Canada’s Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has announced plans to accept up to 10,000 applications for the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) in 2025. This program allows Canadian citizens and permanent residents to sponsor their parents and grandparents for permanent residency.
Eligibility and Application Process
For the 2025 intake, only individuals who submitted an “Interest to Sponsor” form in 2020 are eligible to receive invitations to apply. This approach continues IRCC’s reliance on the 2020 pool to manage application volumes, leaving many families who missed that window awaiting future opportunities.
Processing Times
As of February 5, 2025, processing times for PGP applications vary:
- – Outside Quebec: Approximately 24 months.
- – Within Quebec: Approximately 48 months, due to additional provincial requirements such as obtaining a Certificat de sélection du Québec (CSQ).
Alternative Option: The Super Visa
For those who are not part of the 2020 pool or are seeking alternative pathways, the Super Visa offers a viable option. This visa allows parents and grandparents to visit Canada for extended periods, with multiple entries over a 10-year validity period. Key features include:
- – Duration: Stays of up to five years per visit, with the possibility of extending for an additional two years.
- – Requirements: Applicants must meet income requirements, and visitors are required to have private health insurance for their stay.
Recent changes have made the Super Visa more accessible by adjusting health insurance requirements.
