Family reunification remains a cornerstone of Canada’s immigration system, allowing Canadian citizens and permanent residents to bring their parents and grandparents to live with them. In 2025, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will accept up to 10,000 complete applications under the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP). However, as in previous years, the selection process will not include new interest-to-sponsor submissions.
Who Will Receive an Invitation?
For the sixth consecutive year, IRCC is not opening a new intake for interest-to-sponsor forms. Instead, invitations will be issued randomly from the pool of submissions received in 2020. This means that only individuals who submitted an interest form in 2020 will have a chance to be invited to apply in 2025.
This approach follows IRCC’s strategy from 2020 to 2024, prioritizing applicants already in the system. While this helps manage backlogs and processing efficiency, it also means that those who have not yet submitted an interest-to-sponsor form will not have an opportunity to apply this year.
Processing Times and Quebec-Specific Challenges
The current processing time for PGP applications varies depending on the applicant’s destination:
- 24 months for applicants outside Quebec
- 48 months for applicants destined for Quebec
Quebec applicants face significantly longer processing times due to the province’s lower family-class admission targets and additional processing steps required by Quebec’s immigration system.
Super Visa: An Alternative for Family Reunification
For those who are unable to apply for PGP sponsorship, Canada’s Super Visa remains a viable alternative. This visa allows parents and grandparents to:
◦ Stay in Canada for up to 5 years per visit
◦ Enjoy multiple entries for up to 10 years
◦ Benefit from recently improved health insurance policies, making it easier to meet the eligibility requirements
The Super Visa provides a long-term stay option for families while they wait for future PGP intake opportunities.
Why IRCC is Limiting PGP Applications in 2025
To minimize wait times and ensure that applications align with available spots, IRCC adjusts the number of applications accepted each year. With the 2025–2027 Immigration Levels Plan reducing overall immigration targets, the government is scaling back new applications to balance demand with available spots.
Despite these restrictions, IRCC has reassured families that more details about the 2025 intake, including the timeline for invitations, will be announced in the coming months.
Canada’s 2025 Parents and Grandparents Program will continue to prioritize those who submitted interest-to-sponsor forms in 2020, with 10,000 applications set to be accepted. Processing times remain a challenge, particularly for Quebec-bound applicants, but IRCC aims to maintain efficiency in balancing applications with available spots. For families who are unable to sponsor their parents or grandparents this year, the Super Visa offers a strong alternative, allowing extended stays and multiple entries over 10 years. As immigration targets shift, those hoping to reunite with their families under the PGP should stay updated on future intake opportunities.
