📰 Headlines
On July 28, 2025, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) began issuing 17,860 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) for the 2025 Parents and Grandparents Program. IRCC aims to receive 10,000 complete sponsorship applications based on those invites.
Invitations are being sent only to those who submitted an Interest‑to‑Sponsor form in 2020 and have not yet received an invite in previous intakes.
The deadline to submit a complete sponsorship application is 11:59 p.m. ET on October 9, 2025. No exceptions.
🧾 Who Is Being Invited & Why?
This intake is based only on the 2020 pool of Interest‑to‑Sponsor forms. No new submissions are being accepted for 2025.
IRCC uses a lottery system to send ITAs. Given not all invitees will proceed, issuing 17,860 invites helps ensure IRCC reaches its quota of 10,000 completed applications.
✅ Eligibility to Sponsor
Even if you receive an ITA, you must still meet IRCC's sponsorship criteria:
- • Be a Canadian citizen or PR (or a registered Indian under the Indian Act), residing in Canada and at least 18 years old.
- • Meet the Minimum Necessary Income (MNI) for the past three tax years (based on Low-Income Cut-Off + 30%) for your household size and the number of sponsored individuals.
- • Sign an undertaking for 20 years (10 years if residing in Quebec) to financially support the sponsored family members.
📦 What Happens After an Invitation?
If selected, the application process includes:
- • Two separate forms: The sponsor's form (to demonstrate eligibility) and the permanent residence form (by the parents/grandparents).
- • Applications must be submitted through the PR Portal (or the Representative PR Portal, if using a paid representative).
- • The principal applicant (being sponsored) must upload completed PDF forms and sign the application online.
- • Fees typically start at CAD $1,205, covering application processing, right-of-PR fee, biometrics, and possibly medical exams or police certificates.
⏳ Processing Times & Alternatives
As of February 5, 2025, average processing times are approximately 24 months for applications destined outside Quebec, and around 48 months for Quebec-bound applications.
If you did not receive an invitation, your parents or grandparents can still apply for a Super Visa, allowing stays of up to 5 years at a time, multiple entries, and the possibility to extend while in Canada.
📌 Key Dates & Deadlines
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Start sending ITAs | July 28, 2025 |
| Invitation window | Approx. 2 weeks |
| Application deadline | October 9, 2025, 11:59 p.m. ET |
| Processing timeframe (non‑Quebec) | ~24 months |
| Processing timeframe (Quebec) | ~48 months |
📘 Tips for Applicants
Check your email inbox (and spam folders) linked to the 2020 Interest form.
Prepare documents ahead of time—income proofs, tax notices, marriage or birth certificates.
Complete all forms accurately and ensure fees are paid before submitting.
Use the PR Portal or Representative PR Portal, depending on your status.
Consider a Super Visa if you're not selected, or while waiting for a future intake cycle.
🎯 Why This Update Matters
- • This launch revives PGP after several years of paused or selective intake, offering another major opportunity for family reunification.
- • With a target of 10,000 new sponsorships, thousands more families will be able to settle their parents or grandparents permanently in Canada.
- • The strict eligibility, random selection, and advancement of the intake only to 2020 forms highlight the high demand and competitiveness of this pathway.
- • With long processing times, sponsors and applicants must plan strategically and stay informed.