Canada Will Not Accept Applications for Parents and Grandparents Sponsorship in 2025

In 2025, new applications for the Parents and Grandparents Sponsorship program will no longer be accepted by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

Canadian citizens and permanent residents can sponsor their parents and grandparents for permanent residency in Canada through the PGP program, a key immigration pathway.

Here’s what you need to know about this update and the best alternative to the Parents and Grandparents Program.

No New Applications for Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) in 2025

The Parents and Grandparents Sponsorship (PGP) program will no longer accept new applications in 2025, according to a recent announcement from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). Rather, the agency will focus on processing applications that were already received in 2024.

By the end of 2025, the IRCC hopes to have up to 15,000 PGP sponsorship applications completed.

Why This Decision?

This decision is part of a broader plan to manage immigration targets more effectively and address application backlogs. While this announcement may be disappointing for potential sponsors, the Canada Super Visa remains a reliable alternative for family reunification.

Understanding the Parents and Grandparents (PGP) Program

Canadian citizens, permanent residents, and registered Indians can sponsor their parents or grandparents for permanent residence in Canada through the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP).

Benefits of permanent residency, including as access to medical treatment and other social services, are granted to those sponsored under the PGP program.

The PGP program uses a lottery approach because of the high demand. After potential sponsors fill out an Interest to Sponsor form, the IRCC chooses at random who will be invited to submit an application.
Based on applications from the 2020 intake, invites were sent out between 2020 and 2024. The program has not reopened for new applications since that time.

Reasons Behind the Pause on New Applications

The suspension of new applications in 2025 aligns with IRCC’s revised immigration goals. The PGP’s yearly goal for permanent residents has been lowered:

• 2025 Target: 24,500 landings.
• 2024 Target: 32,000 landings.

By focusing on pending applications, IRCC aims to allocate resources efficiently and improve the processing experience for applicants.

This decision reflects the government’s emphasis on maintaining quality and efficiency in its immigration programs rather than expanding the intake.

Best Option Instead of PGP Sponsorship

The Canada Super Visa is a fantastic substitute for people who are unable to sponsor parents or grandparents under the PGP.

Parents and grandparents can travel to Canada for extended periods of time with this visa without submitting an application for permanent residence. Key benefits include:

• Long Validity: The Super Visa can be used for a maximum of ten years.
• Extended Stay: Holders do not need to renew their status in order to stay in Canada for up to five years at a time.
• Extension Option: A two-year extension may be obtained following the first five-year stay.

This flexible option ensures meaningful family reunions, even if permanent residency sponsorship isn’t currently possible.

Parents and Grandparents Program Application Processing Times

If you’re already sponsoring parents or grandparents through the PGP, knowing the current processing times is essential.

According to the latest IRCC updates:

• Canada (excluding Quebec): It takes about 24 months on average to process.
• Quebec: Because of extra-provincial regulations, processing timelines often take 48 months.

Applicants can track updates on their application status using IRCC’s online tools.

Impact of the 2025 Suspension of New PGP Applications

A major change in Canada’s immigration laws is represented by the decision to suspend new PGP applications in 2025.

Although this limits immediate opportunities for permanent reunification, alternatives like the Canada Super Visa help families stay connected. In order to make the system more efficient and fair for upcoming applicants, the IRCC is concentrating on reducing backlogs and increasing processing effectiveness.

Stay informed about Canada’s immigration policies and explore all available options to ensure your family reunites without delay.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is IRCC Not Accepting New PGP Applications in 2025?

The IRCC is concentrating on managing lower immigration targets for 2025 and reducing the backlog of current applications.

Can I Sponsor my Parents or Grandparents in 2025?

In 2025, no new applications for PGP sponsorship will be accepted. For short-term family reunions, the Canada Super Visa is still an acceptable choice.