BREAKING: Intake to Open for Parents and Grandparents Program

In a significant announcement, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has officially revealed the opening of the 2025 intake for the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP). This program offers a pathway for Canadian citizens and permanent residents to sponsor their parents and grandparents for permanent residency in Canada. The intake process is set to commence on July 28, 2025, with IRCC issuing up to 10,000 invitations to apply (ITAs) over approximately two weeks.

This announcement marks a crucial moment for families seeking to reunite with their loved ones in Canada. The PGP has long been a vital pathway for family reunification, allowing sponsors to bring their parents and grandparents to Canada as permanent residents. However, the program has historically been oversubscribed, leading IRCC to implement a lottery system to manage the high demand.

Who Can Apply

The 2025 intake will prioritize individuals who submitted an interest to sponsor form in 2020 but have not yet received an invitation to apply. Importantly, no new interest to sponsor forms will be accepted this year. This decision reflects the continued surplus of submissions from the 2020 cycle, which has yet to be fully processed.

Those invited to apply will be required to submit their sponsorship application electronically through the Permanent Residence Portal or the Representative Permanent Residence Portal. IRCC has emphasized the importance of monitoring the email address provided in the 2020 submission, including junk and spam folders, as this is where the invitation will be sent.

Key Details of the 2025 Program

The 2025 intake will process up to 25,000 applications, representing a notable increase from previous years. This total includes applications received in response to both the 2024 and 2025 intakes, with 10,000 new applications being accepted in 2025 alone. The selection process will remain random, reflecting the high demand for family reunification opportunities.

Once an invitation to apply is received, sponsors must submit their complete application by the specified deadline. Failure to meet this deadline will result in the forfeiture of the invitation. IRCC has urged potential sponsors to prepare their documents in advance to ensure timely submission.

Alternative Options

For those who are not selected in this round, IRCC has recommended considering the Super Visa as an alternative. The Super Visa allows parents and grandparents to visit Canada for extended periods, with multi-entry validity for up to 10 years. While it does not provide permanent resident status, it offers a flexible solution for families seeking to reunite while awaiting sponsorship opportunities.

The Super Visa is designed to facilitate family reunification in a more immediate timeframe, enabling parents and grandparents to spend significant time with their loved ones in Canada while sponsorship applications are processed.

For more details on the 2025 Parents and Grandparents Program, visit CIC News.

Background and Program Significance

The Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) has been a cornerstone of Canada’s immigration policy, reflecting the government’s commitment to family reunification. Since 2020, IRCC has relied on the interest to sponsor forms submitted during that year to manage the overwhelming demand for sponsorship opportunities. This approach was necessary due to the record number of submissions received, which far exceeded the program’s capacity at the time.

Key Considerations for Applicants

The 2025 intake continues to prioritize applicants from the 2020 pool, as IRCC works to reduce the backlog of submissions. This decision ensures fairness for those who expressed interest in sponsoring their parents or grandparents several years ago. Potential sponsors are advised to review their emails regularly, as invitations to apply will be sent directly to the email addresses provided in their 2020 submissions.

Once an ITA is received, applicants must act quickly to submit their sponsorship application. The deadline for submission will be clearly specified in the invitation, and missing this deadline will result in the loss of the opportunity to apply. IRCC has encouraged sponsors to prepare all necessary documents in advance, including proof of income, medical certificates, and police clearances, to ensure a smooth and timely application process.

Importance of Family Reunification

The PGP remains one of the most popular immigration programs in Canada, underscoring the strong desire of Canadians and permanent residents to reunite with their loved ones. The program not only strengthens family ties but also contributes to the social and economic fabric of Canadian communities. By increasing the number of applications to be processed in 2025, the Canadian government has demonstrated its dedication to addressing the growing demand for family reunification opportunities.

For those who may not be selected in this round, the Super Visa remains a viable alternative. This program allows parents and grandparents to visit their families in Canada for extended periods, providing a temporary solution while they await sponsorship opportunities. The Super Visa is valid for up to 10 years and allows multiple entries into Canada, offering flexibility and peace of mind for families.

As the 2025 intake approaches, potential sponsors are encouraged to stay informed and prepared. For the latest updates and guidance on the Parents and Grandparents Program, visit IRCC’s official website.

Conclusion

The opening of the 2025 intake for the Parents and Grandparents Program represents a significant opportunity for Canadian citizens and permanent residents to reunite with their loved ones. With up to 10,000 invitations to be issued and a focus on processing 25,000 applications, this year’s program reflects IRCC’s commitment to addressing the high demand for family reunification. While the program prioritizes submissions from the 2020 pool, the increased intake capacity demonstrates progress in reducing the backlog. For those not selected, the Super Visa remains a viable alternative, offering extended visits as a temporary solution.

Prospective sponsors are encouraged to prepare their documents in advance and monitor their emails closely for invitations. Staying informed through official channels and consulting resources like CIC News and IRCC’s official website will ensure applicants remain up-to-date on the latest developments. The 2025 PGP intake is a crucial step toward strengthening family ties in Canada, and preparation is key to navigating the process successfully.

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