Canada to Open Intake for Parents and Grandparents Program In July 2025

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has declared that the 2025 Parents and Grandparents Program will officially open for application as of July 28, 2025. The process begins on July 28, 2025, when IRCC will accept 10,000 invitations (ITA) for parents and grandparents to apply for permanent residence sponsorship. The invitations will be sent about two weeks from now. This will send 17,860 invitations to implement the sponsorship pool in two weeks from the interest from 2020. This long-awaited program makes it possible for Canadian citizens and permanent residents to sponsor their parents and grandparents to permanent residence in Canada.

What is the Parents and Grandparents Program (IRCC)?

The PGP is one of Canada’s most popular immigration programs for family reunification, with more applicants than sites available. In the Parent and Grandparent program, eligible Canadian residents, permanent residents, and registered Indians can sponsor their parents or grandparents for permanent residency. Sponsors must meet certain income requirements and agree to support their family associates financially after they come to Canada.

Who is eligible for the 2025 PGP Intake?

All IRCC invitations will go to potential sponsors from the existing pool of interest to sponsor forms submitted in 2020. The government is not accepting new requests for the program at this time.  Canadians and permanent residents who submitted a record that year but have not yet received an invitation are encouraged to monitor the email address they used in 2020, including all spam folders.

Once invited, sponsor applicants will need to submit their completed documents electronically via the Permanent Residence Portal or the Representative Permanent Residence Portal.

For those not selected in this round, IRCC suggests considering the Parents and Grandparents Super Visa, which presents a flexible alternative to permanent residence sponsorship for family reunification. IRCC will consider perfection, qualifying and acceptance. The treatment time can range from 12 to 24 months, which may be based on the complexity of the case and total intake versions.

About the super visa

The super visa offers Canadian citizens and residents an opportunity to host their parents or grandparents in Canada for a long period. Under the Super Visa program, a qualified host can sponsor their relative (s) to see them in Canada. The super visa can also give visitors status for up to 10 years. On the other hand, normal visitor status in Canada is typically issued for up to only six months. To be eligible for the super visa, the applicant must buy qualified health insurance and be eligible for Canada.

Why Does IRCC use the 2020 Pool

Since 2020, IRCC has maintained a large pool with an interest in sponsorship forms due to the backlogs of the pandemic and high demand. To invite this pool, IRCC aims to secure justice for applicants who have been waiting for many years.

Although this approach limits the chances of new applicants, you must ensure that the existing forms are processed by the government before reopening the sponsorship process for future intensifications.

Benefits of Sponsoring Parents and Grandparents

Family Reunification: Supports emotional and social bonds

Benefits of Permanent Residency: Key to Canadian healthcare and social agendas

Household Support: Grandparents often support with childcare, contributing to family wellbeing

Cultural Continuity: Encourages cultural and traditional practices  within immigrant households

IRCC Boosts Family Sponsorship Pathways

Canada prefers reunified families as a strong value of immigration paths. While express entry and provincial nominee programs, which are economic immigration routes, often create news, family-based immigration is still a strong route to create a harmonious culture and lively society. With Canada’s ongoing commitment to family reunification, programs like the PGP continue to play a crucial role in shaping strong, connected communities across the country. Stay informed, contact us and take this opportunity to bring your loved ones closer.

Faqs:-

When does the PGP intake open?

IRCC will begin issuing Invitations to Apply (ITAs) starting July 28, 2025

What if I didn’t submit in 2020?

You cannot participate in the 2025 intake. Consider alternatives like the Super Visa, which allows extended visits (up to 5 years per stay, valid for 10 years)

Can anyone apply in 2025?

No. Only those who submitted an Interest-to-Sponsor form in 2020 will be considered. There is no new intake for forms this year.

What are the income requirements?

Sponsors must meet the Minimum Necessary Income (MNI) for the three preceding tax years.

Income thresholds depend on household size and are the same as for prior years, excluding adjustments for Quebec’s different undertaking period

Can I do anything while waiting?

Yes: Keep your contact info up to date (especially 2020 email)

Have documents prepared in advance

Apply for the Super Visa if you need a faster way to reunite