Canada Raises Cap for Parents and Grandparents Program – What It Means for You
Canada continues to strengthen its commitment to family reunification by increasing the intake cap for the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) in 2025. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has announced that up to 25,000 applications will be accepted under this category, a significant jump from previous years. This move opens new doors for permanent residents and citizens looking to bring their loved ones to Canada.
Here’s what this update means for you and how to take advantage of the opportunity.
What Is the Parents and Grandparents Program?
The PGP allows Canadian citizens and permanent residents to sponsor their parents and grandparents to become permanent residents of Canada. It’s one of the few family reunification programs in the world that allows elderly family members to join their families on a long-term, permanent basis.
To sponsor under the PGP, individuals must meet specific income requirements and sign an undertaking to support the sponsored person for 20 years (10 years in Quebec).
What’s New in 2025?
In a move welcomed by many immigrant families, the Government of Canada has raised the cap for PGP sponsorships to 25,000 applications for 2025. This change reflects Canada’s continued focus on supporting family reunification, especially as more families recover from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and economic shifts.
This expansion means more families have a chance to be selected, easing years of backlog and frustration due to limited annual quotas.
Why Is This Change Significant?
- Increased Chances of Selection:
In previous years, the PGP operated via a lottery-style system due to the limited number of applications accepted. With the increased cap, more invitations to apply (ITAs) will be issued, improving your odds. - Faster Family Reunification:
Larger intake means more processing efficiency and less waiting time for those eager to reunite with loved ones. - Policy Shift Toward Inclusion:
This change signals Canada’s emphasis on integrating family reunification as part of its core immigration policy. It also acknowledges the emotional, financial, and social benefits of multigenerational households.
Who Is Eligible to Apply?
To sponsor parents or grandparents under the PGP, you must:
- Be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.
- Be 18 years or older.
- Meet the Minimum Necessary Income (MNI) requirement for the past three tax years.
- Sign an undertaking promising financial support for 20 years (10 in Quebec).
- Provide documentation supporting income claims (e.g., Notices of Assessment from the CRA).
Note: Sponsors in Quebec must meet different income requirements and sign a separate undertaking agreement with the province.
What You Should Do Next
- Check Eligibility Early:
Use the official IRCC tools to confirm that you meet the financial and legal eligibility requirements. - Prepare Supporting Documents:
Ensure your tax documents, proof of status, and identification are in order before the intake opens. - Stay Informed About Deadlines:
IRCC usually opens the PGP intake in a specific window. Be ready to submit your interest to sponsor form as soon as the program opens. - Explore the Super Visa as a Backup:
If you aren’t selected for PGP, consider applying for a Super Visa, which allows parents and grandparents to stay in Canada for up to five years per visit.
Conclusion
The increased cap for the Parents and Grandparents Program is a major opportunity for immigrant families in Canada. With 25,000 applications being accepted in 2025, now is the time to prepare your application and bring your loved ones closer. Family reunification not only strengthens personal bonds but also contributes to the social fabric of Canadian society.
At Emigrantz, we are here to guide you through every step of your sponsorship journey. From eligibility assessment to document preparation, our team ensures a smooth and compliant application process. Let’s make family reunification a reality—reach out to us today.