Canada announces an immediate ban on new parent and grandparent sponsorship applications
January 10, 2026 at 12:58 pm,
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Instead, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will only process applications received in 2024 for family sponsorship under the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) in 2025. The government has not specified when new applications or Interest to Sponsor forms will be accepted again.
This pause has left many hopeful sponsors and families looking for alternatives to reunite with their loved ones in Canada.
What is the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP)?
The Parents and Grandparents Program allows Canadian citizens and permanent residents to sponsor their parents or grandparents for Canadian permanent residency. Due to overwhelming interest, the program uses a lottery system to issue invitations to apply (ITAs) to those who have submitted an Interest to Sponsor form.
From 2020 to 2024, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada issued ITAs exclusively to individuals who submitted Interest to Sponsor forms during the 2020 intake. This has been part of an ongoing effort to manage demand and process backlogs.
Why Are New Applications Paused for 2025?
The pause on new applications aligns with the government’s strategy to manage immigration levels and address existing backlogs. In 2025, IRCC will focus on processing up to 15,000 sponsorship applications submitted in 2024.
Additionally, IRCC has revised its permanent resident admission targets for 2025, reducing planned admissions under the PGP from 34,000 to 24,500. These measures aim to ensure efficient processing times and balance demand with resource capacity.
What Does This Mean for Sponsors?
If you had hoped to apply to sponsor your parents or grandparents in 2025 but did not submit an Interest to Sponsor form in 2020, you will not be eligible for the PGP this year.
For sponsors seeking alternatives, exploring other pathways, such as the Super Visa, is crucial. Staying informed about future updates to the PGP is equally important.
The Super Visa: An Alternative Pathway
If you’re unable to sponsor your parent or grandparent for permanent residency but wish to have them live with you in Canada for an extended time, the Super Visa could be a great alternative.
This visa allows eligible parents and grandparents to legally stay in Canada as temporary residents for up to five years at a time. Additionally, the Super Visa permits multiple entries for up to a 10-year period.
If your relative plans to visit for less than six months, they may apply for a regular visitor visa instead of the Super Visa.
How We Can Help?
We offer a big range of Super Visa and Visitors to Canada insurance options and can recommend immigration consulting that will help to still bring your parents or grandparents for a visit.
Feel free to call 204-807-1705 or email us at [email protected]