IRCC to Send PGP Invitations Starting July 28
Some Canadian citizens and permanent residents will soon have the chance to sponsor their parents or grandparents for permanent residence in Canada.
Through this family reunification stream, the government aims to strengthen family ties while ensuring sponsors can meet the financial and legal responsibilities required under the program.
Those who do not receive an invitation through this process may still be able to bring their parents or grandparents to Canada through the Super Visa program, which grants long-term visitor status for up to 10 years.
Key Details of the 2025 PGP Intake
- Opening Date: July 28, 2025
- Invitation Period: Approximately 2 weeks
- Number of Invitations: 17,860
- Targeted Applications: 10,000 complete submissions
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will issue invitations to apply (ITAs) to randomly selected potential sponsors from the 2020 pool of Interest to Sponsor submissions. No new applications to enter the sponsor pool will be accepted this year.
Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP)
The Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) is a key pathway for family reunification in Canada. It allows Canadian citizens, permanent residents, and registered Indians to sponsor their parents or grandparents for permanent resident (PR) status.
Due to high demand and limited capacity, the program uses a lottery system to randomly select potential sponsors who are then invited to apply.
How to Apply
If invited, sponsors must submit a full application through the Permanent Residence Portal (or the Representative Portal if applying through a legal representative).
Required documents may include:
- Proof of status in Canada (Canadian citizen or permanent resident)
- Income documents (e.g., Notice of Assessment from the Canada Revenue Agency for the past 3 years)
- Signed undertaking and sponsorship agreement
- Proof of relationship (e.g., birth certificate, family documents)
- Valid identification and civil status documents of the parents/grandparents
- Sponsors must also meet the Minimum Necessary Income (MNI) requirements for the last 3 tax years, based on family size.
Super Visa: A Flexible Alternative
For families who are not invited in this intake, the Super Visa remains a valuable option.
Unlike standard visitor visas—which are typically valid for up to six months—the Super Visa allows for multiple entries over a 10-year period, with each stay lasting up to five years (depending on conditions at issuance).
To be eligible, applicants must:
- Be admissible to Canada;
- Purchase private medical insurance from a Canadian provider;
- Be sponsored by a host in Canada who meets the minimum income requirements and agrees to financially support them during their stay.