The Canadian government has recently announced an increase in the number of applications it will accept under the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) for 2025. Initially, the plan was to process a maximum of 15,000 applications solely from the 2024 intake. However, the revised cap now allows for up to 25,000 sponsorship applications, encompassing submissions from both the 2024 and 2025 intakes.
This adjustment signifies a substantial commitment to family reunification, providing more opportunities for Canadian citizens and permanent residents to sponsor their parents and grandparents for permanent residency. The selection process continues to utilize a lottery system, randomly inviting potential sponsors who submitted interest forms during the 2020 intake.
For those who may not receive an invitation through the PGP, the Super Visa program remains a viable alternative. This visa permits parents and grandparents to visit Canada for up to five years at a time, with multiple entries allowed over a ten-year period.
These developments underscore Canada’s dedication to facilitating family reunification and enhancing the immigration process for families.
Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP)
The PGP allows Canadian citizens and permanent residents to sponsor their parents and grandparents for permanent residency in Canada. The program has seen varying intake caps over the years, with the 2025 increase aimed at enhancing family reunification efforts.
Super Visa
As an alternative to the PGP, Canada offers the Super Visa, which allows parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens and permanent residents to visit Canada for extended periods.
Key features of the Super Visa include:
- Duration: Holders can stay in Canada for up to five years per visit without the need to renew their status.
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- Validity: The visa provides multiple entries for a period of up to 10 years.
- Eligibility Requirements:
- – Applicants must have a child or grandchild who is a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.
- – A letter of invitation from the host child or grandchild, detailing arrangements for care and support.
- – Proof of the child’s or grandchild’s minimum necessary income.
- – Valid medical insurance coverage for at least one year.
- – Undergo an immigration medical examination.
The Super Visa offers a viable alternative for families wishing to bring their parents or grandparents to Canada temporarily, especially given the high demand and potential wait times associated with the PGP. It allows for extended visits without conferring permanent resident status.
These developments reflect Canada’s ongoing commitment to family reunification, providing multiple pathways for parents and grandparents to join their loved ones in Canada, either temporarily through the Super Visa or permanently via the expanded PGP.
