Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has officially announced the 2025 intake for the popular Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP). The process will begin on July 28, 2025, when IRCC starts issuing invitations to apply (ITAs) for permanent residence sponsorship of parents and grandparents. The invitations will be sent over a period of approximately two weeks, with the aim of leading to 10,000 complete applications being received by IRCC.
On This Page, You Will Find
- Details of the 2025 Parents and Grandparents Program intake
- How to qualify and apply if invited
- Sponsor eligibility criteria and obligations
- Alternative options such as the Super Visa
- Frequently asked questions about family sponsorship in Canada
This intake will not involve a new interest to sponsor form. Instead, IRCC will invite potential sponsors from the existing pool of interest to sponsor forms submitted in 2020. Canadians and permanent residents who submitted a form that year but have not yet received an invitation are urged to monitor the email address they used in 2020, including junk and spam folders.
Once invited, sponsors will need to submit their completed application electronically via the Permanent Residence Portal or the Representative Permanent Residence Portal.
For those not selected in this round, IRCC recommends considering the Parents and Grandparents Super Visa, which offers a flexible alternative to permanent residence sponsorship for family reunification.
Why IRCC is Using the 2020 Pool
Since 2020, IRCC has maintained a large pool of interest to sponsor forms due to backlogs caused by pandemic disruptions and high demand. By continuing to invite from this pool, IRCC aims to ensure fairness to applicants who have been waiting for several years.
While this approach limits opportunities for new applicants, it ensures that existing forms are processed before the government reopens the interest to sponsor process for future intakes.
How the Parents and Grandparents Program Works
The Parents and Grandparents Program is part of Canada’s family reunification immigration category. It allows Canadian citizens and permanent residents to sponsor their biological or adopted parents and grandparents for permanent residence in Canada. Approved applicants can live permanently in Canada and enjoy the benefits of public healthcare and social programs.
Sponsorship is a legal commitment that includes financial support for the sponsored individuals, ensuring they do not rely on social assistance.
Application Process for the 2025 PGP Intake
- Invitation to Apply
IRCC will randomly select sponsors from the 2020 pool and send them an invitation via email. Invitations will be issued between July 28 and mid-August 2025. - Prepare and Submit the Application
Those who receive an invitation must gather all required documents, complete the application forms, and submit everything electronically through the designated portals within the timeframe specified by IRCC. - Application Review and Processing
IRCC will assess applications for completeness, eligibility, and admissibility. Processing times can range from 12 to 24 months, depending on the complexity of the case and overall intake volumes.
Sponsor Eligibility Requirements
To sponsor parents or grandparents under the PGP, sponsors must:
- Be 18 years of age or older
- Be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or a person registered under the Canadian Indian Act
- Reside in Canada
- Meet the Minimum Necessary Income (MNI) for the last three consecutive tax years
- Agree to a 20-year sponsorship undertaking (10 years if residing in Quebec), which commits the sponsor to provide financial support and repay any social assistance the sponsored family members receive.
Sponsors can include their spouse or common-law partner as a co-signer to help meet the income requirement.
Who Can Be Sponsored
Eligible individuals who can be sponsored include:
- Biological or adopted parents and grandparents
- Their spouses or common-law partners
- Dependent children of parents or grandparents, if applicable
Sponsorship Obligations
Sponsoring parents or grandparents is a significant responsibility. Sponsors commit to:
- Providing for their basic needs such as food, clothing, and housing
- Covering health care costs not provided by provincial or territorial health insurance
- Supporting them financially for 20 years (outside Quebec)
Failure to meet these obligations can result in legal and financial consequences.
Required Documents
Key documents and forms include:
- IMM 1344 – Application to Sponsor, Sponsorship Agreement, and Undertaking
- IMM 5768 – Financial Evaluation
- IMM 0008 – Generic Application for Permanent Residence
- Police certificates, valid for one year
- Medical examinations for all applicants
- Biometrics for applicants aged 14 to 79
The Super Visa Alternative
If you are not invited in the 2025 intake, the Super Visa provides an alternative to bring parents and grandparents to Canada. The Super Visa allows for:
- Multiple entries for up to 10 years
- Stays of up to 5 years per visit, with the option to apply for extensions of up to 2 years without leaving Canada
To qualify, applicants must:
- Undergo a medical exam
- Purchase private health insurance from a Canadian provider
- Provide proof of financial support from their child or grandchild in Canada
Benefits of Sponsoring Parents and Grandparents
- Family Reunification: Strengthens emotional and social bonds
- Permanent Residency Benefits: Access to Canadian healthcare and social programs
- Household Support: Grandparents often help with childcare, contributing to family wellbeing
- Cultural Continuity: Promotes cultural and linguistic traditions within immigrant families
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Who is eligible to receive an invitation in the 2025 PGP intake?
Only those who submitted an interest to sponsor form in 2020 and have not yet been invited will be eligible for the 2025 intake. IRCC is not opening a new interest to sponsor process this year.
What happens if I do not receive an invitation in 2025?
If you are not invited, you can explore the Super Visa, which allows parents and grandparents to visit Canada for up to 5 years at a time, with a 10-year multiple-entry validity.
How long do I have to submit my sponsorship application after receiving an invitation?
Once you receive an invitation to apply, you must submit your completed application within the deadline specified in the invitation, typically within 60 days.
Can I include my spouse’s income to meet the Minimum Necessary Income?
Yes, sponsors can include the income of a spouse or common-law partner by having them co-sign the application. This helps meet the required income thresholds.
What are the main differences between the PGP and the Super Visa?
The PGP grants permanent residence to sponsored parents and grandparents, giving them full access to healthcare and social benefits. The Super Visa is a long-term visitor visa that does not lead to permanent residence but allows extended stays in Canada.
