Canada’s 2025 Parents & Grandparents Program (PGP): What You Need to Know
Canada’s immigration landscape is set for a significant update this summer. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will once again invite sponsors to bring their parents and grandparents to Canada as permanent residents under the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP).
Parents & Grandparents Program (PGP)
1. Overview
- Invitation issuance begins: July 28, 2025
- Invitation window: Approximately two weeks, likely until mid‑August
- Total invitations (ITAs): 17,860
- Targeted completed applications: 10,000
This marks the first intake since 2020, reopening the PGP based on a lottery-style system that draws from interest forms submitted in 2020—no new submissions are allowed this year.
2. Why the 2020 Pool?
Demand for the PGP has consistently outpaced supply, leading IRCC to maintain a backlog of “interest to sponsor” forms since 2020. To ensure fairness, IRCC opted to process existing submissions rather than accept new ones this year. Consequently:
- Only those who completed the 2020 form and haven’t yet received an invitation are eligible.
- IRCC recommends watching emails (incl. spam folders) for notifications.
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3. Who Can Sponsor & Who Can Be Sponsored
Sponsor Eligibility
Potential sponsors must satisfy the following:
- Residency status: Canadian citizen, permanent resident (PR), or a registered Indian per the Canadian Indian Act
- Age: 18 years or older
- Residence: Living in Canada at the time of application
- Income: Meet Minimum Necessary Income (MNI) for three consecutive past tax years. Co-signer spouse/common-law partner can combine income
- Commitment: Accept a legal undertaking to support sponsored relatives for 20 years (10 years in Quebec)
Who Can Be Sponsored
Eligible relatives include:
- Parents and grandparents (biological or adopted)
- Their spouses/common-law partners
- Their dependent children, if applicable
4. The Invitation & Application Process
Stage 1: Invitation to Apply (ITA)
- IRCC will randomly select sponsors from the 2020 pool.
- 17,860 ITAs to be sent over ~14 days starting July 28.
- Sponsors must check emails diligently, including junk/spam.
Stage 2: Submitting the Application
If you receive an ITA:
- Log into IRCC’s Permanent Residence Portal (or the Representative portal if using a paid agent).
- Assemble the complete application within the ITA-specified deadline (typically ~60 days):
- Sponsoring forms (IMM 1344, 5768, etc.)
- Permanent residence forms (IMM 0008 for principal applicant)
- Proof of income, relationship, identity
- Police clearance(s), medical exam(s), biometrics
- Fees: processing, right of PR, biometrics, etc.
- Submit electronically. IRCC expects ~10,000 completed applications to begin processing
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Stage 3: Processing
- Applications reviewed for completeness, eligibility, and admissibility.
- Processing time varies, estimated between 12–24 months depending on volume and case specifics.
5. Missed the Invitation? The Super Visa Alternative
If you don’t receive an ITA—even after submitting the 2020 interest form—you still have options:
Super Visa Highlights
- Multiple-entry visa valid for up to 10 years
- Each visit can last up to 5 years, with extensions renewable by two more years without exit
- Requires:
- Medical insurance meeting IRCC benchmarks
- Proof of admissibility
- Sponsor’s minimum income and financial undertaking
Although temporary, the Super Visa allows “long visits” and is far more generous than a standard 6-month visitor visa.
6. Sponsor Responsibilities & Legal Undertaking
By committing to sponsor, you accept several responsibilities:
- Financial support—food, housing, essentials
- Should any sponsored person receive social assistance, the sponsor is legally obliged to repay it
- In Quebec, additional responsibility via a “welcome and integration plan” may be needed
Failure to honor the undertaking can lead to serious legal and financial consequences.
7. Document Checklist: Don’t Leave Anything Out
Your application must include:
- IMM forms: Sponsorship, Undertaking, Financial Evaluation, PR application
- Proof of Relationship: passports, birth certificates, photos, correspondence
- Income verification: CRA’s Notice of Assessment for the last 3 years
- Medical exam records, biometrics, police certificates
- Fee receipts: Include all required processing and PR fees
- Sponsors should ensure everything is in English or French, certified if necessary.
Incomplete documentation can lead to return or processing delays; IRCC allows 30 days for additional documents before refusal.
8. Why This Matters: Benefits & Impacts
For Families
- Permanent residency → healthcare, social programs, potential citizenship
- Family reunification strengthens emotional bonds, cultural continuity
- With grandparents at home, parents often gain extra childcare support
For Canada
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- Fulfills mandate of family reunification
- Managed intake prevents overwhelming numbers, balancing economic and social goals
9. Challenges & What to Watch
Potential pitfalls include:
- Email issues: Junk folders swallow ITAs—check them daily.
- Strict deadlines: Typically 60 days to file—no extensions.
- Processing delays: Be prepared for up to 2-year waits.
- Backlog standstill: No new interest forms means no fresh applicants this year.
10. Step-by-Step Strategy for Sponsors
Before July 28:
- Confirm you submitted a 2020 interest form
- Update CRA Notices of Assessment to satisfy MNI
- Gather key documents in advance (IDs, income proof, proof of relationship)
From July 28 Onwards:
- Check inbox/ spam frequently for ITA
- Once received, act immediately: assemble documents, complete forms
- Submit via IRCC portal before the deadline
After Submission:
- Monitor application status online
- Be ready to respond to any IRCC requests
- Plan ahead for PR’s timeline and integration into Canadian life
11. Looking Ahead: The Future of the PGP
While IRCC hasn’t announced reopening the interest process yet, future changes may depend on processing capacity and political priorities. For now, 2025’s round focuses solely on catching up backlog from 2020:
- If selected, your parents/grandparents gain permanent residence
- If not, the Super Visa remains a viable long-stay option
- Prepare for future intakes by staying aware of IRCC’s announcements and engaging with advocacy groups lobbying for PGP expansion
12. Real-Life Insights: Experience Speaks
Although our sources didn’t quote specific applicants, immigration forums and consultants often relay advice such as:
“Make sure to watch junk folders. People have missed ITAs because they never saw the email.”
“Prepare all your documents ahead of time—the 60‑day window is non-negotiable.”
Consultants also emphasize the value of accurate income reporting and thorough documentation.
13. Quick FAQ
| Question | Answer |
| When does the PGP intake start? |
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| Who is eligible? |
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| How many applications accepted? |
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| What if I don’t get an ITA? |
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| What are income requirements? |
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| How long does processing take? |
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| Where do I submit? |
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14. Conclusion
Canada’s 2025 Parents & Grandparents Program brings hope to many families seeking permanent reunion with their loved ones. With 17,860 invitations launching on July 28, drawn exclusively from 2020’s interest form pool—and targeting 10,000 permanent residency applications—this intake blends opportunity with urgency. Successful sponsors will bring their family to build a future in Canada. Meanwhile, the Super Visa remains a valuable alternative for those who don’t receive an ITA.
For prospective sponsors, prepare now: gather documents, validate income, and stay alert for the ITA. The path to family reunification is clear—but swift, well-organized action is key.
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