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The Canadian federal government has taken a significant step toward family reunification by increasing the number of applications it will accept under the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP). In a move detailed in Ministerial Instructions published in the Canada Gazette on March 22, 2025, the government confirmed that up to 25,000 sponsorship applications will be processed in 2025.
This expansion marks a clear reversal from the earlier announcement in January, when officials stated that no new applications would be accepted in 2025 and that only a maximum of 15,000 applications—all from the 2024 intake—would be processed. Following an update on March 7, which affirmed that invitations would be extended in 2025, the revised cap now embraces applications from both the 2024 and 2025 intakes.
Canadian citizens and permanent residents who submitted sponsorship interest forms during the 2020 intake and have yet to receive an invitation will now have another opportunity to bring their parents or grandparents to Canada. Successful applicants under the PGP secure Canadian permanent residence, opening a direct pathway for family reunification.
The Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP)
The PGP is designed as a family reunification pathway, offering a route to permanent residence for parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens and permanent residents. Due to overwhelming demand far exceeding available spots, the government employs a lottery system to select eligible sponsors. Since its debut intake in 2020, all invitations have gone exclusively to those who entered during that period.
An Alternative Option: The Super Visa
Alongside the PGP, Canada offers the Super Visa program—a distinct avenue for parents and grandparents to join their families for long-term visits. Under the Super Visa scheme, eligible Canadian citizens, permanent residents, and registered Indians can sponsor their parents or grandparents for visits lasting up to five years at a time. Super Visas are issued for as long as 10 years, significantly extending the typical six-month visitor period, though holders must purchase private health insurance for the duration of their stay.
By raising the cap for the Parents and Grandparents Program, the Canadian government is reinforcing its commitment to family unity. This policy shift not only provides additional opportunities for sponsors who have been waiting since the 2020 intake but also reflects the government's adaptive response to the evolving demands of its immigration programs.
In the broader context, these changes—together with the enduring flexibility offered by the Super Visa—demonstrate Canada’s holistic approach to immigration, balancing permanent residence pathways with options for extended temporary visits. This comprehensive strategy aims to ensure that families remain connected, regardless of the challenges posed by global mobility and shifting immigration priorities.
