Immigration Announcement
Canada to Invite Applications for Parents and Grandparents PR in 2025
Canadian citizens and permanent residents will soon have another opportunity to bring their parents and grandparents to Canada through the PGP. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has confirmed that invitations to apply (ITAs) under the PGP will be sent out in 2025. This move comes after the department had earlier stated that no new invitations would be issued in 2024.
Who Will Receive an Invitation?
Individuals who submitted an interest to sponsor form under the PGP in 2020 may receive an invitation in 2025. The IRCC follows a lottery-based system to select potential sponsors from the pool. However, the department has not yet disclosed the exact date when invitations will be sent. Further details are expected to be announced in the coming months.
Key Details of the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP)
- The PGP allows Canadian citizens, permanent residents, and registered Indians to sponsor their parents and grandparents for permanent residence in Canada.
- Eligible sponsors must meet minimum income requirements.
- Interested sponsors must first submit an interest-to-sponsor form and wait for an invitation.
- Since 2020, ITAs have only been sent to individuals who had previously submitted their interest forms.
Alternative Pathway: The Super Visa Program
For those who do not receive an invitation through the PGP, the Super Visa program remains an excellent alternative. The Super Visa allows parents and grandparents to visit Canada for extended periods while maintaining their residency in their home country.
Super Visa Highlights
- Valid for up to 10 years, with multiple entries permitted.
- Allows stays in Canada for up to five years at a time, with the possibility of an additional two-year extension.
- Requires sponsors to meet minimum income thresholds.
- Applicants must purchase third-party health insurance for their stay.
- The government has recently introduced more flexible health insurance options for Super Visa applicants.
What This Means for Families
The PGP and Super Visa programs provide vital opportunities for family reunification in Canada. While the PGP remains highly competitive due to its lottery-based selection process, the Super Visa program ensures that families can still spend extended time together. With new invitations expected in 2025, those who applied in 2020 should stay updated on announcements from IRCC to maximize their chances of securing an ITA.
