Canada Announces New Parents and Grandparents Program Invitations for 2025: Key Details for 2020 Sponsors
- What's Happening: Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will issue 10,000 invitations to apply for the 2025 Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP).
- Who is Eligible: Invitations will only be sent to potential sponsors who submitted an interest to sponsor form in 2020 and have not yet been invited.
- Key Date: The invitation process will begin on July 28, 2025, and will continue for approximately two weeks.
On July 16, 2025, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) provided a much-anticipated update on its family reunification efforts. The department announced it will begin sending invitations for the 2025 intake of the highly sought-after Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) later this month. This year, Canada aims to accept up to 10,000 complete applications, offering a pathway to permanent residence for the parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens and permanent residents.
Who Does This Affect?
This announcement directly impacts a specific group of potential sponsors. The key details are as follows:
- Eligible Candidates: Only individuals who submitted an interest to sponsor form during the 2020 intake period are eligible to receive an invitation in this round.
- Ineligible Candidates: IRCC has confirmed it will not open a new interest to sponsor form for the 2025 intake. If you did not submit a form in 2020, you will not be eligible for an invitation this year.
- Effective Date: Invitations will be sent out starting on July 28, 2025.
- Alternative Options: Those not invited to apply are encouraged to consider the , a multiple-entry visa that allows parents and grandparents to visit Canada for extended periods.
Detailed Breakdown of the Changes
Here is a closer look at how the 2025 Parents and Grandparents Program intake will operate.
Invitation Process
Starting on July 28, 2025, IRCC will begin sending Invitations to Apply (ITAs) via email. This process will take place over approximately two weeks. Potential sponsors from the 2020 pool are strongly advised to monitor the email account they used for their original submission. IRCC specifically notes that applicants "should make sure to check their junk and spam folders" to ensure they do not miss this critical communication.
Application Quota and Submission
For the 2025 cycle, IRCC will accept a maximum of 10,000 complete applications. Those who receive an invitation will be required to submit their full application package electronically. Applications can be submitted through the Permanent Residence Portal or, for those using an authorized representative, the Representative Permanent Residence Portal.
Context and Implications (The "Why")
IRCC's decision to exclusively draw from the 2020 pool of candidates is a direct response to the significant backlog of interest. The department stated that this approach was chosen "due to the number of forms remaining in the pool of interest to sponsor submissions from 2020." This strategy aims to process the existing inventory of potential sponsors who have been waiting for several years, rather than adding new candidates to an already oversubscribed program.
For applicants in the 2020 pool, this news brings renewed hope for reuniting with their families in Canada. However, for many others who have been waiting for a chance to apply since 2020, this will be disappointing news, as it extends their wait for another year. The continued reliance on the 2020 lottery underscores the immense demand for family sponsorship in Canada.
How to Prepare
If you submitted an interest to sponsor form in 2020, here are the immediate next steps you should take:
- Monitor Your Email: Beginning July 28, 2025, diligently check the inbox, spam, and junk folders of the email address you provided to IRCC in 2020.
- Review Eligibility Requirements: Take this time to re-confirm that you still meet all the PGP eligibility criteria, including the crucial income requirements for the past three tax years.
- Gather Your Documents: Begin organizing necessary documents, such as your Notices of Assessment from the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA), to ensure you can submit a complete application if you are invited.
Conclusion
The 2025 Parents and Grandparents Program intake provides a clear path forward for 10,000 families who have been waiting since 2020. By focusing on the existing pool of candidates, IRCC is addressing a long-standing backlog while reaffirming its commitment to family reunification. Potential sponsors should prepare now by checking their emails and reviewing their eligibility, while others may need to continue exploring the Super Visa as a viable alternative for bringing their loved ones to Canada.
