Canada to Allow Thousands of Immigrants to Sponsor Parents, Grandparents

Key Takeaways

• Canada will send up to 17,860 invitations for the Parents and Grandparents Program starting July 28, 2025.
• Only applicants who submitted Interest to Sponsor forms in 2020 are eligible for this round.
• The program accepts up to 10,000 permanent residence applications; others may use the Super Visa alternative.

Thousands of families across Canada 🇨🇦 are waiting for news as the government prepares to send out up to 17,860 invitations for the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) starting July 28, 2025. This move will let many Canadian citizens and permanent residents bring their parents and grandparents to live with them permanently, but only those who submitted an “Interest to Sponsor” form in 2020 are eligible for this round. The program aims to accept up to 10,000 complete applications for permanent residence, offering hope to families eager to reunite after years of separation.

What Is Happening and Who Is Affected?

The Parents and Grandparents Program is a special immigration pathway that lets eligible Canadians sponsor their parents and grandparents for permanent residence. This year, the government will send invitations to apply only to people who already expressed interest in 2020. No new applications will be accepted for this round, which means many families who missed the 2020 window will have to wait even longer.

The invitations will be sent out over a two-week period starting July 28, 2025. Those who receive an invitation must act quickly and submit their applications electronically through the Permanent Residence Portal or the Representative Permanent Residence Portal. The government’s goal is to accept up to 10,000 complete applications for permanent residence, but with nearly 18,000 invitations going out, not everyone will be successful.

Why Is This Round So Important?

Family reunification is a core part of Canada’s immigration policy. According to the government, family reunification makes up about 22% of all permanent resident admissions in Canada 🇨🇦. Many Canadians see the PGP as essential for keeping families together, especially after the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, which kept many families apart for years.

However, the government has reduced its permanent resident targets for 2025, which means fewer spots are available in the PGP. This has led to frustration among families who want to bring their loved ones to Canada 🇨🇦 but face long waits and limited chances.

How Does the Parents and Grandparents Program Work?

The PGP uses a lottery system to select sponsors from the pool of people who submitted an Interest to Sponsor form in 2020. Here’s how the process works:

• Step 1: Interest to Sponsor Form
  In 2020, people who wanted to sponsor their parents or grandparents filled out an online form to show their interest. This form is not currently open for new submissions.

• Step 2: Invitation to Apply
  The government randomly selects people from the 2020 pool and sends them invitations to apply for permanent residence sponsorship.

• Step 3: Application Submission
  Those who receive an invitation must submit a full application for permanent residence through the official online portals. The application must include all required documents and meet strict deadlines.

• Step 4: Review and Decision
  Immigration officials review the applications to make sure sponsors meet all eligibility and financial requirements. If approved, parents and grandparents can become permanent residents of Canada 🇨🇦.

Who Can Sponsor Under the PGP?

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

• Be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident living in Canada 🇨🇦
• Be at least 18 years old
• Meet minimum income requirements for the past three years (to show you can support your relatives)
• Sign a sponsorship agreement promising to support your parents or grandparents for 20 years (or 10 years in Quebec)
• Submit a complete application by the deadline in your invitation

Sponsors must also agree to repay any social assistance their relatives receive during the sponsorship period.

What If You Don’t Get an Invitation?

Not everyone who wants to sponsor their parents or grandparents will get an invitation this year. For those not selected, the Super Visa offers another option. The Super Visa lets parents and grandparents visit Canada 🇨🇦 for up to five years at a time, with the ability to extend their stay by up to two more years while in Canada 🇨🇦.

Key Features of the Super Visa:

• Allows multiple entries over 10 years
• Each visit can last up to five years
• Can be extended for up to two more years while in Canada 🇨🇦
• Requires proof of private medical insurance and a letter of invitation from the child or grandchild in Canada 🇨🇦

Experts say the Super Visa is a good alternative for families who want to spend time together but cannot get permanent residence through the PGP. As reported by VisaVerge.com, many families use the Super Visa to bridge the gap while waiting for a chance to apply for permanent residence.

Why Is the Program So Competitive?

The Parents and Grandparents Program is very popular because it is one of the few ways to bring parents and grandparents to Canada 🇨🇦 permanently. The demand is much higher than the number of spots available. Since the government has not reopened the Interest to Sponsor form since 2020, only those who applied then have a chance in this round.

This has led to disappointment for many families who missed the 2020 deadline or who have become eligible since then. The government says it is trying to balance family reunification with the need to manage overall immigration numbers and ensure newcomers can settle successfully.

Government and Public Perspectives

The Canadian government says family reunification is a top priority, but it must also manage immigration targets to avoid overwhelming services and resources. According to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), the PGP helps keep families together and supports the well-being of newcomers.

However, some Canadians are frustrated by the limited number of invitations and the long wait times. Many say the current system is unfair because it only allows people who applied in 2020 to participate. Others worry that reducing permanent resident targets will make it even harder for families to reunite in the future.

What Are the Sponsorship Obligations?

Sponsoring parents or grandparents is a big responsibility. Sponsors must prove they have enough income to support their relatives and must sign a legal agreement promising to provide financial support for 20 years (or 10 years in Quebec). This means sponsors are responsible for repaying any social assistance their relatives receive during this time.

If a sponsor cannot meet these obligations, they may not be allowed to sponsor in the future. It is important to carefully review the eligibility requirements and make sure you can meet them before applying.

Application Deadlines and Next Steps

If you receive an invitation to apply, you must submit your application by the deadline stated in your invitation. Late or incomplete applications will not be accepted. The application must be submitted electronically through the Permanent Residence Portal or the Representative Permanent Residence Portal.

Here are some practical steps for invited sponsors:

1. Read your invitation letter carefully to understand the deadline and required documents.
2. Gather all necessary documents, including proof of income, relationship, and identity.
3. Submit your application online through the official portal.
4. Keep copies of all documents and confirmation receipts for your records.
5. Respond promptly to any requests for additional information from IRCC.

Background: How Did We Get Here?

The Parents and Grandparents Program has changed over the years to manage high demand. In the past, the program used a first-come, first-served system, which led to long lines and technical problems. In 2017, the government switched to a lottery system to make the process fairer.

In 2020, the government collected Interest to Sponsor forms from people who wanted to apply. Since then, the pool has not reopened, and all invitations since then have come from this group. The government says it has no current plans to reopen the form for new submissions, which means many families must wait for future changes.

Recent Policy Changes and Their Impact

The biggest recent change is the reduction in permanent resident targets for 2025. This means fewer spots are available for family sponsorship programs like the PGP. The government says this is necessary to manage overall immigration levels and help newcomers settle successfully.

At the same time, the Super Visa has become more flexible, allowing longer stays and easier extensions. This gives families another way to spend time together while waiting for permanent residence opportunities.

Multiple Perspectives: What Do Stakeholders Say?

• Government: The government says it is committed to family reunification but must balance this with other immigration priorities.
• Families: Many families say the PGP is the only way to bring elderly parents and grandparents to Canada 🇨🇦. They are frustrated by the limited spots and long waits.
• Experts: Immigration experts recommend the Super Visa as a practical alternative for families who cannot get permanent residence right away.

Practical Guidance for Families

If you are hoping to sponsor your parents or grandparents, here are some tips:

• Check your eligibility: Make sure you meet all the requirements before applying.
• Prepare your documents early: Gather proof of income, relationship, and identity ahead of time.
• Consider the Super Visa: If you are not selected for the PGP, the Super Visa can help your family spend time together in Canada 🇨🇦.
• Stay informed: Follow updates from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada for the latest news on the PGP and other programs.

Looking Ahead: What’s Next for the PGP?

Right now, there are no plans to reopen the Interest to Sponsor form for new applicants. This means only those who applied in 2020 have a chance in the current round. The government may review the program in the future, but for now, families must rely on the existing pool.

Many advocacy groups are calling for changes to make the program more accessible and fair. They want the government to reopen the Interest to Sponsor form and increase the number of spots available. Until then, families will have to be patient and explore other options like the Super Visa.

Conclusion: Key Takeaways and Next Steps

The Parents and Grandparents Program remains a vital pathway for family reunification in Canada 🇨🇦, but high demand and limited spots mean many families face long waits. The upcoming round of invitations offers hope for some, but only those who applied in 2020 are eligible.

If you receive an invitation, act quickly and submit a complete application through the official portal. If you are not selected, consider the Super Visa as a way to bring your parents or grandparents to Canada 🇨🇦 for extended visits.

For the latest information and official guidance, visit the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada website. Stay informed, prepare your documents, and explore all available options to keep your family together.

By understanding the current rules and planning ahead, families can make the most of the opportunities available through the Parents and Grandparents Program and other pathways to permanent residence in Canada 🇨🇦.

Learn Today

Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) → A Canadian immigration program allowing citizens to sponsor parents and grandparents for permanent residence.
Interest to Sponsor Form → An online form submitted in 2020 expressing a desire to sponsor parents or grandparents under the PGP.
Permanent Residence → A status allowing a non-citizen to live permanently in Canada with legal rights and responsibilities.
Super Visa → A special visa allowing parents and grandparents to visit Canada for up to five years with multiple entries.
Sponsorship Agreement → A legal contract promising financial support for sponsored parents or grandparents for 20 years (10 in Quebec).

This Article in a Nutshell

Canada’s Parents and Grandparents Program resumes July 2025, inviting up to 17,860 sponsors from 2020 to reunite families. With 10,000 permanent residence spots, many will turn to the Super Visa. The lottery system balances demand and immigration targets while emphasizing family reunification in a competitive process.
— By VisaVerge.com