Family reunification is a cornerstone of Canada’s immigration system, enabling Canadian citizens and permanent residents to sponsor their loved ones to live and work alongside them. Through the Parents and Grandparents (PGP) Program, the government aims to reunite as many families as possible.
This year, IRCC intends to process up to 10,000 complete applications for sponsorship under the PGP. In a record 5th consecutive year, IRCC has not opened a new Expression of Interest (EOI) pool for potential sponsors, leaving a bittersweet feeling among those waiting to sponsor while providing a silver lining for those already in the pool awaiting their coveted invitation.
Summary in a Nutshell:
- This is the 5th consecutive year that IRCC has not opened a new EOI pool for the Parents and Grandparents Program.
- Only up to 10,000 complete applications from the existing pool (submitted from 2020) will be processed in 2025.
- Processing times are approximately 24 months for non-Quebec applicants and 48 months for Quebec-destined applications.
- The program’s pause is a result of reduced permanent resident targets under the 2025–2027 Immigration Levels Plan.
- For those unable to sponsor permanent residence, the Super Visa remains an alternative for extended family visits.
About the Parents and Grandparents Program
The Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) allows Canadian citizens, permanent residents, and registered Indians to sponsor their parents or grandparents for Canadian permanent residence. Due to high demand, the program uses a lottery system to issue invitations to those who submit an interest-to-sponsor form.
From 2020 through to 2024, IRCC issued invitations to sponsors based on forms received during the 2020 intake. However, in 2025, only applications submitted in 2024 will be processed.
Record Fifth Year Without a New EOI Pool
In an unexpected turn, IRCC has confirmed that no new EOI pool for the PGP will be opened in 2025 – a record fifth year of the same approach. While many potential sponsors are disappointed by this ongoing freeze, those already in the pool now have a silver lining as they await the invitations.
Processing Times & Immigration Levels Plan
As of February 5, 2025, processing times for the PGP Program are approximately 24 months for applicants outside Quebec and 48 months for Quebec-destined applicants. The decision to pause new applications is part of IRCC’s broader strategy to align the number of sponsorship applications with the overall permanent resident targets set out in the 2025–2027 Immigration Levels Plan, which has seen a 20% reduction.
Alternative Pathway: The Super Visa
For Canadian citizens or permanent residents who cannot sponsor their parents or grandparents for permanent residence in 2025, the Super Visa offers an alternative. A Super Visa allows your parents/grandparents to visit Canada for up to five years at a time, with multiple entries possible over a 10-year period.
To qualify for a Super Visa, you must be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or registered Indian, be 18 or older, meet IRCC’s income requirements, and provide financial support for your relative. Your relative must purchase health insurance for the duration of their stay and apply for the visa from outside Canada. Learn more about Super Visa.
What This Means for Sponsors
This update is a surprise announcement, especially following an earlier notice on January 03, 2025, which stated that no new applications would be accepted for the PGP in 2025. Now, with IRCC planning to process up to 10,000 complete applications from the existing pool, there is a silver lining for those who have already submitted their forms.
If you have been waiting to sponsor your parents or grandparents, we wish you all the best. However, if you need assistance navigating these complexities or exploring alternative pathways, we are here to help.
Contact SAAB Immigration for Expert Guidance
At SAAB Immigration, we understand that navigating these changes can be daunting. With recent policy updates making the pathway to Canadian permanent residence more complex, being ahead of the game is crucial. If you have any questions about your eligibility or need help with your sponsorship application, our team of experts is ready to help.
Need assistance? Contact SAAB Immigration today or call us at + 1 (877) 683-7222 (SAAB) to book your consultation.
