Maple News reports that Canada will resume inviting individuals to sponsor their parents and grandparents for permanent residency in 2025 under the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP).
According to an announcement by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) on March 7, 2025, invitations to apply (ITAs) will be extended to potential sponsors from the existing pool. These invitations will go to individuals who submitted an interest to sponsor form during the 2020 application intake period.
This update follows a previous notice in January 2025, when IRCC stated it would not issue any new invitations for PGP that year, instead focusing on processing applications from the 2024 intake. The latest shift means more families may get an opportunity to reunite sooner than expected.
Although IRCC has not specified when the 2025 invitations will be sent, officials have committed to releasing further details in the coming months. As in past years, invitations will be distributed through a randomized lottery system, ensuring a fair and unbiased selection of applicants.
Importantly, application intake for the PGP has remained closed since 2020. Therefore, only those who have already submitted forms during the 2020 intake are eligible to receive invitations in the upcoming round.
For those not selected or unable to sponsor their relatives through the PGP, the Super Visa remains a viable alternative. This visitor visa option allows parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens or permanent residents to stay in Canada for up to two years at a time, with the possibility of extensions.
The Parents and Grandparents Program is a cornerstone of Canada’s family reunification strategy. It enables Canadian citizens and permanent residents to offer permanent residence to their parents and grandparents, helping families stay connected across borders.
As immigration continues to play a crucial role in Canada’s demographic and social fabric, Maple News will provide timely updates on application processes and policy changes relating to the PGP and other family reunification pathways.