Policy Update of Canadian Federal Family Reunion – Parents and Grand Parents (2025-04)
On March 7, 2025, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) announced a significant policy update regarding the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) family reunion and the Super Visa. These policy adjustments reflect the government’s commitment to strengthening family reunification while improving the experience of applicants and their families in Canada.
According to the official announcement, the 2025 Immigration Levels Plan emphasizes pathways for parents and grandparents while implementing major changes to the Super Visa, including relaxing restrictions on health insurance sources. Applicants are now allowed to purchase health insurance from international providers, as long as the insurer meets the Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions (OSFI) requirements in Canada. This adjustment aims to reduce the financial burden on applicants and make family reunification more feasible. Additionally, the government will continue to expand family sponsorship programs, expecting to process 10,000 new PGP applications, with an estimated 24,500 people granted permanent residency.
This article provides a detailed analysis of the 2025 PGP and Super Visa program updates and the entry health insurance requirements to help potential applicants understand the latest policies and prepare accordingly.
Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) for Permanent Residency
The PGP program allows Canadian citizens and permanent residents to sponsor their parents or grandparents for permanent residency. Due to the high demand, the government sets a fixed number of annual approvals, leading to long waiting periods for many families. For 2025, the government plans to accept 24,500 individuals, with a minimum target of 20,500 and a maximum of 28,000. It is important to note that these figures represent the number of approved individuals, not the number of applications received.
Processing Times and Wait Periods
Processing times vary based on different factors, including application backlogs, background checks, financial sponsorship verification, and the processing efficiency of the designated immigration office:
- Applicants in Quebec may face wait times of up to four years.
- Applicants in other provinces can expect a wait time of around two years.
In 2025, IRCC plans to issue 10,000 new application invitations under the Invitation to Apply (ITA) system. This means that even if an applicant meets all eligibility requirements, they must first receive an invitation before submitting their official application.
Because of these extended wait times, many families choose to apply for the Super Visa as an interim measure to reunite sooner. This has prompted the government to introduce further adjustments to offer more flexible options.
Super Visa Program for Parents and Grandparents
The Super Visa has long been a viable alternative to the PGP program, especially for those who cannot secure a PGP slot or do not want to wait for several years. The 2025 updates further ease the eligibility requirements, making it a more attractive option for applicants. The most notable changes include:
Super Visa 2025 Key Updates
- Visa Validity
- Super Visa can now be issued for up to 10 years.
- Each entry allows a stay of up to 5 years, significantly longer than the previous 2-year limit.
- Health Insurance Requirement Adjustments
- Previously, applicants were required to purchase health insurance exclusively from Canadian-based providers and provide proof of at least one year of medical coverage.
- As of 2025, applicants can now purchase health insurance from foreign providers, provided the insurance company:
- Is authorized by the Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions (OSFI).
- Appears on the OSFI list of federally regulated financial institutions
- Operates within Canada’s insurance market.
This change reduces financial constraints and gives applicants greater flexibility in choosing an insurance plan that best fits their needs.
These modifications indicate that the Canadian government aims to make the Super Visa a more attractive option for families seeking to reunite, particularly while waiting for PGP approval. The relaxed health insurance requirements further facilitate long-term visits for parents and grandparents without imposing excessive financial burdens.
Health Insurance Requirements Upon Entry
PGP Applicants’ Health Insurance Requirements
Parents and grandparents entering Canada as permanent residents through the PGP program may experience a three-month waiting period (or longer, depending on the province) before becoming eligible for provincial health insurance plans (such as Alberta Health Care, OHIP, or MSP). During this waiting period, applicants must purchase private health insurance to cover medical expenses.
Super Visa Holders’ Health Insurance Requirements
Unlike PGP applicants, Super Visa holders do not qualify for Canada’s public healthcare system. As a result, they must provide proof of valid private health insurance upon every entry into Canada. The 2025 policy updates specify that:
- A valid insurance policy must be presented at each entry.
- The coverage must include hospitalization, emergency medical services, and accident coverage.
- Applicants can now purchase policies from OSFI-approved foreign insurers.
This adjustment allows applicants to explore more affordable and flexible health insurance options while ensuring they remain covered during their stay in Canada.
Conclusion
Canada’s 2025 immigration policy updates provide expanded family reunification opportunities for parents and grandparents. While the PGP program has strict quotas and lengthy processing times, the Super Visa serves as a flexible alternative for those seeking to reunite with their families sooner.
By allowing foreign health insurance providers to participate, the government has lowered financial barriers for Super Visa applicants. However, all applicants must still ensure they meet the medical insurance requirements to avoid complications upon entry.
Before deciding between PGP and Super Visa, applicants should carefully assess their family’s needs and financial situation to determine the most suitable pathway. By preparing the necessary documentation and ensuring compliance with the latest policies, families can improve their chances of successful sponsorship or visa approval. These policy changes underscore the Canadian government’s commitment to strengthening family reunification and offering more flexible immigration options to accommodate evolving needs.
