Canada Raises Cap for Parents and Grandparents Program in 2025
In a significant move to support family reunification, Canada has announced an increase in the cap for the 2025 Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP). This year, the program will accept up to 10,000 sponsorship applications for permanent residence, marking a notable expansion in opportunities for families to reunite.
The PGP, a cornerstone of Canada’s immigration policies, enables Canadian citizens and permanent residents to sponsor their parents and grandparents for permanent residence. This year’s program will invite potential sponsors from the pool of individuals who submitted an “interest to sponsor” form in 2020 but have not yet received an invitation. No new interest forms will be accepted for the 2025 intake.
Key Details of the 2025 PGP
Invitations to apply will be sent via email starting July 28, 2025, and will continue for approximately two weeks. Applicants are advised to monitor their email, including junk and spam folders, to ensure they do not miss the invitation. Selected sponsors will then have until October 9, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. ET, to submit their complete applications through the Permanent Residence Portal or the Representative Permanent Residence Portal. The deadline is strict, with no exceptions.
While the government has issued around 17,860 invitations, the goal is to accept 10,000 complete sponsorship applications. This structured approach reflects Canada’s efforts to balance high demand with the need for a manageable intake process.
An Alternative for Those Not Selected
For those who do not receive an invitation this year, Canada offers the Super Visa as a viable alternative. The Super Visa allows parents and grandparents to stay in Canada for up to five years at a time, with the option to extend their stay for up to two additional years per visit. It also provides a multiple-entry visa valid for up to 10 years, offering flexibility and peace of mind for families seeking to reunite while awaiting sponsorship opportunities.
This announcement underscores Canada’s ongoing commitment to family reunification, providing both permanent and temporary pathways to bring loved ones together.
Canada’s 2025 PGP: A Balanced Approach to Family Reunification
The 2025 Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) highlights Canada’s efforts to maintain a balanced approach to family reunification. By limiting the intake to 10,000 sponsorship applications, the government aims to manage the high demand while ensuring a streamlined process for applicants. This structured intake reflects Canada’s commitment to providing opportunities for family reunification without overwhelming the immigration system.
The program’s eligibility criteria for 2025 are clear: only those who submitted an “interest to sponsor” form in 2020 and have not yet received an invitation are eligible to apply. This ensures that the selection process is fair and orderly, preventing overcrowding in the current intake cycle. The exclusion of new interest forms for 2025 underscores the government’s focus on processing existing applications first.
Application Process and Deadlines
Selected applicants will receive invitations via email starting July 28, 2025, and will have approximately two weeks to apply. The strict deadline for submitting complete applications is October 9, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. ET. This emphasizes the importance of prompt action and thorough preparation by sponsors. Applications must be submitted electronically through the Permanent Residence Portal or the Representative Permanent Residence Portal, ensuring a digital-first approach to streamline the process.
While the government has issued around 17,860 invitations, the target remains 10,000 complete sponsorship applications. This demonstrates a careful selection process to meet the program’s cap while accommodating as many families as possible. The structured approach ensures that the immigration system can handle the volume of applications efficiently.
Alternative Options for Family Reunification
For those who do not receive an invitation under the PGP, the Super Visa remains a practical alternative. This program allows parents and grandparents to stay in Canada for up to five years at a time, with the flexibility to extend their stay for up to two additional years per visit. The Super Visa also offers a multiple-entry visa valid for up to 10 years, providing families with a reliable and long-term solution for reunification.
The Super Visa program aligns with Canada’s broader immigration goals by offering a temporary yet flexible pathway for family reunification. It ensures that even those who are not selected under the PGP can still maintain close family ties while awaiting future sponsorship opportunities.
A Commitment to Family Reunification
Canada’s 2025 PGP and the Super Visa program collectively reflect the government’s dedication to reuniting families. By offering both permanent and temporary pathways, Canada provides a comprehensive approach to family reunification, addressing the diverse needs of immigrants and their loved ones. This balanced strategy ensures that Canada remains a welcoming destination for families seeking to build their lives together.
Conclusion
Canada’s 2025 Parents and Grandparents Program reflects the government’s commitment to supporting family reunification while maintaining a balanced and efficient immigration system. By increasing the cap to 10,000 sponsorship applications and inviting eligible sponsors from the 2020 interest pool, the program provides a structured opportunity for families to reunite. The strict deadlines and digital-first application process ensure a streamlined experience for applicants.
For those who may not receive an invitation, the Super Visa offers a flexible and practical alternative, allowing parents and grandparents to stay in Canada for extended periods. This dual approach underscores Canada’s dedication to providing both permanent and temporary pathways for family reunification, ensuring that families have multiple options to stay connected while navigating the immigration process.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP)?
The PGP allows Canadian citizens and permanent residents to sponsor their parents and grandparents for permanent residence in Canada.
What is the cap for the 2025 PGP?
The 2025 PGP will accept up to 10,000 sponsorship applications for permanent residence.
Who is eligible to apply for the 2025 PGP?
Only those who submitted an “interest to sponsor” form in 2020 and have not yet received an invitation are eligible to apply for the 2025 intake.
When will invitations to apply be sent for the 2025 PGP?
Invitations will be sent via email starting July 28, 2025, and will continue for approximately two weeks.
What is the deadline for submitting a complete application?
The deadline for submitting a complete application is October 9, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. ET. Late submissions will not be accepted.
What is the Super Visa?
The Super Visa allows parents and grandparents to stay in Canada for up to five years at a time, with the option to extend their stay for up to two additional years per visit. It also provides a multiple-entry visa valid for up to 10 years.
What documents are required for the PGP application?
Required documents include proof of Canadian citizenship or permanent residence, financial stability (such as income requirements), and a complete application package submitted through the Permanent Residence Portal or the Representative Permanent Residence Portal.
What happens after submitting a PGP application?
After submitting a complete application, it will be processed by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). Approved applicants will receive permanent residence status for their sponsored parents or grandparents.
