Good news for families hoping to reunite in Canada! Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has announced the official launch of the 2025 Parents and Grandparents Sponsorship Program (PGP) intake. This means starting July 28, 2025, invitations to apply will be sent to up to 10,000 eligible sponsors over a two-week period.
What You Need to Know About the 2025 PGP Intake
If you’re one of the many who submitted an Interest to Sponsor form back in 2020 and haven’t heard back yet, this might be your chance. IRCC will be selecting applicants from that existing 2020 pool, so there’s no new form to submit this year.
Check your inbox! Invitations will be sent to the email address you used in your 2020 submission. Be sure to check spam and junk folders—you don’t want to miss this important email.
Why IRCC Is Using the 2020 Pool
Due to the high volume of remaining submissions from 2020, IRCC has decided to continue pulling from that list rather than opening up a new round of interest forms. This helps streamline the process and gives previously hopeful applicants another opportunity.
How to Apply If You’re Invited
If you receive an invitation, you’ll be able to submit your application online through either of the:
- Permanent Residence Portal, or
- Representative Permanent Residence Portal (if you’re using an immigration consultant or lawyer)
As an applicant, do make sure your application is complete and submitted within the required deadline to avoid missing out.
Didn’t Get Invited? Consider the Super Visa Option
If you’re not among those selected in PGP 2025, don’t lose hope. The Canada Super Visa for parents and grandparents is a great alternative. It’s a multiple-entry visa valid for up to 10 years, allowing your loved ones to stay in Canada for up to 5 years at a time, with the option to extend their stay by up to 2 additional years—all without leaving the country.
This route provides flexibility and is especially helpful for families wanting to stay close while waiting for future sponsorship opportunities.
Learn from the Past: PGP Intake Reports Available
Do you want to understand how the program has evolved? Check out the Parents and Grandparents Program: Intake Report 2020 to 2022 available on the IRCC website. It offers insights into previous application cycles and may help you better prepare for future intakes.
Final Tip: If you’re still in the 2020 interest pool, this could be your year! Keep an eye on your email and prepare your documents in advance. For those who don’t make the cut, the Super Visa remains a strong alternative to bring your parents and grandparents to Canada.