Ottawa, March 27, 2020—Due to the current focus on responding to the COVID-19 pandemic, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will delay the opening of the 2020 Parents and Grandparents (PGP) Program to accepting new applications.
The launch of the annual call for expressions of interest to apply was anticipated in the coming weeks. Given the present circumstances, however, we are prioritizing our efforts to contribute to the whole-of-government response to the pandemic.
It is important to note that the temporary deferral of the launch of the 2020 call for applications is not expected to impact when parents and grandparents will arrive in our country, and that processing of these applications continues.
The Government of Canada remains strongly committed to family reunification, and IRCC is committed to opening the program as soon as possible.
Details on the opening of the PGP Program will be posted online and shared via social media once they are available.
2025 Update—The Canadian government has decided not to accept new applications for the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) in 2025. Instead, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) is focusing on processing around 15,000 applications that were submitted in 2024. This move comes as part of a broader plan to reduce permanent resident targets for the year, setting a goal of welcoming 24,500 parents and grandparents.
For families looking for other options, the Super Visa is still available. It allows parents and grandparents of Canadians and permanent residents to stay in Canada for up to five years at a time, with the option to extend their visit. Unlike the PGP, the Super Visa doesn’t lead to permanent residency, but it’s a way for families to spend more time together without waiting for sponsorship openings.
