Canada has announced plans to accept up to 10,000 complete visa applications under the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) in 2025, offering Canadian citizens and permanent residents a chance to sponsor their parents and grandparents for permanent residency.
Under the PGP, eligible sponsors must be at least 18 years old, meet a required income threshold, and sign an undertaking to provide financial support to their relatives. The program, managed by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), is a key initiative for family reunification.
For those seeking extended family visits without permanent residency, the Super Visa remains an option. This visa allows multiple entries to Canada over a 10-year period, with each visit lasting up to five years. Recent changes by IRCC have made the Super Visa more accessible by revising health insurance requirements. Applicants must apply from outside Canada, meet temporary residence criteria, and provide proof of valid health insurance from an approved provider—now accepted from both Canadian and international insurers.
As of February 5, 2025, processing times for PGP applications are approximately 24 months for applicants outside Quebec, while those settling in Quebec face longer wait times of about 48 months due to the province’s specific family class admission targets. Meanwhile, those planning shorter visits of six months or less can opt for a standard visitor visa.
This initiative reflects Canada’s ongoing commitment to family reunification and offers multiple pathways for parents and grandparents to join their loved ones in the country.
