Canada Increases Cap for Parents and Grandparents Program in 2025
In a significant development, the Canadian federal government has announced an increase in the cap for the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) in 2025. The new cap will allow the acceptance of up to 25,000 sponsorship applications, a substantial rise from previous expectations.
Initially, in January 2025, the government had announced that no new applications would be accepted for the PGP in 2025, with only 15,000 applications from the 2024 intake being processed. However, the announcement on March 7 reversed this decision, and it was confirmed that the program would open for new applications in 2025, with a revised cap.
Updated Parents and Grandparents Program: Key Changes
The updated plan will allow the Canadian government to process 25,000 sponsorship applications in 2025, including some carried over from the 2024 intake. This marks a positive shift from the earlier decision not to accept new applications in 2025. The sponsorship intake will include applications from both the 2024 and 2025 periods, as outlined in the Ministerial Instructions published in the Canada Gazette on March 22, 2025.
As a result of this change, Canadian citizens and permanent residents who submitted interest to sponsor forms for the 2020 intake but did not yet receive an invitation to apply will also have an opportunity to be considered when the intake process opens later this year.
Program Overview and Lottery System
The PGP allows Canadian citizens and permanent residents to sponsor their parents and grandparents for permanent residency in Canada, facilitating family reunification. However, due to the high demand for the program and limited spots available, the Canadian government selects sponsors through a lottery system.
The PGP was opened for intake only once in 2020, and since then, all invitations to sponsor have been sent to those who expressed interest in that year. The government’s new decision to accept 25,000 applications in 2025 provides a significant increase in opportunities for family reunification, especially for those who have been waiting for years to be reunited with their loved ones.
Super Visa Program: An Alternative Path for Parents and Grandparents
In addition to the PGP, Canada offers the Super Visa program, which allows parents and grandparents to visit their family members in Canada for extended stays. Under the Super Visa program, eligible Canadian citizens, permanent residents, and registered Indians can sponsor their parents or grandparents to come to Canada for up to 10 years, with the possibility of staying for up to five years at a time.
Super Visa holders can also extend their stays by two years if needed. This program provides a long-term option for families to reunite, offering much more flexibility compared to the typical visitor visa, which generally only allows stays of six months.
It is important to note that Super Visa holders must purchase private health insurance for the duration of their stay in Canada.
Summary of Key Changes and Details:
| Program | Details |
|---|---|
| PGP Cap for 2025 | Up to 25,000 sponsorship applications will be processed in 2025. |
| 2020 Intake | Applicants who submitted interest to sponsor forms in 2020 but haven’t received invitations will be considered. |
| Application Process | The PGP uses a lottery system to select sponsors due to high demand. |
| Super Visa | Allows parents and grandparents to stay in Canada for up to 5 years at a time, with the possibility of two-year extensions. |
| Health Insurance for Super Visa | Super Visa holders must purchase private health insurance for the duration of their stay in Canada. |
Conclusion
This increase in the PGP cap is a welcome change for many families hoping to reunite with their parents and grandparents in Canada. With the rise in accepted applications and the ongoing availability of the Super Visa, there are more opportunities than ever for Canadian citizens and permanent residents to bring their loved ones to Canada, whether for long-term stays or permanent residency.
The Canadian government’s actions reflect a commitment to family reunification and a more accessible immigration system for those looking to bring their parents and grandparents into their homes.
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