Maple News reports that Canada will not be accepting new applications under the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) in 2025, as confirmed by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). Instead, the department will focus exclusively on processing the remaining applications submitted during the 2024 intake.
The IRCC has set a cap of 15,000 sponsorship applications to be processed in 2025. This move is part of broader immigration planning adjustments, including a 20% reduction in permanent resident targets for the year, which directly impacts family reunification programs such as the PGP.
For Canadians still hoping to reunite with their parents or grandparents, the Super Visa remains an alternative. The Super Visa allows parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens and permanent residents to stay in Canada for up to five years at a time, with the possibility of extensions, making it a valuable option in light of the temporary hold on new PGP applications.
The Parents and Grandparents Program is a key pathway for family reunification, enabling eligible individuals to sponsor their parents and grandparents for Canadian permanent residency. Due to high demand and limited spots, the IRCC employs a lottery system to issue Invitations to Apply (ITAs). However, since 2020, IRCC has relied on a pool of interest-to-sponsor submissions collected during that year.
With the 2025 freeze, no new interest-to-sponsor forms will be accepted, and no new lotteries will be held. This step allows IRCC to manage its existing backlog and strategically align with Canada’s updated immigration levels plan.
The federal government has allocated 24,500 spaces for landed permanent residents under the PGP in 2025—a significant drop from previous years. The IRCC’s reallocation of resources highlights a focus on economic immigration streams while balancing intake across family reunification efforts.
Maple News will continue monitoring IRCC updates affecting family sponsorship pathways, immigration policy changes, and alternative routes available for Canadian families seeking reunification.
For families impacted by this pause, exploring the Super Visa or planning for potential changes in 2026 may be crucial next steps.