The Canadian government has announced plans to accept up to 10,000 complete applications for the Parents and Grandparents (PGP) Program in 2025. This program allows Canadian citizens and permanent residents to sponsor their parents and grandparents for permanent residence in Canada, supporting family reunification.\
On This Page You Will Find:
- Canada’s 2025 PGP Application Intake – Details on the government’s plan to accept 10,000 applications.
- PGP Application Process – How IRCC selects sponsors from the existing 2020 pool.
- Processing Times for PGP Applications – Expected timelines for applicants inside and outside Quebec.
- Canada’s PGP Immigration Targets – The number of PGP immigrants Canada plans to welcome from 2025 to 2027.
- Alternative: The Super Visa – A long-term visit option for parents and grandparents.
- Eligibility Requirements for PGP Sponsorship – Income and financial commitment criteria for sponsors.
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – Answers to common questions about the 2025 PGP intake, processing times, eligibility, and the Super Visa.
PGP Applications in 2025: What to Expect
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will continue its approach of selecting applicants from the existing pool of interest-to-sponsor forms submitted in 2020. This means no new applications will be accepted for the upcoming intake. Instead, IRCC will randomly invite sponsors from the existing pool to apply.
Processing Times for PGP Applications
As of February 2025, processing times for PGP applications are approximately:
- 24 months for applicants outside Quebec.
- 48 months for Quebec-based applicants, due to the province’s specific immigration policies and lower admission targets.
Canada’s PGP Immigration Targets
Canada welcomed 27,290 new permanent residents through the PGP in 2024. However, due to adjustments in the 2025–2027 Immigration Levels Plan, the government has set the following targets:
- 24,500 PGP immigrants in 2025
- 21,500 PGP immigrants in 2026
- 20,000 PGP immigrants in 2027
Alternative Option: The Super Visa
For those who are not selected for the PGP, the Super Visa remains a viable alternative. The Super Visa allows parents and grandparents to visit Canada for up to five years per entry and provides multiple entries for up to ten years. Recent changes have also made the Super Visa more accessible, including updates to health insurance requirements.
Key Considerations for Sponsors
To be eligible to sponsor a parent or grandparent under the PGP, applicants must:
- Be at least 18 years old and a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.
- Meet minimum income requirements for the past three consecutive tax years.
- Commit to financially supporting the sponsored relatives for 20 years (or 10 years in Quebec).
More details on the 2025 PGP intake process, including invitation timelines, will be released in the coming months.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How do I apply for the Parents and Grandparents Program in 2025?
The PGP is not accepting new applications in 2025. Instead, IRCC will randomly invite sponsors from the pool of interest-to-sponsor forms submitted in 2020. If you are selected, you will receive an Invitation to Apply.
How long does it take to process a PGP application?
Processing times vary based on location. Applications outside Quebec take approximately 24 months, while those destined for Quebec take 48 months due to provincial immigration targets.
What are the income requirements for PGP sponsorship?
Sponsors must meet the Minimum Necessary Income (MNI) for the past three consecutive tax years. The required income depends on household size and is published annually by IRCC.
Can I sponsor my parents if I did not submit an interest-to-sponsor form in 2020?
No, IRCC is only inviting sponsors from the existing 2020 pool. If you did not submit a form that year, you will not be eligible for the 2025 intake.
What is the Super Visa, and how does it differ from the PGP?
The Super Visa allows parents and grandparents to visit Canada for up to five years per entry, with multiple entries over ten years. Unlike the PGP, it does not grant permanent residence but offers a long-term stay option.
