Canada’s 2025 Parents and Grandparents Program: Key Updates for Family Reunification
On July 16, 2025, IRCC announced a significant update to the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP). Starting July 28, 2025, IRCC will issue 17,860 invitations to apply (ITAs) over a two-week period, aiming to accept 10,000 complete sponsorship applications. Unlike previous years, no new “Interest to Sponsor” forms will be accepted. Instead, IRCC will continue drawing from the 2020 pool, which still contains 72,300 submissions. Sponsors who submitted forms in 2020 are urged to monitor their email, including junk and spam folders, for ITAs. Applications must be submitted electronically via the Permanent Residence Portal or Representative Permanent Residence Portal by the deadline specified in the invitation.
Sponsors must be at least 18, Canadian citizens or permanent residents, and meet the Minimum Necessary Income (MNI) for the past three tax years (2022–2024). For example, a family of four needed an income of $64,306 in 2022, $66,466 in 2023, and $70,972 in 2024. Sponsors must also commit to financially supporting their relatives for 20 years (outside Quebec) to ensure they don’t rely on social assistance. Processing times average 24 months for non-Quebec applications and 48 months for Quebec due to additional provincial requirements.
For those not selected, the Super Visa offers a compelling alternative. This multiple-entry visa allows parents and grandparents to stay in Canada for up to five years per visit, with a total validity of 10 years and options for two-year extensions without leaving the country. Recent updates have made the Super Visa more accessible, including relaxed health insurance requirements, now accepting non-Canadian providers. While it doesn’t grant permanent residency, it provides a flexible option for extended family time.
The PGP’s limited 2025 intake underscores Canada’s challenge in balancing demand with immigration targets. With only 10,000 spots, competition is fierce, and the reliance on the 2020 pool may disappoint newer applicants.
For potential sponsors, preparation is key. If you submitted an Interest to Sponsor form in 2020, verify your email and gather documents like Notices of Assessment early. For others, exploring the Super Visa or consulting immigration experts can keep family reunification hopes alive. Stay updated via IRCC’s website for further details, and act swiftly if invited to apply. Canada’s dedication to family unity remains strong, even as it navigates immigration constraints.
