Are you planning to bring your family along with you to reside in Cana and spend your whole life together? Then, congratulations, your dream can come true, as the government of Canada has given several exemptions regarding sponsorships for the elderly.

The government of Canada has recently updated the options available for Canadian citizens and permanent residents who are seeking to sponsor their parents and grandparents in 2025.

Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP):
If you are planning to sponsor my parents, with the onset of 2025, IRCC (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada) is set to accept up to 25000 applications through the PGP. It has included the carried-over applications along with the new applications.

IRCC will continue to issue invitations to potential sponsors who previously submitted an interest. No new forms are being accepted this year, and the selection continues through a random draw from the existing pool. Sponsors have to meet minimum income requirements and sign an undertaking to support their parents or grandparents financially for 20 years.

Super visa for Extended stay options
As an alternative to PGP, the super visa remains a strong option to choose from when doing a Sponsorship Appeal. As of 2025, it allows parents and grandparents to stay in Canada for up to 5 years per visit. It can be renewed for an additional 2 years without leaving the country.

Applicants must have valid medical insurance and a letter of financial statement of support from their child or grandchild in Canada. This will remain valid for up to 10 years, thus providing flexibility for families who are planning for long-term visitation without permanent residency.

Visitor Visa and Dual Intent Applications
Parents can also enter Canada on a temporary resident visa, typically valid for up to 6 months. However, under Canada’s policy of dual intent, visitors can tell the reason for the application while maintaining their visitor status, along with meeting other requirements.

This route is useful for families planning to apply for permanent residency in the future but wish to have their parents visit sooner.

Humanitarian and Gound of Compassion
In special cases, individuals can request permanent residency for their parents under Humanitarian grounds. These applications are reviewed on a case-by-case basis and consider factors such as undue hardship, the best interest of children, and the degree of establishment in Canada.

Family Reunification Program in Quebec
For residents of Quebec, the province runs its own unification system. However, it follows federal eligibility criteria and adds provincial requirements. The processing time remains longer than in other provinces, with delays of up to 34 months but the program remains a valid path for sponsorships.

Private Sponsorship in Limited Circumstances
Though typically used for refugee sponsorships, in rare cases, private groups or organizations may assist with bringing vulnerable parents to Canada under private sponsorship schemes. This is an uncommon but possible route, depending on circumstances.

Conclusion:
Canada remains committed to reuniting families while balancing immigration capacity and economic needs. In 2025, families will have multiple options to sponsor or bring parents to Canada, with permanent and temporary pathways tailored to meet diverse needs.

About Phoenix Legal
One of Canada's top immigration service providers, CanaImmigration, focuses on helping people and families apply for visas, including Temporary Resident Cards. For clients wishing to travel, work, or study temporarily in Canada, We provide full assistance through a staff of professional immigration advisers and legal specialists.