Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has officially announced the launch of its 2025 intake for the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP). Beginning July 28, 2025, IRCC will issue up to 10,000 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) for permanent residence sponsorship under the PGP.
This year’s intake will draw exclusively from the 2020 pool of potential sponsors who submitted an interest to sponsor form and have not yet received an invitation. The invitation window will span approximately two weeks, ending by mid-August 2025.
This announcement represents a significant step forward in addressing long-standing backlogs and underscores Canada’s continued emphasis on family reunification as a core priority in its immigration framework.
Overview of the 2025 PGP Intake
The PGP enables eligible Canadian citizens and permanent residents to sponsor their parents and grandparents for permanent residence in Canada. Successful applicants gain access to Canadian healthcare, social benefits, and the ability to live with their family members permanently.
Due to substantial demand and administrative delays caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, IRCC is continuing to prioritize individuals who submitted sponsorship interest forms in 2020. No new submissions will be accepted for the 2025 cycle.
Key Details:
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Intake Period | July 28 to mid-August 2025 |
| Invitations to Apply | Up to 10,000 |
| Eligibility | Only individuals from the 2020 pool who have not yet received an invitation |
| Application Method | Electronic submission via IRCC Permanent Residence Portal |
All communication will be sent via email. Potential sponsors are advised to monitor the email address used in their 2020 submission, including junk and spam folders.
Eligibility Requirements for Sponsors
To be eligible to sponsor a parent or grandparent under the 2025 PGP, an applicant must:
- Be at least 18 years of age
- Be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or a registered Indian under the Canadian Indian Act
- Reside in Canada
- Meet or exceed the Minimum Necessary Income (MNI) for the last three consecutive taxation years
- Sign a 20-year sponsorship undertaking (10 years if residing in Quebec)
- Agree to assume full financial responsibility for the sponsored individual(s) for the duration of the undertaking
Sponsors may include a spouse or common-law partner as a co-signer in order to meet income requirements.
Who Can Be Sponsored
Eligible relatives for sponsorship under the PGP include:
- Biological or adopted parents
- Biological or adopted grandparents
- Spouses or common-law partners of the parents or grandparents
- Dependent children of the parents or grandparents (where applicable)
Sponsorship Obligations
Sponsoring a parent or grandparent is a legally binding financial commitment. The sponsor must agree to:
- Provide for the basic needs of the sponsored person(s), including food, shelter, and clothing
- Cover medical expenses not included in provincial or territorial health insurance
- Ensure that the sponsored individual does not rely on social assistance for a period of 20 years (10 years in Quebec)
- Repay any social assistance payments received by the sponsored individual during the undertaking period
Failure to comply with sponsorship obligations may result in legal action or future ineligibility to sponsor.
Required Documentation
Applicants invited under the PGP must submit the following:
- IMM 1344: Application to Sponsor, Sponsorship Agreement, and Undertaking
- IMM 5768: Financial Evaluation
- IMM 0008: Generic Application for Permanent Residence
- Identity and relationship documents (e.g., birth certificates, marriage certificates)
- Police clearance certificates (valid for one year)
- Medical examination results
- Biometrics for all applicants aged 14 to 79
All applications must be submitted electronically through the Permanent Residence Portal or the Representative Portal (if using a licensed representative). The deadline for submission is typically 60 days from the date of invitation.
Processing Time
The average processing time for PGP applications ranges from 12 to 24 months, depending on the complexity of the case and IRCC intake volumes.
The Super Visa Alternative
For individuals who do not receive an invitation during the 2025 PGP cycle, IRCC recommends the Parents and Grandparents Super Visa as an alternative.
About the Super Visa:
- A multiple-entry visa valid for up to 10 years
- Allows stays in Canada for up to 5 years per visit
- May be extended for up to 2 additional years without exiting Canada
Super Visa Eligibility:
- The applicant must undergo a medical examination
- The child or grandchild in Canada must meet the income requirement and provide a formal invitation letter
- The applicant must provide proof of private Canadian health insurance coverage for at least one year
The Super Visa does not grant permanent residence, but it offers greater flexibility for long-term visits and family support.
Benefits of Family Reunification through PGP
The Parents and Grandparents Program delivers meaningful social, economic, and cultural benefits for Canadian families, including:
- Emotional and psychological support for immigrant households
- Childcare and multigenerational household assistance
- Reinforcement of cultural heritage and language preservation
- Improved settlement outcomes for newcomers with family support
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible for the 2025 PGP intake?
Only individuals who submitted an interest to sponsor form in 2020 and have not yet received an invitation are eligible.
Will IRCC open a new pool in 2025?
No. The 2025 intake will use the 2020 pool only. There will be no new intake of interest to sponsor forms this year.
What happens if I do not receive an invitation?
You may still apply for the Super Visa, which provides extended temporary stays for parents and grandparents.
How long do I have to submit the application after receiving an invitation?
Generally, 60 days from the date of the invitation.
Can I combine my spouse’s income with mine to meet the income threshold?
Yes. A spouse or common-law partner may co-sign the application to help meet the Minimum Necessary Income.
What are the key differences between the PGP and the Super Visa?
The PGP offers permanent residence and access to all public services. The Super Visa is a temporary visa that allows long-term visits but does not lead to permanent residence.
CONCLUSION
The 2025 Parents and Grandparents Program presents a critical opportunity for Canadian families who have waited since 2020 to reunite with their loved ones under the permanent residence framework. Sponsors should be vigilant in checking their email inboxes and prepare all necessary documentation in advance to meet IRCC’s submission timelines.
Those not selected can still benefit from Canada’s robust Super Visa pathway, which continues to offer an accessible option for extended family visits. Regardless of the path chosen, applicants are encouraged to consult with an authorized immigration professional to ensure compliance with all IRCC requirements and maximize their chances of success.
For the most current updates and official application links, visit the Government of Canada Immigration Portal.