New Canada Parents and Grandparents PR Intake Opens On July 28

In a significant move to reunite families across the country, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has announced that the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) will reopen for new applications starting July 28, 2025. This year, the program will accept up to 25,000 sponsorship applications, marking a substantial increase from previous years.

The PGP, a popular pathway for Canadian citizens and permanent residents to sponsor their parents and grandparents for permanent residence, has seen considerable changes in recent years. In 2025, IRCC has not only expanded the application cap but also clarified the process and eligibility criteria to ensure a smoother experience for applicants.

Increased Application Cap for 2025

One of the most notable updates this year is the increased application cap. IRCC will process up to 25,000 sponsorship applications in 2025. This is a significant rise from the initial 10,000 applications announced earlier and a reversal of the January 2025 decision, which limited the cap to 15,000 applications from the previous year’s intake.

Of the 25,000 applications, 10,000 will be new submissions received in 2025. The remaining 15,000 will consist of applications submitted in 2024 that are being processed this year. This dual approach aims to address the backlog while accommodating new applicants.

Application and Invitation Process

For those hoping to sponsor their parents or grandparents, it’s important to understand the updated process. IRCC will not accept new interest-to-sponsor forms in 2025. Instead, the department will continue to draw from the pool of forms submitted in 2020. This means that Canadian citizens and permanent residents who submitted their forms during the 2020 cycle still have a chance to be selected this year.

The selection process remains random, with potential sponsors being invited through a lottery system. Once invited, sponsors must submit a complete sponsorship application within the specified deadline. Missing this deadline could result in the invitation being revoked.

Status of the Program & Background

The Parents and Grandparents Program is a cornerstone of Canada’s family reunification policies. Due to overwhelming demand, the program has relied on a lottery-based selection process since 2020, rather than the traditional first-come, first-served approach.

Since 2020, IRCC has exclusively used the interest-to-sponsor forms submitted during that year. No new pools have been created, and the 2024 intake is now closed. Those who have not been selected in previous rounds must wait for future opportunities or explore alternative pathways.

Alternative Option: Super Visa

For those who are not invited to apply through the PGP or who do not meet the eligibility criteria, the Super Visa remains a viable alternative. This program allows parents and grandparents to visit Canada for up to five years at a time. While it does not grant permanent residence, it provides an opportunity for family reunification for those waiting for a more permanent solution.

These updates, published in the Canada Gazette and through official government communications in March 2025, underscore Canada’s commitment to balancing family reunification with the high demand for the PGP. As the program continues to evolve, it remains a vital pathway for families to unite and build their lives in Canada.

Implications of the 2025 PGP Updates

The decision to increase the application cap to 25,000 for 2025 reflects IRCC’s efforts to address the growing backlog of sponsorship applications. This move is expected to reduce wait times for families seeking to reunite with their loved ones in Canada. However, the continued reliance on the 2020 interest-to-sponsor pool highlights the ongoing challenges in managing the high demand for the program.

By processing 15,000 applications from the 2024 intake alongside 10,000 new submissions, IRCC aims to strike a balance between clearing the existing backlog and accommodating new applicants. This approach ensures that those who have been waiting for several years have a chance to move forward, while also providing new opportunities for sponsorship.

Eligibility Criteria and Sponsorship Requirements

While the eligibility criteria for sponsors remain largely unchanged, IRCC has emphasized the importance of meeting the minimum necessary income (MNI) requirements. Sponsors must demonstrate that they can financially support their parents or grandparents in Canada, ensuring they do not rely on government assistance.

The MNI requirements vary based on family size and are updated annually. Sponsors are encouraged to review the most recent figures to ensure they meet the financial obligations of the program. Failure to meet these requirements can result in the application being rejected.

Processing Times and Application Deadlines

IRCC has not yet provided specific details on processing times for the 2025 PGP intake. However, based on previous years, applicants can expect a thorough review process that includes background checks, medical examinations, and financial assessments. Sponsors are advised to submit their applications as early as possible to avoid delays.

Once an invitation to apply is issued, sponsors have a limited time to submit their complete application. Missing the deadline could result in the invitation being revoked, and the sponsor would need to wait for future opportunities to apply.

Future of the PGP and Potential Reforms

The 2025 updates to the PGP are part of a broader effort by the Canadian government to modernize its immigration programs. While the lottery system has been in place since 2020, there have been calls for reforms to make the program more equitable and responsive to the needs of Canadian families.

Advocates have suggested that IRCC consider alternative approaches, such as a first-come, first-served system or a more nuanced selection process that prioritizes certain applicants. However, any significant changes to the program would require careful consideration of the impact on processing times and demand.

Public Reaction and Stakeholder Feedback

The announcement of the increased application cap and clarified process has been met with mixed reactions. While many have welcomed the opportunity to sponsor their parents and grandparents, others have expressed frustration with the continued reliance on the 2020 interest-to-sponsor pool.

Stakeholders, including immigration lawyers and advocacy groups, have called for greater transparency in the selection process and more frequent updates on the status of applications. They have also emphasized the need for additional support for those who are unable to sponsor their loved ones through the PGP.

Conclusion

The 2025 Parents and Grandparents Program intake represents a step forward in Canada’s efforts to reunite families. While the increased application cap and clarified process are positive developments, there is still work to be done to ensure the program meets the needs of all Canadian families.

As IRCC continues to navigate the challenges of high demand and limited capacity, it is likely that further reforms will be introduced in the coming years. For now, the 25,000 application cap and lottery-based selection process remain in place, offering hope to thousands of families seeking to reunite in Canada.

Conclusion

The 2025 intake of the Parents and Grandparents Program marks a significant step in Canada’s family reunification efforts. With an increased application cap of 25,000 and a continued lottery system, IRCC aims to balance the high demand with efficient processing. The use of the 2020 interest-to-sponsor pool and the Super Visa alternative provides multiple pathways for families. As the program evolves, future reforms may address current challenges, ensuring the PGP remains a vital option for family unity in Canada.

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