Canada has announced that it will send out invitations to apply for the Parents and Grandparents Permanent Residency (PR) pathway in 2025. This decision offers a new opportunity for Canadians and permanent residents who have been waiting to sponsor their parents and grandparents for immigration.
New Invitations for Sponsorship in 2025
On March 7, 2025, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) confirmed that invitations to apply (ITAs) would be sent out to selected individuals who had previously submitted an interest to sponsor form. This marks a significant update, as IRCC had earlier stated in January 2025 that no new invitations would be issued this year.
With this new development, those who submitted an interest to sponsor form in 2020 may now receive an invitation to apply for the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) in 2025. However, the government has not yet specified when these invitations will be sent out. More details are expected in the coming months.
Sponsoring Parents and Grandparents for Canadian Immigration
Canada’s PGP is designed to help families reunite by allowing Canadian citizens, permanent residents, and registered Indians to bring their parents and grandparents to live with them permanently. Successful applicants receive Canadian permanent residency, which offers numerous benefits, including access to healthcare, social services, and a pathway to citizenship.
How Does the PGP Selection Process Work?
The IRCC uses a lottery-based system to randomly select potential sponsors from the pool of individuals who submitted interest to sponsor forms in 2020. Since 2020, IRCC has not reopened the intake for new applications. Instead, they have been selecting candidates from the 2020 submissions for each annual intake.
Many applicants who were not selected in previous draws have been waiting for years, making this latest announcement a hopeful sign for many families. However, those who are still not selected can explore alternative pathways like the Super Visa program, which allows parents and grandparents to stay in Canada for extended periods.
Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) Overview
The PGP allows Canadian citizens, permanent residents, and registered Indians to sponsor their parents and grandparents for PR in Canada. The main eligibility criteria include:
- Meeting the minimum income requirements set by IRCC
- Providing financial support for the sponsored relatives for a specific period
- Ensuring that the sponsored individuals are admissible to Canada
Since the intake for new applications has not yet reopened, interested sponsors must wait for the government’s decision on future intakes beyond the 2025 selections.
Alternative Option: The Super Visa Program
For those who are not selected under the PGP, the Super Visa program is another viable option. The Super Visa allows parents and grandparents to stay in Canada for up to five years per visit, with the possibility of extending their stay for an additional two years.
Key benefits of the Super Visa include:
- Validity of up to 10 years
- Multiple entries allowed
- Extended stays without the need for frequent renewals
To qualify for the Super Visa, sponsors must meet the minimum income threshold, and the applicants must purchase private health insurance from a Canadian provider for the duration of their stay.
What This Means for Canadian Families
The announcement of new invitations for the PGP in 2025 is great news for families who have been waiting since 2020 for an opportunity to reunite with their parents and grandparents in Canada. While the details of the exact number of ITAs and the timeline for issuing them are still pending, this marks an important step in family reunification efforts.
Those who are hoping to sponsor their loved ones should stay updated with IRCC announcements and explore alternative options like the Super Visa if they are not selected.
For expert guidance on sponsoring your parents and grandparents, Schedule a Work Permit Consultation with our immigration specialists today.
