Canada’s Parents & Grandparents Program (often called “PGP”) is the route by which Canadian citizens or permanent residents can sponsor their parents and grandparents for permanent residence. In 2025, there are several key changes and details you should know, whether you are a potential sponsor, a parent or grandparent hoping to come, or seeking legal help.
Key Highlights of PGP 2025
Here are the most important facts about the 2025 intake:
Intake period & invitations
IRCC (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada) began sending invitations to apply (ITAs) on July 28, 2025.
Invitations are sent only to those who submitted an Interest to Sponsor form in 2020 and have not yet received an invitation.
A total of about 17,860 invitations are being issued over approximately two weeks. Out of those, the goal is to accept 10,000 complete applications.
Deadline to submit the complete application (once invited) is 11:59 p.m. ET on October 9, 2025. No exceptions.
Eligibility criteria for sponsors
To be eligible to sponsor parents or grandparents under PGP 2025, the sponsor must:
Be at least 18 years old.
Be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or registered under the Indian Act.
Live in Canada at their primary residential address when applying and until a decision is made.
Have submitted an Interest to Sponsor form in 2020 and not previously have been invited.
Meet minimum income requirements (for the past three taxation years) based on family size; a spouse/common-law partner can co-sign if needed.
Who you can sponsor
You may sponsor:
Your biological or adopted parents and/or grandparents
Their spouse, common-law or conjugal partner (if applicable)
Dependent children of the parents/grandparents (e.g. siblings, or children of dependent children) if those dependents satisfy the dependency criteria.
Financial obligations and the undertaking
Some financial and responsibility requirements to be aware of:
Undertaking commitment: The sponsor must sign an undertaking to financially support the sponsored persons for a specified number of years. Outside Quebec this is 20 years; in Quebec it is 10 years.
Repayment of social assistance: If a sponsored parent or grandparent (or their accompanying family members) receives social assistance during the undertaking period, the sponsor is legally required to repay those benefits to the government.
Eligibility restriction for sponsors: A person cannot sponsor if they are receiving social assistance themselves, unless it is specifically for disability.
Minimum Necessary Income (MNI)
The income you report for the past three tax years (2022, 2023, 2024) must meet the Minimum Necessary Income threshold, which is based on family size.
The 2025 MNI thresholds for some family-sizes (outside Quebec) are (2024 / 2023 / 2022):
2 persons: CAD 47,549 / 44,530 / 43,082
3 persons: CAD 58,456 / 54,743 / 52,965
4 persons: CAD 70,972 / 66,466 / 64,306
For larger family sizes, the amounts increase accordingly; co-signers (spouse/common-law partner) can help meet the income requirement.
How to apply once invited
If you are invited, you must submit both the sponsorship application and the permanent residence application together through IRCC’s Permanent Residence Portal (or representative portal if using a paid representative).
All required documents, forms, biometrics, medical exams, police certificates, etc., must be provided. Missing/incomplete items may cause delays or even return of application.
For those who did NOT get an invitation
If you did not submit an interest in 2020 or you submitted but did not get an ITA, you cannot apply under the 2025 PGP via this route. IRCC is not reopening the Interest to Sponsor form in 2025.
However, there is the Super Visa option: a long-term multiple-entry visitor visa for parents or grandparents who want to stay in Canada for up to 5 years at a time. Might be a viable alternative while waiting.
What’s Different or New in 2025
Compared to previous PGP intakes, the 2025 version has some notable features:
Use of the 2020 pool only: Instead of reopening the Interest to Sponsor form (which many had hoped for), IRCC is selecting solely from those who submitted in 2020.
Higher income requirements: The Minimum Necessary Income figures have increased. For example, for two-person family (sponsor + 1 parent/grandparent), it’s CAD 47,549 for 2024 (versus lower amounts in past years).
Clear deadlines: The October 9, 2025 deadline is firm. Applications submitted after that—even if you got an invitation—won’t be accepted.
Common Pitfalls & Important Considerations
When preparing under PGP 2025, applicants should watch out for:
Losing track of the 2020 email address you used to submit the Interest to Sponsor form. If you don’t check it (including spam/junk), you might miss your invitation.
Failing to meet income over the required 3 years. The threshold applies for each of the three taxation years. Missing one year or having income just below the threshold might disqualify you.
Not including all dependents properly (those of parents/grandparents, step-relations etc.). If incorrectly designated, that can delay or complicate the application.
Underestimating the undertaking: Sponsors are responsible for many years of support. Financial planning needs to take this seriously.
Medical, police, and admissibility requirements: Any criminal history, health issues, or incomplete medical exams / police certificates can cause delays or refusal.
What to Do If You Want to Sponsor
Here are practical steps/suggestions for those considering participating in PGP or preparing for future rounds:
Check your eligibility now
Even if you didn’t get an invitation, ensure your status (PR or citizenship), residence, age, and income meet the criteria.
Maintain your tax records and income documentation
Having clean Notices of Assessment for the past three years is crucial. If income is borderline, consider co-signing arrangements.
Keep your contact info current
Especially the email used in 2020. Ensure you have access, check spam folders etc. If you changed email, see if IRCC allows updating it (if applicable).
Prepare documents in advance
Have birth/adoption certificates, proof of relationship, identity documents, police certificates, and medical exams ready (or know how to get them fast).
Explore alternative pathways
If you have not been invited, Super Visa might provide a temporary longer-stay option while permanent routes are closed.
Consider getting professional help
An immigration lawyer or accredited consultant can help ensure your application is error-free, that you meet all obligations (including the undertaking), and that admissibility issues are addressed beforehand.
Final Thoughts
The 2025 Canadian Parents & Grandparents Sponsorship Program offers a renewed opportunity for family reunification, but under stricter, well-defined criteria and a limited intake. If you’re eligible and receive an invitation, make sure to act quickly and carefully. If you’re not yet eligible, staying informed and prepared will put you in a better position for the next round. If you wish to know more about the PGP or are facing any delays, get in touch with Kurzfeld Law Firm.
