Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) 2025: Higher Cap, No New Applications, and What It Means for You

Canada’s immigration policy continues to prioritize family reunification, and one of the most important ways to bring parents and grandparents to Canada permanently is through the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP). In 2025, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has introduced key updates to the program including a higher intake cap and continuation of the lottery-based selection from the 2020 pool. This blog explains everything sponsors need to know about the PGP 2025.

What Is the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP)?

The Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) allows Canadian citizens and permanent residents to sponsor their biological or adoptive parents and grandparents to become permanent residents of Canada. Once approved, parents and grandparents can live, work, and enjoy access to public health care, social benefits, and eventually, Canadian citizenship.

Who Is This Program For?

This program is ideal for:

• • Canadian citizens and PR holders who want to reunite permanently with their parents or grandparents.
  • Families looking to bring aging relatives to Canada with long-term support and access to healthcare.
  • Sponsors who previously submitted an Interest to Sponsor form in 2020 and are still waiting to be selected.

Increased Intake Cap: 25,000 Applications

In a major update for 2025, IRCC has raised the PGP cap from 15,000 to 25,000 applications to be processed this year. This includes both previously pending and new applications from the 2020 pool. This higher limit means more families may finally get the opportunity to reunite in Canada.

No New Interest to Sponsor Forms in 2025

A critical update: IRCC is not accepting new Interest to Sponsor (ITS) forms this year. Only those who submitted an ITS form in 2020 are eligible for selection.

• • If you submitted in 2020 but haven’t yet received an invitation, you may still be selected in 2025.
  • If you did not submit in 2020, you are not eligible to apply for the PGP in 2025.

Why is IRCC still using the 2020 pool?

Due to overwhelming demand, IRCC continues to draw from this large pool using a randomized selection process.

How the PGP Lottery System Works

Since applications far exceed the number of available spots, IRCC uses a lottery-based selection:

1. 1. Interest to Sponsor Form: Submitted in 2020.
   2. Randomized Invitations: IRCC selects individuals at random from the pool.
   3. Invitation to Apply (ITA): Only those selected receive an ITA to formally submit their application.
   4. Sponsorship Application: Must be submitted within the deadline (usually 60 days after invitation).

Processing Times and Fees in 2025

• • Average processing time (outside Quebec): ~24 months
  • Processing time (Quebec residents): Up to 48 months (due to additional provincial approvals)
  • Application fees: Vary depending on number of family members. As of 2025, sponsoring two parents costs approximately $1,050 (excluding biometrics and other related expenses). Always confirm on the IRCC fee portal.

Missed the PGP? Consider the Canada Super Visa

If you are not selected for the PGP or were not part of the 2020 ITS pool, the Canada Super Visa is a strong alternative. It allows parents and grandparents to stay in Canada for extended periods without applying for permanent residence.

Benefits of the Super Visa:

• • Stay up to 5 years per visit without needing to leave Canada.
  • Multiple entries over a 10-year period.
  • Extend stay by 2 more years while in Canada.
  • Easier to obtain than PR, with relaxed private medical insurance rules as of 2024.

Key eligibility requirements:

• • Child or grandchild must meet the minimum income threshold (LICO).
  • Applicants must pass a medical exam and obtain valid health insurance.

What the 2025 Changes Mean for Sponsors

Practical Tips for 2025 Applicants

• • Check your email (and spam folder) frequently for invitations from IRCC.
  • Prepare documents in advance so you’re ready to submit within the application deadline.
  • Stay up to date by checking IRCC’s official announcements and timelines.
  • Don’t miss the Super Visa option—it’s flexible and less competitive.

Final Thoughts

The PGP 2025 changes reflect Canada’s ongoing commitment to family reunification while balancing processing capacity. With a higher intake cap of 25,000 applications, many families who have waited since 2020 may finally get their chance. However, for those not selected or eligible, the Super Visa remains a valuable and accessible pathway.

If you need professional help understanding your eligibility, preparing a strong application, or navigating the Super Visa process, contact Can X Global today. Our licensed consultants can guide you through every step to bring your loved ones closer.