Canada Significantly Expands Parents & Grandparents Program, Raising Application Cap for 2025

In a significant policy shift, the Canadian federal government has announced a substantial increase in the application cap for the highly sought-after Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP). This decision, revealed through Ministerial Instructions published in the Canada Gazette on March 22, 2025, will allow for the processing of up to 25,000 sponsorship applications in 2025, providing renewed hope for families seeking reunification.

This move marks a stark departure from the government's earlier announcement in January, which had indicated a cap of only 15,000 applications, exclusively drawn from the 2024 intake, and a complete cessation of new applications for 2025. The revised cap now incorporates both applications from the 2024 intake and those from the upcoming 2025 intake, offering a much-needed expansion of opportunities for Canadian citizens and permanent residents to sponsor their parents and grandparents for permanent residency.1

U-Turn on Application Freeze Provides Relief to Families

The initial announcement in January had caused considerable concern and disappointment among families eagerly awaiting the opportunity to reunite with their loved ones. The subsequent announcement on March 7, 2025, that invitations would be issued in 2025, albeit without a specified cap, offered a glimmer of hope. However, the official confirmation of the 25,000 applications cap brings clarity and relief to countless individuals.

2020 Intake Participants Receive Priority in 2025 Invitations

For those who submitted interest to sponsor forms in the 2020 intake for the PGP and have yet to receive an invitation to apply, this announcement brings renewed optimism. These individuals will have a chance to receive invitations when the PGP opens its intake later this year. The government's decision to prioritize those from the 2020 pool acknowledges the prolonged wait many have endured, addressing concerns about fairness and transparency.

Understanding the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP)

The PGP is a crucial pathway for family reunification, enabling Canadian citizens and permanent residents to sponsor their parents and grandparents for permanent residency. Due to the overwhelming demand, exceeding the program's available spots, the government employs a lottery system to select sponsors.

Notably, the program has only opened for intake once since 2020, with all subsequent invitations issued to those who submitted interest forms during that initial intake. This has created a backlog, highlighting the significant need for increased capacity and efficient processing.

Super Visa Remains a Viable Alternative for Long-Term Visits

While the PGP offers permanent residency, the Canadian government also provides the Super Visa program, facilitating extended visits for parents and grandparents. This program allows eligible Canadian citizens, permanent residents, and registered Indians to sponsor their parents or grandparents for multi-year stays in Canada.

Super Visas are valid for 10 years and permit holders to stay in Canada for up to five years at a time, with the possibility of two-year extensions. Super Visa holders are granted visitor status and must maintain private health insurance throughout their stay. This option provides a valuable alternative for families seeking extended periods of togetherness without immediate permanent residency.

Also read-

Canada holds biggest Express Entry draw of the Year- Invites 7,500 Francophone Candidates

New DAMA to Invite 1,500 Overseas Workers Annually to Australia's Northern Territory

British Columbia Issues Entrepreneur Immigration invitations in the latest BC PNP Draw

Canada Drops Field of Study Requirements for College Bachelor's Graduates Seeking PGWP

Explore your Canadian immigration pathways with expert guidance. Contact our seasoned Canada migration specialists today for trusted and professional assistance in realizing your Canadian dream. Call us at Toll-free at 78-18-000-777 or email us at info@visasavenue.com to fix a consultation.

- Rajneesh Kumar