2025 Canada's Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) Intake Opened on July 28

2025 Intake: Key Details

The 2025 intake for the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) is a significant opportunity for those who submitted an interest to sponsor form in 2020. Beginning July 28, 2025, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will begin issuing invitations to apply under the 2025 sponsorship intake. Invitations will be sent to individuals who submitted an Interest to Sponsor form in 2020.

A total of 17,860 invitations will be issued over a period of approximately two weeks. The objective is to receive 10,000 complete applications for processing.

Please be advised that if you receive an invitation, your complete application must be submitted no later than 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on October 9, 2025. Late submissions will not be accepted under any circumstances.

Only those invited can apply, and applications submitted without an invitation will be returned. If you’re not selected, consider alternatives like the Super Visa, which allows parents and grandparents to stay in Canada for up to 5 years at a time, with possible 2-year extensions.

Who Can Sponsor Their Parents or Grandparents?

To be eligible to sponsor, you need to meet specific criteria:

• Invitation to Apply: You must have submitted an interest to sponsor form in 2020 and been randomly selected for the 2025 intake.

• Age and Residency: You must be at least 18 and live in Canada with a primary residential address here throughout the application process.

• Status: You need to be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or registered under the Canadian Indian Act.

• Financial Stability: You must prove you have enough income to support everyone you’re responsible for, including yourself, your family, and those you’re sponsoring. This is based on the income requirements for the three tax years before you apply (2022, 2023, and 2024).

• Clean Record: You can’t sponsor if you’re in jail, have unpaid immigration loans or family support payments, are undischarged from bankruptcy, receive social assistance (unless for a disability), or have certain criminal convictions.

If you’re in Quebec, additional provincial requirements apply, and you’ll need to submit an undertaking to the Quebec government after federal approval.

Income Requirements

The government wants to ensure you can financially support your family. You’ll need to meet the Minimum Necessary Income (MNI) for your family size, which includes yourself, your spouse or common-law partner, dependent children, and the people you’re sponsoring (plus their family members).

Who Can You Sponsor?

You can sponsor your biological or adopted parents and grandparents, their dependent children (like your siblings), and, if applicable, their current spouse or common-law partner. If your parents are divorced, you’ll need separate applications for each. If they’re separated but not divorced, you submit one application since they’re still legally married.

You can’t sponsor your in-laws unless your spouse receives their own invitation to apply, in which case you can co-sign their application. Also, anyone inadmissible to Canada (e.g., due to criminality or medical issues) cannot be sponsored.

The Application Process

Here’s how it works:

1. Get Invited: Only those who submitted an interest to sponsor form in 2020 and are selected for the 2025 intake can apply. Check your email (including spam) for the invitation starting July 28, 2025.

2. Submit Applications: You’ll complete a sponsorship application, and your parents or grandparents will submit a permanent residence application. Both are submitted together online via the Permanent Residence Portal. If multiple family members are applying as principal applicants, each needs their own portal account.

3. Provide Documentation: You’ll need to submit proof of income, relationship documents, police certificates, medical exams, biometrics, and more. Keep your contact information updated to avoid delays.

4. Processing: Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will review your eligibility as a sponsor and your family members’ eligibility for permanent residence. If approved, they’ll need to submit passports, photos, and fees. Once processed, they’ll receive a Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) and, if needed, a permanent resident visa.

For Quebec residents, you’ll submit an additional undertaking to the provincial government after federal approval.

Tips from an RCIC

• Double-Check Eligibility: Review your income, family size, and any potential barriers (like unpaid debts or criminal records) before applying.

• Stay Organized: Gather all documents early, especially CRA Notices of Assessment. If you don’t have them, log into CRA’s My Account or consent to IRCC accessing your tax info.

• Act Fast: If invited, don’t miss the application deadline. Incomplete or late applications will be returned.

• Consider Alternatives: If you’re not invited or don’t meet the requirements, explore the visas for parents, which allows parents and grandparents to stay in Canada for up to 5 years at a time, with possible 2-year extensions.

Sponsoring your parents or grandparents is a meaningful way to bring your family closer together in Canada, but it’s a long-term commitment that requires careful planning. As an RCIC, I’ve helped many families navigate this process successfully, and I’m here to tell you it’s worth the effort when you see your loved ones thriving as permanent residents. If you’re invited to apply for the 2025 intake, take the time to understand your responsibilities, gather your documents, contact us and reach out to a professional if you need guidance.

Schedule a Consultation with an authorized immigration consultant