At Rio Immigration, we understand how vital family reunification is for many of our clients. The Government of Canada continues to recognize this need through the Parents and Grandparents (PGP) Program, which allows Canadian citizens and permanent residents to sponsor their parents and grandparents to come live with them in Canada.
IRCC’s 2025 Plan for PGP Sponsorship
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has announced that for 2025, up to 25,000 complete applications will be accepted under the PGP Program. However, instead of opening a new intake for interest to sponsor forms, IRCC will continue inviting applicants from the existing 2020 pool. This approach has been consistently followed since 2020 and reflects the government’s aim to manage application volumes effectively.
If you submitted an interest to sponsor form in 2020 and haven’t received an invitation yet, you still have a chance in the upcoming draw. But for those who haven’t submitted a form previously, unfortunately, new submissions are not being accepted at this time.
Processing Times and Provincial Differences
As of February 5, 2025, the estimated processing time for PGP applications is 24 months for applicants residing outside of Quebec. For those destined to Quebec, processing can take up to 48 months, due to the province’s smaller intake targets under the family reunification category.
Balancing Family Unity with Policy Constraints
The recent reductions in Canada’s immigration targets under the 2025–2027 Immigration Levels Plan have impacted the number of PGP applications IRCC can accept. As a result, IRCC is carefully balancing intake numbers to avoid overwhelming the system and to minimize processing delays.
Alternative Option: The Super Visa
For families unable to apply through the PGP Program, the super visa continues to offer a viable and flexible alternative. With this visa, parents and grandparents can travel to Canada for a maximum of 5 years at a time, with the possibility of additional visits for a maximum of 10 years. The super visa is now more accessible thanks to recent modifications, especially with regard to the health insurance requirements.
New Changes Make Super Visa More Accessible for Families
Canada continues to prioritise family reunification, and recent updates to the super visa program make it even more accessible for parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens and permanent residents. The super visa allows for extended family visits up to five years per entry, with the possibility of extending the stay while in Canada. This multiple-entry visa remains a valuable alternative for families waiting to reunite under the PGP Program.
In the past, applicants for super visas had to buy private health insurance from Canadian companies. As of January 28, 2025, this requirement has been expanded. Applicants can now obtain valid health insurance from foreign insurance companies, provided the provider is authorized by the Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions (OSFI) to offer accident and sickness insurance in Canada.
To qualify, the foreign policy must be issued under the insurer’s Canadian operations and be listed on OSFI’s register of federally regulated financial institutions. This policy must cover the applicant for their entire stay in Canada.
This change gives families greater flexibility and affordability, while still ensuring that visitors are well-covered during their time in the country—helping more loved ones reunite without unnecessary financial barriers.
At Rio Immigration, we are committed to helping families navigate every path to reunification with clarity and confidence. Whether you’re waiting for a PGP invitation or considering the super visa as an alternative, our experienced team is here to guide you through every step of the process. With policy changes and evolving requirements, having expert support can make all the difference. Let us help you explore the best available options to bring your loved ones closer. Contact Rio Immigration today for personalized advice and professional assistance tailored to your family’s immigration journey. Your reunion starts with the right guidance—right here.
