Ottawa, March 7, 2025 – Family reunification remains a cornerstone of Canada’s immigration system, and the Parents and Grandparents (PGP) Program is a vital part of that mission. This year, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) is set to accept up to 10,000 complete applications for sponsorship under the PGP Program, reaffirming the government’s commitment to bringing families together.
But there’s a twist for 2025: instead of opening a new submission window, IRCC will randomly select potential sponsors from the 2020 pool of interest to sponsor forms. This means hopeful sponsors who submitted their interest back in 2020 will finally get their chance to apply. If you missed that window, don’t worry—there’s still the super visa as a flexible alternative for extended family visits.
Here’s everything you need to know about the 2025 PGP Program, from application details to processing times and what this means for your family.
Key Highlights of the 2025 PGP Program
- 10,000 Applications Accepted: IRCC will process up to 10,000 sponsorship applications this year.
- Invitations from 2020 Pool: No new interest forms will be accepted. Instead, IRCC will randomly select and invite sponsors from the 2020 pool.
- Processing Times:
- 24 months for applicants outside Quebec.
- 48 months for Quebec-bound applicants due to the province’s limited family class targets.
- Super Visa as an Alternative: For those not selected, the super visa allows parents and grandparents to visit for up to 5 years at a time, with multiple entries over 10 years.
Why the 2020 Pool? Understanding the Selection Process
If you’re wondering why IRCC is sticking with the 2020 pool, it’s all about managing demand. The PGP Program has consistently seen more interest than available spots, leading to a backlog. By focusing on the 2020 submissions, IRCC aims to clear out the queue and give those families a fair shot.
This approach mirrors the process used from 2020 to 2024, ensuring consistency and fairness. If your family submitted an interest to sponsor form in 2020, keep an eye on your inbox—invitations to apply will be sent randomly from that pool.
Processing Times: What to Expect
Patience is key when it comes to the PGP Program. As of February 5, 2025, processing times are:
- 24 months for applicants destined outside Quebec.
- 48 months for Quebec-bound applicants.
Why the difference? Quebec has stricter family class admission limits, which slows down the process. If your loved ones are heading to Quebec, prepare for a longer wait—but the reunion will be worth it.
IRCC is working hard to balance application intake with available spots in Canada’s Immigration Levels Plan. Recent changes, including overall reductions in immigration targets for 2025–2027, mean fewer new applications will be accepted to avoid further delays.
What If You Didn’t Submit in 2020? The Super Visa Option
Missed the 2020 window? Don’t lose hope. The super visa is a fantastic alternative for families eager to reunite. It allows parents and grandparents to:
- Visit Canada for up to 5 years at a time.
- Enjoy multiple entries over a 10-year period.
Plus, IRCC recently made the super visa even more accessible by easing the health insurance requirements. This means your loved ones can spend extended time in Canada without the long wait for permanent residency.
Why Family Reunification Matters
Canada’s immigration system is built on the belief that families thrive when they’re together. The PGP Program not only strengthens family bonds but also enriches communities by bringing in experienced, supportive family members who contribute to the social fabric.
As IRCC puts it:
“Family reunification is an important part of Canada’s immigration system, helping Canadian citizens and permanent residents sponsor their loved ones to live and work alongside them in Canada.”
Looking Ahead: More Details to Come
IRCC has promised to release more information in the coming months, including the exact dates when invitations to apply will be sent. If you’re part of the 2020 pool, make sure your contact information is up to date and check your email regularly.
For those exploring the super visa, now’s the time to start gathering documents and planning your application. With the recent changes, it’s easier than ever to bring your parents or grandparents to Canada for an extended stay.
Final Thoughts
The 2025 Parents and Grandparents Program is a lifeline for families eager to reunite, but it’s not without its challenges. With only 10,000 spots and a focus on the 2020 pool, competition is fierce, and processing times can be lengthy. However, the super visa offers a flexible, faster alternative for those who can’t wait.
Whether you’re hoping for an invitation or considering the super visa, the key is to stay informed and prepared. Canada’s commitment to family reunification remains strong, and with the right approach, your family could be together sooner than you think.
Stay Tuned: More details on the 2025 PGP intake will be announced soon. Keep an eye on IRCC’s official channels for updates.
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