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The Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) has been a key route for many families hoping to reunite across borders. With the latest update from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), individuals who previously submitted an interest in this Program may want to check their inboxes carefully.
Below, we break down what’s happening, why it matters, and how it connects to other options available for those looking to visit Canada with their loved ones.
What Is the Parents and Grandparents Program?
The PGP allows Canadian citizens and permanent residents to sponsor their parents and grandparents for permanent residency. It’s a pathway that has allowed many families to reunite long-term under Canada’s immigration framework.
In 2025, IRCC plans to accept up to 10,000 complete applications through this Program. Invitations to apply will begin rolling out on July 28, 2025, and this process will continue for about two weeks.
Why Is This Intake Significant?
The intake for 2025 is particularly noteworthy because it doesn’t involve a new interest-to-sponsor form. Instead, IRCC is selecting applicants from a backlog of submissions made in 2020. We are not accepting any new forms at this time.
If you or someone you know submitted an interest form in 2020 and never received an invitation, now is the time to revisit the email address used at the time. Many sponsors may have moved on or forgotten about the submission, but this intake offers a renewed opportunity.
How the Invitation Process Works
IRCC will contact potential sponsors via the email address provided in 2020. It’s essential to check not just the inbox but also spam or junk folders, as official emails can occasionally be filtered out.
Invited individuals will be able to submit their complete applications through the Permanent Residence Portal or the Representative Permanent Residence Portal, both of which are accessible online.
If you’re one of the selected individuals, ensure that your documents are updated and meet the eligibility criteria laid out by IRCC. Because we only consider complete applications, it’s essential to pay close attention to detail when submitting.
What If You’re Not Invited This Year?
For many, this year’s intake may not result in an invitation. However, this doesn’t mean the door is closed for family members wishing to visit Canada.
One viable alternative is the super visa, which is available to parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens or permanent residents. The super visa is a multiple-entry visa valid for up to 10 years, and it allows the holder to stay in Canada for five years at a time.
Additionally, there’s a possibility to extend that stay by up to two more years per visit without the need to leave the country. For those looking to visit Canada without going through the lengthy sponsorship process, the super visa offers a flexible and time-efficient option.
The Long Wait Since 2020: Why the Delay?
For the 2025 intake, we are using a pool of interest forms submitted in 2020—a year heavily affected by global disruptions. IRCC has continued to process those submissions gradually, and this year’s decision to rely on that pool reflects the backlog still present in the system.
It also means that anyone who didn’t submit a form in 2020 will not be able to participate in the current intake. For those hoping to sponsor in the future, keeping an eye on IRCC updates is essential.
Understanding Your Options to Visit Canada Beyond the PGP
While the Parents and Grandparents Program is a highly structured immigration route, it’s not the only one. Many individuals opt to visit Canada on other types of visas, including:
- Super visas for long-term family visits
- Tourist visas for short-term stays
- Visitor record extensions for those already in the country
Each option comes with specific eligibility requirements, so it’s worth reviewing them carefully based on your family’s needs and timelines.
Where to Find More Information to Visit Canada
IRCC has released a detailed intake report covering the years 2020 to 2022, which sheds light on application patterns, approval rates, and demographic details. This resource can be helpful if you’re trying to understand the broader trends behind the PGP and explore your options to visit Canada or reunite with family.
Since only complete applications are being considered, attention to detail during submission is key if you plan to visit Canada.
Moving Forward
If your family has been waiting since 2020 for the opportunity to sponsor parents or grandparents, now is the time to act. While not everyone will receive an invitation, the super visa remains a practical path for families hoping to reunite — even temporarily — in Canada.
Whether through sponsorship or alternative visa types, many still find ways to visit Canada and maintain close ties with their loved ones. As always, staying informed and proactive can make all the difference.
