When Will the 2025 PGP Sponsorship Open?
- Web Socialander
- 10 minutes ago
- 5 min read
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has officially announced that invitations for the 2025 Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) will begin going out on July 28, 2025. Over the course of two weeks, IRCC will send invitations to apply to randomly selected potential sponsors from the remaining pool of interest to sponsor forms submitted in 2020. This marks the continued use of the 2020 pool for the selection process. Those who receive an invitation will have the opportunity to submit a complete application to sponsor their parents or grandparents for Canadian permanent residence.
This announcement was made through an official IRCC news release and, once again, confirms that no new interest to sponsor forms will be accepted in 2025. Instead, IRCC will continue to draw from the existing pool created five years ago. This decision affects thousands of people who have been waiting since 2020 to be selected, and it also means that anyone who did not submit a form in 2020 will not be eligible to participate in this year’s intake.
After invitations to apply (ITAs) are sent, selected applicants must submit a full sponsorship application within 60 days. It's important to know how and when to apply. Missing this window or submitting incomplete documents could lead to missed opportunities or outright refusals. Therefore, it’s essential to start gathering supporting documents, such as tax records, proof of income, and identity documents, before you receive an invitation.
Overview of the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP)
The Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) is a Canadian immigration pathway that allows permanent residents and citizens to sponsor their parents and grandparents to become permanent residents of Canada. Unlike temporary visitor visas or Super Visas, the PGP offers long-term family reunification and the ability for parents or grandparents to live permanently in Canada with access to public healthcare, the ability to work, and a pathway to citizenship.
To be eligible as a sponsor under the PGP, you must:
Be at least 18 years old
Reside in Canada
Be either a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident
Demonstrate sufficient income to support the family members you are sponsoring, by meeting the Minimum Necessary Income (MNI) requirements
The MNI varies depending on your family size and how many people you're sponsoring, and is assessed using your Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) Notices of Assessment from the last three taxation years.
Many people prefer the PGP over the Super Visa because it provides permanent resident status rather than just temporary entry. The Super Visa allows eligible parents and grandparents to stay in Canada for up to five years at a time, with extensions possible, but it does not offer a route to permanent residency. In contrast, the PGP means your family members can stay indefinitely, with rights and benefits similar to other permanent residents.
How Will Invitations Be Sent in 2025?
For the 2025 intake of the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP), Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will send invitations to apply by email. These invitations will go only to individuals who submitted an interest in to sponsor form in 2020 and have not yet been invited in previous years. If you submitted your form during that period, it’s crucial to regularly check the email account you used, including spam and junk folders, throughout this date range.
The selection process remains randomized, with applicants identified by a unique confirmation number that was issued after submitting the 2020 form. If you're unsure whether you’ve been selected, IRCC will publish a list of confirmation numbers associated with invitations on their official website. You can check this list manually to see if your number is included.
Once you receive an invitation, time becomes a critical factor. You will have 60 days from the date of your invitation to submit a complete sponsorship application. This means providing proof of your status in Canada, financial documents like Notices of Assessment from the CRA, identification documents for your parents or grandparents, and any other required paperwork. Failure to submit the application within the deadline will result in the loss of your invitation.
What to Do If You Didn’t Submit an Interest Form in 2020
If you didn’t submit an interest to sponsor form back in 2020, unfortunately, you’re not eligible to participate in the 2025 Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP). IRCC has confirmed that no new interest forms will be accepted for this year. However, there are still other pathways you can explore while you wait for IRCC to reopen the interest form in a future year.
One of the most viable alternatives is the Super Visa. Unlike the PGP, which leads to permanent residency, the Super Visa is a temporary resident visa that allows parents and grandparents to stay in Canada for up to 5 years at a time, with the possibility of applying for extensions. It’s valid for up to 10 years, allowing for multiple entries and extended stays without the need for constant renewals.
To be eligible for a Super Visa, you’ll need to:
Provide a letter of invitation from you (the host child or grandchild in Canada).
Show proof of medical insurance coverage from a Canadian insurance company for at least one year.
Meet the minimum necessary income to support their stay.
Undergo a medical examination, if required.
Apart from the Super Visa, some individuals may also qualify under humanitarian and compassion grounds. This route is less common but may apply in specific circumstances, such as serious health conditions, dependency, or family breakdowns abroad.
Need Help with the Sponsorship Process?
The PGP process can be overwhelming, especially given its competitiveness and detail-oriented nature. Between understanding eligibility requirements, navigating timelines, and preparing a complete application package, many sponsors find themselves stressed or unsure if they’re doing it right.
This is where professional guidance can make all the difference. A minor error, such as missing a document, misreading an instruction, or using outdated forms, can result in your application being rejected or delayed.
At Infoplace Canada, we recognize the importance of family reunification. That’s why we offer tailored support to help you navigate the process with confidence and accuracy.
For PGP Sponsorship Applications Our Services Include:
Eligibility Assessment
We’ll confirm if you're eligible to sponsor based on income requirements, status in Canada, and past declarations.
Review of your 2020 interest to sponsor form submission and IRCC communications.
Application Strategy & Timelines
Personalized guidance based on your unique family situation.
Clear timeline planning to ensure you meet IRCC’s deadlines.
IRCC Portal & Submission Support
Full support using the Permanent Residence Portal or Representative Portal for submitting the sponsorship and permanent residence application.
Document Collection & Review
Customized document checklist for both the sponsor and the applicant (parents or grandparents).
Thorough review of supporting documents such as proof of income (NOAs), relationship evidence, and civil status documents.
Form Preparation
Accurate completion of all required IRCC forms.
Representation forms (IMM 5476) and declarations.
Letter of Explanation / Supporting Letters
Drafting clear, concise cover letters to strengthen your case, especially in complex scenarios.
Communication With IRCC
We’ll monitor and manage all communication with IRCC on your behalf, including any requests for additional documents.
Follow-Up and Post-Submission Support
Tracking your application.
Updates and guidance on next steps until a final decision is made.
Ready to take the next step? Book a consultation with our team at Infoplace today. We'll assess your situation and recommend the best course of action, setting you up for success in the future.
Conclusion
The 2025 Parents and Grandparents Program remains highly competitive, with IRCC drawing from the 2020 pool and accepting only 10,000 applications. If you submitted an interest to sponsor form in 2020, now is the time to check your confirmation number, monitor your email, and prepare your documents. For those not in the pool, options like the Super Visa or future PGP openings may offer a path forward.
Don’t navigate this alone. Infoplace can help you understand your options, avoid costly mistakes, and prepare a strong application. Contact us today at +1-306-585-6565 or email ask@infoplacecanada.ca to book a consultation.