Canada’s 2025 Parents and Grandparents Program Invites Start July 28

Key Takeaways

• IRCC starts sending 17,860 invitations for the 2025 Parents and Grandparents Program on July 28, 2025.
• Only applicants from the 2020 interest to sponsor pool can apply; no new forms accepted in 2025.
• Processing times are 24 months for most Canada and up to 48 months for Quebec applicants.

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will begin sending invitations for the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) on July 28, 2025, drawing from the pool of interest to sponsor forms submitted in 2020. This move affects thousands of families across Canada 🇨🇦 who hope to reunite with their parents and grandparents through permanent residence.

IRCC Limits New Applications, Focuses on Existing Pool

This year, IRCC will not accept new interest to sponsor forms for the Parents and Grandparents Program. Instead, the department will send out 17,860 invitations to apply, but will only process up to 10,000 complete applications. These invitations will be sent over a two-week period, starting July 28, 2025. Invited sponsors must submit their applications electronically through the Permanent Residence Portal or the Representative Permanent Residence Portal.

The decision to use the 2020 pool reflects ongoing efforts to manage high demand and long backlogs. According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, this approach aims to balance fairness for those who have waited years with the need to control processing times and resource allocation.

Why the Parents and Grandparents Program Matters

The Parents and Grandparents Program is a cornerstone of Canada’s family reunification policy. It allows Canadian citizens and permanent residents to sponsor their parents and grandparents for permanent residence, giving families a chance to live together in Canada 🇨🇦. For many, this program represents hope for a better quality of life and the ability to care for aging loved ones.

However, the program has faced significant challenges. The number of people wanting to sponsor their parents and grandparents far exceeds the number of spots available. This has led to long wait times, frustration, and uncertainty for many families.

Reduced Immigration Targets and Their Impact

In 2025, the Canadian government has reduced its overall immigration targets, including the number of PGP applications it will process. The focus this year is on handling up to 15,000 applications received in 2024, in addition to the 10,000 new applications from the 2020 pool. This reduction is part of a broader strategy to manage population growth and address concerns about housing, healthcare, and other public services.

For families hoping to bring their parents and grandparents to Canada 🇨🇦, these changes mean fewer opportunities and longer waits. Many will not receive an invitation this year, and some may never get the chance to apply through the PGP.

How the Invitation Process Works

Here’s a step-by-step look at how the Parents and Grandparents Program works in 2025:

1. Receive Invitation: Only those who submitted an interest to sponsor form in 2020 are eligible for this round. IRCC will randomly select and invite up to 17,860 potential sponsors.
2. Gather Documents: Invited sponsors must collect all required documents, including proof of income, identity documents, and a signed sponsorship agreement.
3. Submit Application: Applications must be submitted electronically through the Permanent Residence Portal or the Representative Permanent Residence Portal. Paper applications are not accepted.
4. Wait for Processing: Once submitted, applications are reviewed by IRCC. Processing times can be long, with current estimates at 24 months for most applicants outside Quebec and up to 48 months for those destined for Quebec.

For more details on eligibility and the application process, visit the official Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada website.

Who Can Sponsor Under the PGP?

To sponsor parents or grandparents under the PGP, you must meet several requirements:

• Be at least 18 years old
• Live in Canada 🇨🇦
• Be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident
• Show enough income to support the sponsored family members

Sponsors must provide proof of income for the last three tax years. This requirement ensures that sponsors can financially support their parents or grandparents without relying on social assistance.

Processing Times and Backlogs

Processing times for the Parents and Grandparents Program remain a major concern. As of February 2025, it takes about 24 months to process applications for most of Canada 🇨🇦, and up to 48 months for Quebec. These long waits are due to high demand, limited spots, and the complexity of reviewing each application.

IRCC continues to work through a backlog of applications from previous years. The decision to use the 2020 pool for invitations in 2025 is part of an effort to clear this backlog and give priority to those who have already expressed interest.

No New Interest to Sponsor Forms in 2025

One of the most significant changes this year is that IRCC will not open a new round for interest to sponsor forms. This means that only those who submitted a form in 2020 have a chance to be invited in 2025. For others, the wait continues, and there is no clear timeline for when new forms will be accepted.

This policy has caused disappointment for many families who hoped to sponsor their parents or grandparents but missed the 2020 window. Immigration lawyers and consultants report a surge in questions from clients about alternative options and future opportunities.

Super Visa: An Alternative for Family Reunification

For those not selected under the PGP, the Super Visa program offers another way to bring parents and grandparents to Canada 🇨🇦. The Super Visa allows eligible parents and grandparents to visit for up to five years at a time, with the option to extend their stay by up to two years without leaving the country.

Key features of the Super Visa include:

• Multiple entries for up to 10 years
• Stay in Canada 🇨🇦 for up to five years per visit
• Option to extend stay by up to two years
• Requires private medical insurance and proof of financial support

While the Super Visa does not provide permanent residence, it allows families to spend extended time together. Many see it as a practical solution while waiting for a chance to apply through the PGP.

Expert Perspectives on the PGP and Super Visa

Experts agree that family reunification is a vital part of Canada’s immigration policy. However, they also point out the challenges of balancing high demand with limited resources. The use of the 2020 pool for invitations is seen as a fair way to manage expectations, but it leaves many families in limbo.

“Family reunification is at the heart of our immigration system, but we must also ensure that the process is fair and manageable,” said an IRCC spokesperson. “We encourage those not selected for the PGP to consider the Super Visa as an alternative.”

Immigration consultants also stress the importance of preparing strong applications and meeting all requirements. “With so few spots available, it’s critical to submit a complete and accurate application,” said one Toronto-based consultant. “Missing documents or errors can lead to delays or refusals.”

Implications for Immigrants and Their Families

The limited number of invitations and long processing times have real effects on families. Many sponsors feel frustrated and anxious as they wait for news. Some worry about the health and well-being of aging parents who remain abroad.

For immigrants who are not selected, the Super Visa offers some relief, but it does not provide the security of permanent residence. Families must also meet strict requirements for medical insurance and financial support, which can be costly.

Employers and community organizations also feel the impact. Many rely on the support of parents and grandparents for childcare and family stability. Delays in family reunification can affect work, education, and overall well-being.

What to Do If You Receive an Invitation

If you are among those invited to apply under the Parents and Grandparents Program, here are the steps you should take:

• Read the invitation carefully: Follow all instructions and note any deadlines.
• Gather all required documents: This includes proof of income, identity documents, and a signed sponsorship agreement.
• Submit your application through the Permanent Residence Portal: Make sure all information is accurate and complete.
• Monitor your email and the portal: IRCC may request additional information or documents during processing.

Missing deadlines or submitting incomplete applications can result in your application being refused. It’s important to act quickly and carefully.

What If You Are Not Invited?

If you do not receive an invitation this year, consider the following options:

• Apply for a Super Visa: This allows your parents or grandparents to visit for extended periods.
• Stay informed: Watch for updates from IRCC about future rounds of invitations or changes to the program.
• Consult an immigration professional: They can help you explore other options and prepare for future opportunities.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Can permanent residents sponsor their parents and grandparents?
  • Yes, both Canadian citizens and permanent residents can sponsor under the PGP.

• How long does it take to process a PGP application?
  • Processing times are currently about 24 months for most of Canada 🇨🇦 and up to 48 months for Quebec.
• What if I missed the 2020 interest to sponsor form?
  • Unfortunately, you cannot be considered for the 2025 intake. You may consider the Super Visa or wait for future opportunities.
• Where can I find the official application forms?
  • All forms and instructions are available on the IRCC website.

Looking Ahead: The Future of the Parents and Grandparents Program

With reduced immigration targets and ongoing backlogs, the future of the Parents and Grandparents Program remains uncertain. IRCC has not announced when new interest to sponsor forms will be accepted. Many expect that the program will continue to face high demand and limited spots for the foreseeable future.

The Super Visa is likely to remain a key alternative for family reunification. However, advocates continue to call for more spots and faster processing to help families reunite permanently.

Key Takeaways for Families and Sponsors

• Check your email for an invitation if you submitted an interest to sponsor form in 2020.
• Prepare your application carefully and submit it through the Permanent Residence Portal.
• Consider the Super Visa if you are not selected this year.
• Stay informed about future changes to the program by visiting the IRCC website.

The Parents and Grandparents Program remains a vital pathway for family reunification in Canada 🇨🇦, but limited spots and long waits mean that many families must explore other options. By understanding the process and preparing carefully, sponsors can improve their chances of success and keep their families together.

For the latest updates and detailed information, always refer to the official Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada website.

Learn Today

Parents and Grandparents Program → A Canadian immigration program allowing citizens and residents to sponsor elderly family members for permanent residence.
Permanent Residence Portal → An online platform where applicants submit permanent residence applications electronically to IRCC.
Interest to Sponsor Form → A form submitted by potential sponsors indicating their desire to sponsor parents or grandparents.
Super Visa → A special visa allowing parents and grandparents to visit Canada for extended periods without permanent residence.
Backlog → A large number of pending applications causing delays in immigration processing.

This Article in a Nutshell

IRCC reopens the Parents and Grandparents Program using the 2020 pool, sending 17,860 invitations but limiting processing to 10,000 submissions. Sponsors must apply electronically starting July 28, 2025. Long waiting times and reduced immigration targets affect many families, while the Super Visa offers a temporary reunification alternative.
— By VisaVerge.com