Super Visa remains a viable alternative while awaiting further announcements from IRCC.