The Parents and Grandparents Program is now open

Canada’s 2025 Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) officially opened for intake on **July 28, 2025**, marking a significant opportunity for family reunification. This popular immigration pathway allows Canadian citizens and permanent residents to sponsor their parents or grandparents for permanent residency, reinforcing Canada’s commitment to keeping families together.

This year, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will issue **17,860 invitations to apply (ITAs)** to potential sponsors, with the goal of receiving **10,000 complete applications**. These invitations will be sent over a two-week period, starting from the program’s launch date. However, only those who submitted an “interest to sponsor” form in 2020 are eligible for this year’s intake. No new submissions are being accepted, as IRCC works to address the backlog from previous years.

For those who submitted their interest in 2020, now is the time to act. Potential sponsors should monitor the email address they used during their initial application, including spam and junk folders, as invitations will be sent electronically. Once an ITA is received, applicants must submit their complete application through the Permanent Residence Portal or the Representative Permanent Residence Portal before the specified deadline.

While the PGP offers a pathway to permanent residency, not all who applied in 2020 will receive an invitation. For those who are not selected, the **Parents and Grandparents Super Visa** remains a viable alternative. This program allows parents and grandparents to visit Canada for up to five years at a time, with the option to extend their stay for two additional years. The Super Visa provides flexibility for families to reunite without the need for permanent residency.

Sponsors must meet specific eligibility criteria, including demonstrating sufficient financial capacity to support their parents or grandparents. This includes meeting a minimum income threshold for three consecutive years prior to applying. The required income varies based on family size and whether the sponsor resides in Quebec or another province. Additionally, sponsors must agree to a 20-year undertaking period (10 years for Quebec residents), during which they are financially responsible for their sponsored family members.

For those who are approved, the benefits are significant. Sponsored parents and grandparents will receive Canadian permanent residency, granting them the right to live, work, and study in Canada. They will also have access to public healthcare, full legal protection, and the opportunity to eventually apply for Canadian citizenship.

As the 2025 PGP intake progresses, IRCC will provide detailed instructions and deadlines to selected applicants. For those who lose access to their 2020 confirmation details, there may be an opportunity to update or recover their information after all ITAs have been sent out, as has been the case in previous years.

With its limited intake and high competition, the PGP underscores the importance of timely and accurate applications. For many Canadian families, this program represents a life-changing opportunity to reunite with loved ones under one of the world’s most generous family immigration systems.

Program Details and Timeline

The 2025 Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) intake officially launched on **July 28, 2025**, with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) sending out **17,860 invitations to apply (ITAs)** over a two-week period. These invitations are aimed at addressing the existing backlog of submissions from 2020, as no new “interest to sponsor” forms were accepted for this year’s intake. The program seeks to receive **10,000 complete permanent residence applications** to support family reunification efforts across Canada.

Application and Selection Process

Individuals who submitted an “interest to sponsor” form in 2020 are encouraged to monitor the email address used during their initial application, including spam and junk folders, as invitations will be sent electronically. Once an ITA is received, applicants must submit their complete application through the **Permanent Residence Portal** or the **Representative Permanent Residence Portal** before the specified deadline. Failure to meet the deadline may result in the application being rejected.

Sponsor Eligibility and Obligations

To be eligible to sponsor, individuals must be Canadian citizens or permanent residents and must have submitted an “interest to sponsor” form in 2020. Sponsors are also required to demonstrate sufficient financial capacity to support their parents or grandparents. This includes meeting a **minimum income threshold** for three consecutive years prior to applying, with the specific amount varying based on family size and whether the sponsor resides in Quebec or another province. For example, the required income will be higher for larger families and may differ depending on the sponsor’s province of residence.

In addition to financial requirements, sponsors must agree to a **20-year undertaking period** (or 10 years if the sponsor lives in Quebec). During this period, the sponsor is financially responsible for the sponsored family members and must reimburse the government for any social assistance benefits they may receive. This undertaking is a critical component of the program, ensuring that sponsored individuals do not become a burden on Canada’s social systems.

Benefits for Sponsored Family Members

Parents and grandparents approved under the PGP will receive Canadian permanent residency, granting them a wide range of benefits. These include the right to **live, work, and study in Canada**, access to **Canadian public healthcare**, and full legal protection under Canadian law. Permanent residents also have the opportunity to eventually apply for **Canadian citizenship**, further integrating into Canadian society.

Additional Information and Alternatives

For those who receive an invitation, detailed instructions and deadlines will be included to guide the application process. IRCC will also provide support for sponsors who have lost access to their 2020 confirmation details, allowing them to update or recover their information after all ITAs have been sent out, as was permitted in previous years.

For individuals who are not selected in this year’s PGP intake, the **Parents and Grandparents Super Visa** remains a viable alternative. This program allows parents and grandparents to visit Canada for up to five years at a time, with the option to extend their stay for two additional years. The Super Visa offers flexibility for families to reunite without the need for permanent residency, making it an attractive option for those awaiting a PGP invitation.

The 2025 PGP intake highlights Canada’s ongoing commitment to family reunification, but the limited number of invitations and the backlog of applications underscore the competitive nature of the program. Potential sponsors are encouraged to ensure their applications are complete and submitted on time to maximize their chances of success.

Conclusion

The 2025 Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) offers a life-changing opportunity for Canadian citizens and permanent residents to reunite with their parents or grandparents through permanent residency. With 17,860 invitations to apply and the goal of processing 10,000 complete applications, this year’s intake is highly competitive. Sponsors must act quickly, ensure their financial eligibility, and submit complete applications on time to secure this opportunity.

While the PGP provides a pathway to permanent residency, the Parents and Grandparents Super Visa remains a flexible alternative for families to reunite temporarily. IRCC’s commitment to addressing the backlog and providing clear guidance underscores the importance of timely and accurate submissions. For many, this program is a vital step toward building a future together in Canada.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)