Canada's 2025 Parents and Grandparents Program: Important Update on Invitations
- What's Happening: Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will begin sending invitations to apply for the 2025 Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP), aiming to accept up to 10,000 complete applications.
- Who Is Affected: Invitations will only be sent to potential sponsors who submitted an interest to sponsor form in 2020 and have not yet been invited to apply. No new interest forms will be accepted this year.
- Key Date: IRCC will start sending invitations on July 28, 2025, over a period of approximately two weeks.
On July 16, 2025, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) provided a long-awaited update on the 2025 intake for the highly sought-after Parents and Grandparents Program. The department confirmed it will proceed with inviting candidates from the existing pool of submissions, continuing a practice from previous years. This announcement clarifies the process and timeline for thousands of Canadian citizens and permanent residents hoping to reunite with their families.
Who Does This Affect?
This announcement directly impacts the following groups:
- Potential Sponsors from the 2020 Pool: If you submitted an interest to sponsor form in 2020 but did not receive an invitation in subsequent years, you are in the pool for this 2025 intake. You should closely monitor the email address you provided on that form.
- New Potential Sponsors: Individuals who did not submit an interest to sponsor form in 2020 are not eligible for this year's intake. IRCC will not be opening a new interest to sponsor form for 2025.
- Families Seeking Alternatives: Those not invited to apply this year may consider the program as an alternative for bringing parents and grandparents to Canada for extended stays.
Detailed Breakdown of the Changes
IRCC has outlined a clear process for the 2025 PGP intake. Here are the key details potential sponsors need to know.
The Invitation Process
Starting on July 28, 2025, IRCC will begin sending out invitations to apply. This process will take place over approximately two weeks. The department explicitly states that it is using the remaining submissions from the 2020 interest to sponsor pool due to the high volume of remaining candidates. Those who submitted a form in 2020 are strongly encouraged to check their email accounts, including junk and spam folders, during this period.
Application Quota and Submission
The goal for the 2025 intake is to receive up to 10,000 complete applications. Those who receive an invitation will be required to submit their application electronically. Applications must be submitted through either the or the Representative Permanent Residence Portal for those using an immigration representative.
Context and Implications (The "Why")
IRCC's decision to continue drawing from the 2020 pool of sponsors is a strategic move to manage its application inventory. The 2020 intake saw an overwhelming number of submissions, and by not opening a new form, the department aims to clear this backlog and maintain reasonable processing times. This approach provides a clear path forward for those who have been waiting for several years, though it will be disappointing for those who have become eligible to sponsor since 2020.
The continued promotion of the Super Visa underscores the government's strategy to offer a viable, long-term alternative for family reunification. The Super Visa allows parents and grandparents to stay in Canada for up to five years at a time, providing a flexible option for families not selected through the PGP lottery system.
How to Prepare
If you submitted an interest to sponsor form in 2020, here are your immediate next steps:
- Monitor Your Email: Starting July 28, 2025, check the email account you used for your 2020 submission daily. Be sure to look in your spam and junk folders.
- Review Eligibility: If you receive an invitation, you will need to prove you still meet the income and other eligibility requirements for the PGP.
- Prepare for Electronic Submission: Familiarize yourself with the Permanent Residence Portal, as this will be the required method for submitting your application.
Conclusion
The 2025 Parents and Grandparents Program intake brings renewed hope for sponsors who have been waiting since 2020. With 10,000 invitations set to be issued starting July 28, 2025, the key for eligible candidates is vigilance. By monitoring their email and preparing for a potential invitation, sponsors can be ready to act quickly to reunite with their loved ones in Canada. For all others, the Super Visa remains the most accessible pathway for extended family visits.
