For thousands of families, the major news that the Canadian federal government just dropped changes everything. Under the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP), Canada will welcome up to 25,000 applications in 2025, significantly deviating from past strategies to handle just 15,000. For Canadian citizens and permanent residents who long to see their loved ones, this upgrade presents fresh avenues.
What is the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP)?
The PGP is a Canadian immigration route whereby citizens and permanent residents may sponsor their parents and grandparents for permanent residency. It is a promise to bring families back together and foster robust multigenerational life in Canada, not only documentation.
This program runs on a lottery basis most of the time due to its popularity; hence, receiving an invitation to apply can seem like winning the jackpot.
Key Changes in 2025 PGP Intake
The administration had said earlier in 2025 that there would not be any more PGP applications processed this year. But as on March 22, 2025, a fresh update appearing in the Canada Gazette verified that 25,000 applications would now be handled in a combination of those entered in the 2024 intake and the new 2025 intake.
Given that many were let down following the January announcement, this is quite significant.
Why This Update Matters
If you’ve been waiting to bring your mom, dad, or grandparents to Canada, this is your chance. The change means more families can finally start the journey to permanent residence under a reliable sponsorship program. It's also a sign that the Canadian government values family reunification, even amid strict immigration planning.
Who Can Sponsor Under the PGP?
To sponsor someone under the PGP, you must be:
• A Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or registered Indian under the Canadian Indian Act
• At least 18 years old
• Living in Canada
• Able to financially support the family members you’re sponsoring
Requirements for Sponsors
The government wants to make sure the sponsors can handle the financial responsibility of supporting their parents and grandparents. You’ll need to:
► Show proof of Minimum Necessary Income (MNI) for the past 3 years
► Sign a 20-year undertaking agreement
► Not receiving social assistance (except for disability support)
Common Mistakes to Avoid During the Sponsorship Process
• Missing documents
• Incorrect income calculations
• Delays in responding to IRCC
• Submitting incomplete applications
How the PGP Lottery System Works
Inquired sponsors were invited to send Interest to Sponsor forms back in 2020. All invitations to apply from then on have come from that pool. The lottery approach the government employs guarantees equity and helps to prevent backlogs.
Those who entered in 2020 but never received an invitation could now have their shot in 2025.
How 2024 and 2025 Applications Will Be Handled
The IRCC indicated that some applications from the 2024 intake and some fresh from the 2025 pool will come from. Should you be among those still awaiting an invitation from the 2020 list, this year may prove to be the last one.
Super Visa Program: An Alternative to the PGP
Neither made the cut nor am excited for the lottery. Possibly the next best thing is the Super Visa program.
With visas good for up to 10 years, it lets parents and grandparents travel to Canada for up to five years at a time. Though it comes with its own criteria, it's ideal for long-term visits without permanent residence.
Differences Between PGP and Super Visa
| Feature | PGP | Super Visa |
|---|---|---|
| Residency Status | Permanent Residence | Long-term Visitor |
| Stay Duration | Indefinite | Up to 5 years per visit |
| Visa Validity | N/A | 10 years |
| Medical Insurance | Not required | Private insurance mandatory |
| Application Cap | Limited and selected by lottery | Open year-round |
When Should You Choose the Super Visa Over PGP?
If you:
• Don’t meet income requirements
• Didn’t receive an invitation to apply
• Want your parents to come sooner
Then the Super Visa might be the smarter choice.
Step-by-Step Guide to Sponsoring Parents and Grandparents
► Submit Interest to Sponsor form (watch IRCC announcements)
► Wait for an Invitation to Apply
► Gather required documents (tax returns, proof of status, etc.)
► Submit your sponsorship application
► Wait for the IRCC decision
What Happens After Applying?
Once submitted, your application goes through:
• Review and verification
• Possible requests for additional documents
• Final decision
Processing times may vary, so patience is key.
Tips for a Successful Sponsorship Application
• Double-check all forms
• Ensure accurate income reporting
• Respond quickly to IRCC
• Stay informed through the official IRCC website
• Consult a Canadian immigration consultant if needed
Conclusion
The dream of bringing your parents and grandparents to live with you is more realistic than ever as Canada raises the PGP application ceiling to 25,000 in 2025. Whether your family's demands call for the super visa program or the sponsorship path, planning, timing, and knowledge of which choice would be most appropriate.
Stay hopeful, keep your records under control, and never forget you are opening the path for family reunion, not only completing papers.
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