Canada increases spots for Parents and Grandparents Program.

Canada has raised the cap for the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP), allowing up to 25,000 sponsorship applications to be processed in 2025. This is a significant increase from the earlier limit of 15,000 applications announced in January. The new total will include applications from both the 2024 and 2025 intakes, as stated in the latest ministerial instructions published on March 22, 2025.

The government had previously planned to only process applications from the 2024 pool without accepting new submissions in 2025. However, it has now reversed this decision, opening the door for new applicants. On March 7, the government confirmed it would issue invitations this year but did not specify the increased cap until now.

Canadian citizens and permanent residents who submitted interest-to-sponsor forms in the 2020 intake but have not yet received an invitation will have another chance to be selected. Those invited under the PGP can apply for permanent residency, allowing their parents or grandparents to settle in Canada permanently.

About the PGP

The Parents and Grandparents Program is designed to reunite families by granting permanent residency to sponsored relatives. Due to its high demand, Canada uses a lottery system to randomly select sponsors. Since the program’s only intake in 2020, all invitations have been issued to individuals who applied during that round.

This year, the government aims to clear more of the existing backlog while also giving new applicants a chance to participate. Increasing the cap provides more families with the opportunity to reunite with their loved ones.

Super Visa: An Alternative Option

For those who do not qualify for the PGP or want a faster option, Canada offers the Super Visa program. This allows parents and grandparents to visit Canada for extended stays.

The Super Visa is valid for 10 years, enabling holders to remain in Canada for up to five years at a time. It also offers the flexibility of extending the stay by two years. However, Super Visa holders do not gain permanent residency status.

To apply, the visiting family members need private health insurance coverage for the entire duration of their stay. Without a Super Visa, regular visitors can only stay in Canada for six months.

By expanding the PGP intake and maintaining the Super Visa program, Canada is making it easier for families to reunite. This increase offers hope to many waiting to bring their loved ones to the country, while the Super Visa provides an alternative for long-term visits.