Canada’s 2025 Parents and Grandparents Sponsorship Program to Invite Over 17000 Applicants Starting July 28

Canada to Issue Invitations for Parents and Grandparents PR Pathway in 2025

Canada is set to launch its 2025 Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP), a significant initiative aimed at family reunification. This year, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will send out approximately 17,860 invitations to apply for permanent residency over two weeks starting July 28, 2025. The program focuses on processing applications from a pool of sponsors who submitted an interest to sponsor form in 2020.

Eligibility for the 2025 PGP is limited to those who completed the interest to sponsor form in 2020. IRCC is not accepting new submissions this year, prioritizing the existing pool of applicants. Sponsors who submitted their interest in 2020 but have not yet received an invitation should monitor their email, including spam and junk folders, for an invitation to apply.

The invitation process will begin on July 28, 2025, and continue until mid-August. Invitations to apply (ITAs) will be sent directly to eligible sponsors using the contact information provided in their 2020 submissions. Once invited, sponsors will have 60 days to submit a complete application through the Permanent Residence Portal or the Representative Permanent Residence Portal if using an immigration representative.

Processing times for the program currently average 36 months for applicants outside Quebec and 48 months for those in Quebec. Sponsors must meet financial eligibility requirements and commit to supporting their parents or grandparents for 20 years (or 10 years if sponsoring through Quebec).

Approved parents and grandparents will receive permanent resident status, granting them the right to work in Canada, access healthcare, and enjoy all rights and protections under Canadian law. However, IRCC will not accept new interest to sponsor forms in 2025, focusing solely on the 2020 pool due to program backlogs.

Those not invited this year can explore alternative options, such as the Parents and Grandparents Super Visa, which allows extended stays in Canada but does not provide permanent residency. The Super Visa remains a viable pathway for family reunification while waiting for future PGP opportunities.

For potential sponsors, it is crucial to carefully follow IRCC instructions, monitor emails for invitations, and prepare to submit complete applications within the 60-day deadline. This program offers a vital opportunity for eligible sponsors to bring their parents or grandparents to Canada for permanent residence and eventual citizenship.

How the 2025 Parents and Grandparents Program Works

The 2025 Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) is designed to reunite families by allowing Canadian citizens and permanent residents to sponsor their parents or grandparents for permanent residency. The program is structured to process applications from individuals who submitted an interest to sponsor form in 2020, with no new applications or interest forms being accepted in 2025.

Eligibility and Invitation Process

Eligibility for the 2025 PGP is strictly limited to those who submitted an interest to sponsor form in 2020. IRCC will randomly invite potential sponsors from this pool starting on July 28, 2025, and continuing until mid-August. Invitations to apply (ITAs) will be sent via email using the contact information provided in the 2020 submissions. Sponsors who submitted their interest in 2020 but have not yet been invited are advised to regularly check their email, including spam and junk folders, for an invitation.

Application Submission and Deadline

Once an invitation is received, sponsors will have 60 days to submit a complete application through the Permanent Residence Portal or the Representative Permanent Residence Portal if using an immigration representative. It is crucial to ensure all required documents are included to avoid delays or rejection. The application must be submitted electronically, and sponsors should be prepared to provide detailed financial and personal information to support their application.

Sponsorship Obligations and Requirements

Sponsors must meet specific financial and eligibility requirements to qualify for the program. They must demonstrate sufficient income to support their parents or grandparents and commit to financially supporting them for 20 years (or 10 years if sponsoring through Quebec). This financial commitment is a critical component of the sponsorship process, ensuring that sponsored family members do not become a burden on Canada’s social services.

Permanent Residence Benefits

Approved parents and grandparents will receive permanent resident status, granting them the right to live, work, and study in Canada. They will also have access to Canada’s healthcare system and enjoy all rights and protections under Canadian law. This status provides a pathway to eventual citizenship, allowing families to build a secure and stable future in Canada.

No New Applications or Interest Forms in 2025

IRCC is not accepting new interest to sponsor forms in 2025, focusing instead on processing the large pool of applications received in 2020. This decision aims to address program backlogs and ensure timely processing for existing applicants. Those who did not submit an interest form in 2020 or who are not invited in 2025 will need to wait for future opportunities to apply.

Alternative Pathways for Family Reunification

For those who are not invited to apply through the 2025 PGP, the Parents and Grandparents Super Visa offers an alternative pathway for family reunification. The Super Visa allows parents and grandparents to stay in Canada for up to five years at a time, with the option to apply for a one-year extension. While it does not provide permanent residency, the Super Visa remains a popular option for families seeking to reunite while waiting for future PGP opportunities.

Key Points for Potential Sponsors

Potential sponsors should be aware of the following key points:

• Monitor your email regularly, including spam and junk folders, for an invitation from IRCC.
• Use IRCC’s online portals to submit your application within the 60-day deadline if invited.
• The program does not accept new applications or interest forms in 2025.
• Processing times currently average 36-48 months, depending on your province.
• If you lose access to your confirmation number or email, IRCC has mechanisms for recovery after invitations are sent out.
• Approved family members gain wide-ranging benefits of being Canadian permanent residents.
• If not chosen for PGP, the Super Visa remains a viable option for family reunification.

By carefully following IRCC instructions, eligible sponsors from the 2020 interest pool have a vital opportunity to bring their parents or grandparents to Canada for permanent residence and eventual citizenship.

Conclusion

Canada’s 2025 Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) offers a significant opportunity for family reunification, allowing eligible sponsors to bring their parents or grandparents to Canada for permanent residency. With approximately 17,860 invitations set to be issued starting July 28, 2025, the program prioritizes applicants who submitted an interest to sponsor form in 2020. Sponsors must meet financial eligibility requirements, submit complete applications within 60 days of receiving an invitation, and commit to supporting their sponsored family members for 20 years (or 10 years if sponsoring through Quebec).

Approved parents and grandparents will gain permanent resident status, enabling them to live, work, and access healthcare in Canada. While IRCC is not accepting new interest to sponsor forms in 2025, the Parents and Grandparents Super Visa remains a viable alternative for those not invited to apply. Potential sponsors should monitor their emails, prepare necessary documents, and carefully follow IRCC instructions to ensure a smooth application process.

This program underscores Canada’s commitment to family reunification and provides a pathway for eligible families to build a secure future together.

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