On This Page You Will Find:
- Updated 2025 PGP intake cap and breakdown
- Application process and invitation details
- Processing times for Quebec and other provinces
- Alternative options: The Super Visa
- Sponsorship eligibility requirements
- Frequently Asked Questions
Canada’s 2025 PGP Application Intake
The Canadian government has updated its plans for the Parents and Grandparents (PGP) Program. In 2025, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will accept up to 25,000 applications for processing under the family class sponsorship pathway. This is a significant increase from the previously announced cap of 10,000 applications.
The new figure includes:
- Applications received in 2024 as part of that year’s intake but processed in 2025.
- 10,000 new applications submitted in 2025, also processed in the same calendar year.
These changes were published in the Canada Gazette on March 22, 2025, through updated Ministerial Instructions.
PGP Application Process in 2025
IRCC will continue to select sponsors from the 2020 pool of interest-to-sponsor forms. That means no new interest forms will be accepted this year. Instead, IRCC will randomly invite individuals from the 2020 pool to submit a complete sponsorship application. If you receive an invitation, you must submit your full application within the deadline specified in your invitation.
Processing Times for PGP Applications
As of early 2025, processing times for PGP sponsorship applications are:
- 24 months for applicants outside Quebec
- 48 months for Quebec-based applicants (due to additional provincial processing and caps)
Canada’s PGP Immigration Targets
According to the 2025–2027 Immigration Levels Plan, Canada plans to welcome the following number of new permanent residents under the PGP:
- 24,500 in 2025
- 21,500 in 2026
- 20,000 in 2027
In 2024, Canada welcomed 27,290 new permanent residents through the PGP.
Alternative Option: The Super Visa
If you are not selected for the 2025 PGP intake, the Super Visa is a useful alternative. This visa allows parents and grandparents of Canadians or permanent residents to:
- Stay in Canada for up to five years per visit
- Enter Canada multiple times over ten years
The Super Visa does not grant permanent residence but allows extended visits. Applicants must meet income and insurance requirements.
PGP Sponsorship Eligibility Requirements
To sponsor your parent or grandparent through the PGP, you must:
- Be 18 years or older and a Canadian citizen or permanent resident
- Live in Canada
- Meet the Minimum Necessary Income (MNI) for the past three consecutive tax years
- Sign a legal undertaking to support your sponsored family member for 20 years (10 years in Quebec)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How many PGP applications will be accepted in 2025?
Canada will accept up to 25,000 PGP sponsorship applications for processing in 2025. This includes leftover applications from 2024 and 10,000 new applications submitted in 2025.
Can I apply if I did not submit an interest-to-sponsor form in 2020?
No. IRCC is only selecting sponsors from the 2020 interest-to-sponsor pool. If you didn’t submit a form in 2020, you cannot be considered for the 2025 intake.
How long does it take to process a PGP application?
PGP applications take about 24 months to process outside Quebec and about 48 months for applicants going to Quebec. Times may vary depending on volume and completeness.
What is the Super Visa and who can apply?
The Super Visa allows parents and grandparents to stay in Canada for up to five years per visit and re-enter multiple times for up to 10 years. It’s a good option for those not selected in the PGP.
What are the income requirements to sponsor under PGP?
Sponsors must meet the MNI for the past three tax years. Income levels vary depending on family size and are published annually by IRCC. Co-signers are allowed.
