The Future of Family Sponsorship: Navigating the PGP Pause & Embracing the Super Visa (June 2025)
- Sanjit Singh
- 1 day ago
- 3 min read
Canadian families today face a shifting landscape in how they can reunite across generations. A pause in the Parents & Grandparents Program (PGP) for 2025 has left many waiting—but fortunately, there’s still a strong alternative: the Super Visa. Let’s explore the pause, what's behind it, and why the Super Visa is emerging as a top choice for families this summer.
1. Why the PGP Program Intake Is on Pause in 2025
· On January 6, 2025, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) directed that no new PGP applications would be accepted this year. Instead, only previously submitted expressions of interest (from 2020–2024) will be processed
· The Government has capped sponsorships at roughly 10,000–15,000 applications and overall PR landings at 24,500 for 2025, down from 32,000 in 2024.
· This strategic move helps IRCC tackle backlog and align with reduced immigration targets in the 2025–2027 plan.
2. What the Pause Means for Families
New sponsors can’t submit interest forms this year—so families waiting to apply must wait until the next intake (details TBD later in 2025)
Existing applicants face long waits: 24 months outside Quebec, and up to 48 months for Quebec-destined profiles.
For many, this delay is emotionally taxing—but it’s also a moment to explore other pathways.
3. The Super Visa: Suitable & Strategic Alternative
The Super Visa is a long-term visitor visa that allows parents and grandparents to stay up to 5 years per visit and remains valid for up to 10 years total. Key Benefits include:
· Extended stays—far longer than standard 6-month tourist visas.
· Multiple entries over a decade—perfect for frequent visits.
· Faster processing times—generally weeks to months, much quicker than permanent residency.
4. Super Visa Updates (as of January 2025)
Effective January 28, 2025, IRCC expanded Super Visa eligibility:
· Parents and grandparents can now use foreign (non‑Canadian) private health insurance, as long as the provider is OSFI‑approved.
· Minimum coverage must include hospitalization, repatriation, and at least $100,000 CAD for one year.
This change lowers costs and expands access—portending a surge in applications in 2025.
5. Choosing Your Family Plan: PGP vs. Super Visa
Feature | PGP Sponsorship | Super Visa |
Outcome | Permanent residency |
|
Application window | Closed in 2025; next intake TBD | Open year-round |
Processing time | 24–48 months | Weeks–Months |
Stay Duration | Indefinite after PR granted, need to meet residency obligation | Up to 5 years per visit; 10-year multiple-entry |
Health insurance | Not required | Required (≥ $100,000) |
Cost | Sponsorship processing + PR fees | Visa fee (~$100) + insurance premium |
The Super Visa offers immediate relief and practical flexibility, while PGP remains the path to permanent residency once intake resumes.
What You Can Do Now
1. Apply for a Super Visa today—prepare proof of funds, an invitation letter, and OSFI-approved insurance.
2. Track ITA status—watch for IRCC updates on PGP intake later in 2025.
3. Prepare your PGP file—start gathering documents and reviewing eligibility to apply as soon as slots open.
Final Thoughts
While the 2025 PGP pause is a setback for permanent reunification, IRCC’s expanded Super Visa offers an excellent temporary solution. Families can stay close, support one another, and plan for the future—all while permanent sponsorship is temporarily on hold.
Admire Immigration is here to help you:
· Apply for Super Visas
· Monitor PGP intake openings
· Prepare seamless applications when PGP returns
Reach out today to start securing meaningful family reunions—without the long wait.
For personal guidance and support, Contact us
ADMIRE IMMIGRATION SERVICES INC
Vancouver: #200, 223 W Broadway, BC, V5Y 1P5. Phone: 778-925-3008
Surrey: #385-8148, 128 Street, BC, V3W 1R1. Phone: 778-683-3008
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