The Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) in Canada allows Canadian citizens and permanent residents to sponsor their parents and grandparents. It is part of Canada’s commitment to family reunification. Importantly, this program caps the number of applicants each year. There are limits to who can apply, which differs from other family sponsorship programs (such as spousal sponsorship). Read below to explore the PGP, including the recent 2025 program announcement, eligibility criteria, application process, and alternative options like the Super Visa.
How to Sponsor Parents and Grandparents for Canadian Immigration: 2025 Program Update
What is the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP)?
The Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) allows Canadian citizens and permanent residents to sponsor their parents or grandparents for permanent residency. Once approved, sponsored individuals can live, work, and access healthcare in Canada. They may also later apply for Canadian citizenship if eligible.
This program differs from the Super Visa, which allows long-term visits but does not grant permanent residency.
2025 PGP Announcement: What You Need to Know
In 2025, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) aims to accept up to 10,000 complete sponsorship applications under the PGP. Notably, IRCC will not open a new intake for interest to sponsor forms this year. Instead, invitations to apply (ITAs) will be sent to randomly selected potential sponsors from the pool of submissions made in 2020. This approach mirrors the selection process used from 2020 to 2024.
If you previously submitted an interest to sponsor form and have not been invited yet, check your email for an invitation in 2025. If you did not submit a form in 2020, you will not be eligible to apply this year.
Eligibility Criteria for Sponsors
To sponsor your parents or grandparents, you must meet specific eligibility requirements:
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Age and Residency: You must be at least 18 years old and a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or a registered Indian under the Canadian Indian Act, residing in Canada.
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Financial Requirements: Sponsors must demonstrate they have sufficient income to support all family members, including those they wish to sponsor. This involves meeting or exceeding the Minimum Necessary Income (MNI) for the size of your family unit, which includes yourself, your immediate family, and the sponsored individuals. Proof of income is typically provided through Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) Notices of Assessment for the three consecutive tax years immediately preceding the application.
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Undertaking Agreement: Sponsors are required to sign an undertaking agreement, committing to financially support the sponsored individuals for 20 years (or 10 years in Quebec), starting from the date they become permanent residents. This agreement also includes repaying any social assistance benefits the sponsored family members may receive during this period.
Application Process
The PGP application process involves several key steps:
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Invitation to Apply (ITA): Only individuals who submitted an interest to sponsor form in 2020 and are randomly selected will receive an ITA. If you receive an invitation, you'll have a specified deadline to submit your complete application.
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Complete the Application Package: The application includes forms and supporting documents from both the sponsor and the principal applicant (the person being sponsored). It's crucial to thoroughly read the instruction guide (IMM 5772) to ensure all forms are correctly completed.
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Submit the Application Online: Applications must be submitted online through the Permanent Residence Portal. Ensure all required documents are included, and the application is submitted by the deadline specified in your ITA.
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Pay the Required Fees: Fees include processing fees, the right of permanent residence fee, and biometrics fees. Payment is made online, and proof of payment should be included in your application.
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Await Processing: As of February 5, 2025, the estimated processing time for PGP applications is approximately 24 months for applicants outside Quebec. For those destined for Quebec, processing times are about 48 months due to the province's specific family class admission targets.
Alternative Option: The Super Visa
For families not selected to apply under the PGP or those seeking a temporary solution, the Super Visa offers an alternative. It allows parents and grandparents to visit Canada for up to 5 years per stay, with the option to extend for up to 2 additional years.
Key Benefits of the Super Visa:
✅ Allows multiple entries into Canada for up to 10 years
✅ Faster processing than the PGP
✅ No need to meet the MNI for three years (unlike PGP)
✅ Provides a temporary solution for family reunification while waiting for PGP opportunities
To apply for a Super Visa, parents/grandparents must:
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Provide a letter of invitation from their child/grandchild in Canada.
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Show proof of private medical insurance for at least one year.
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Demonstrate their child/grandchild meets the income requirement.
Final Thoughts: Should You Apply for PGP 2025?
The Parents and Grandparents Program is a wonderful way to bring your loved ones to Canada permanently. However, the limited invitations and random selection process mean that not everyone will get a chance to apply in 2025. If you submitted an interest form in 2020, watch for an ITA email from IRCC. If you are not selected, consider the Super Visa as an alternative to keep your family close. Staying informed about program updates and understanding the eligibility criteria and application processes are essential steps toward successfully reuniting with your loved ones in Canada.
How can we help?
If you're considering sponsoring your parents or grandparents and need personalized guidance or need help applying for a super visa, feel free to schedule a strategy session with us. We would love to assist you in navigating the complexities of Canada's immigration programs.
🔗 Schedule a strategy session here: https://sisulegal.com/pages/booking-immigration-law-windsor-troy