Canada Reopens Doors to Family Reunification in 2025: PGP Application Cap Increased

Overview: Big News for Family Sponsorship in Canada

In a surprising but welcome update, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has reversed its earlier decision and increased the application cap for the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) in 2025. Initially, IRCC had stated that no new applications would be accepted this year. However, according to the official notice published in the Canada Gazette on March 22, the government will now accept up to 25,000 sponsorship applications—an increase from the originally planned 15,000.

What is the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP)?

The Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) allows Canadian citizens and permanent residents to sponsor their parents or grandparents for permanent residency in Canada. It's one of the country’s most sought-after family reunification immigration pathways.

Due to its popularity, the PGP uses a lottery-based selection system. Interested individuals submit an “Interest to Sponsor” form, and selected sponsors are invited to formally apply.

Who Can Benefit in 2025?

• Individuals who submitted their interest to sponsor forms during the 2020 intake and have not yet received an invitation.

• Those selected in the new 2025 draw, which includes both remaining 2024 and fresh 2025 submissions.

Why the Change in Policy?

Earlier in 2025, IRCC announced it would not accept new PGP applications and would limit processing to 15,000 files. However, on March 7, the department revised its stance, confirming invitations will be sent in 2025 with an expanded cap.

This decision reflects the government’s effort to accelerate family reunification, manage immigration backlogs, and fulfill its multi-year immigration targets.

Real-World Use Cases: Why This Matters

1. Reuniting Aging Parents with Canadian Families

Scenario: A couple in Toronto, both permanent residents, have aging parents in India. They submitted a PGP interest form in 2020 but never heard back. With this update, they now have another opportunity to receive an invitation and bring their parents to live permanently in Canada.

2. Boosting Mental Health and Stability in Immigrant Families

Scenario: A single mother in Calgary, working full-time, struggles to balance parenting and work. Sponsoring her retired parents through PGP would provide emotional support and childcare, contributing to her overall well-being and career growth.

3. Long-Term Planning for Permanent Residency

Families previously relying solely on the Super Visa now have a clearer pathway to permanent residency for their loved ones through the PGP 2025 intake.

Don’t Qualify for PGP Yet? Consider the Super Visa

For those who are not selected under PGP, Canada’s Super Visa remains a valuable alternative. It allows parents and grandparents to:

• Visit Canada for up to 5 years at a stretch

• Enjoy multiple entries over 10 years

• Extend their stay by an additional 2 years

• Gain legal visitor status

Note: Super Visa applicants must obtain private health insurance and pass immigration medical exams.

Final Thoughts

The increased PGP cap for 2025 signals Canada’s commitment to strengthening family ties through immigration. If you’ve been waiting since 2020 or planning to sponsor a parent or grandparent, this could be your year!

Make sure you’re prepared with the right documentation, meet eligibility criteria, and consult a licensed immigration consultant if needed.