Sponsoring Your Parents and Grandparents to Canada

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. Starting July 28, 2025, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will begin sending out 17,860 invitations over approximately two weeks, with the goal of accepting 10,000 complete applications. If you submitted an interest to sponsor form in 2020, keep an eye on your email (including the spam folder) for your invitation, which will include your confirmation number. 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.

The Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) is one of the most sought-after pathways for family reunification in addition to the Spousal, Partner, and Dependent Child sponsorship, but it comes with responsibilities, requirements, and a process that can feel overwhelming. Let’s break it down in a conversational yet professional way to help you understand what it means to sponsor your loved ones and how to navigate the journey.

What Does It Mean to Be a Sponsor?

Being a sponsor is a big commitment, both emotionally and financially. When you sponsor your parents or grandparents, you’re promising to support them (and any accompanying family members) for a significant period, 20 years in most of Canada, or 10 years if you live in Quebec. This commitment, called the undertaking, means you’ll ensure they have their basic needs met, like food, clothing, shelter, and health care not covered by public services. It also means ensuring they won’t need to rely on government social assistance. If they do receive assistance, you’ll be responsible for repaying it.

The undertaking is legally binding, and it doesn’t end even if your circumstances change—whether you face financial challenges, move to another province, or your relationship with your sponsored family members changes. Once they become permanent residents, you’re locked in for the full period, with no option to cancel or shorten it.

You’ll also sign a sponsorship agreement with the people you’re sponsoring. This agreement outlines your responsibility to provide for their needs and their commitment to make efforts to support themselves. It’s a mutual promise that sets clear expectations for both sides.

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).

Here’s a quick look at the 2025 intake requirements:

You’ll prove your income with Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) Notices of Assessment for the past three years. If your income falls short, a spouse or common-law partner can co-sign to combine incomes.

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:

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.
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.
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.
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 Super Visa, 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, and reach out to a professional if you need guidance.

Have questions about the PGP or need help with your application? Feel free to connect with our experienced RCIC for personalized support.