The Canadian government has announced plans to accept up to 10,000 complete applications for sponsorship under the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) in 2025. This program allows Canadian citizens and permanent residents to sponsor their parents and grandparents for permanent residence.
To be eligible for the PGP, sponsors must be at least 18 years old, meet an income threshold, and sign an undertaking to support their parents and grandparents. Immigrants who have obtained Canadian citizenship can also sponsor their parents and grandparents to reside and work in Canada.
As of February 5, 2025, processing times for PGP Program applications were approximately 24 months for those destined outside Quebec and 48 months for Quebec-destined applicants. This disparity is due to Quebec’s more limited family class admission targets.
For those interested in reuniting with their parents and grandparents for extended periods, the Super Visa remains a viable option. This multiple-entry temporary resident visa allows parents and grandparents to visit their children or grandchildren for up to 5 years at a time, with multiple entries to Canada for up to 10 years.
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has recently made the Super Visa more accessible by implementing changes to the health insurance requirement. Applicants can now purchase private health insurance policies from companies outside Canada, in addition to Canadian health insurance providers.
To qualify for a Super Visa, applicants need to fulfill the criteria for temporary residence in Canada as visitors. They are required to present acceptable proof of valid health insurance from either a Canadian insurance provider or an authorized insurance company located outside Canada.
Benefits of the Super Visa
The Super Visa provides multiple advantages, such as:
- Frequent access to Canada for a duration of up to 10 years
- Permitted stay of up to 5 years for every entry
- Ability to renew or keep health insurance while in Canada.
- Possibility to prolong visit while in Canada
The Canadian government’s choice to permit up to 10,000 applications for the Parents and Grandparents Program in 2025 is a positive development for families wishing to come together. The Super Visa continues to be a practical option for individuals wishing to spend longer durations with their family in Canada. Due to the recent modifications in the health insurance mandate, the Super Visa has become more attainable than ever.
