Bringing your parents or grandparents to Canada is one of the most meaningful ways to reunite your family. Through the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP), Canadian citizens and permanent residents have the opportunity to sponsor loved ones for permanent residency. But like many immigration programs, the process comes with detailed requirements and changing procedures.
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What is the Parents and Grandparents Program?
The PGP allows eligible Canadian citizens and permanent residents to sponsor their parents and grandparents for permanent residence. The program is part of Canada’s broader effort to promote family reunification.
To be eligible as a sponsor, you must:
It’s important to note that the PGP is not the same as the Super Visa. While the PGP provides permanent residency, the Super Visa is a long-term visitor visa that allows parents and grandparents to stay in Canada for up to five years at a time.
How PGP Works in 2025
Each year, immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) may update how the PGP is administered. For 2025, here’s how it works:
Lottery System Continues
IRCC will continue to use the randomized selection process to issue invitations to apply. This means that even if you meet all the eligibility requirements, you’ll still need to be selected through a lottery-style draw.
It’s important to manage expectations, as selection is not guaranteed. If you submitted an interest to sponsor form in previous years and weren’t selected, you may still be in the pool for consideration.
Limited Invitations Available
IRCC plans to issue approximately 17,860 invitations for the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) in 2025, with a goal of accepting 10,000 complete applications. While this is consistent with previous years, it still represents a fraction of the total number of people who hope to sponsor a parent or grandparent.
If you’re selected, you’ll receive an email invitation, and you’ll have a limited window of time to submit a complete application. Missing this window could mean waiting another year.
Legal Preparation Before You Apply
Before submitting anything, take the time to confirm that you meet all the sponsorship requirements. This means checking not just your status in Canada, but also your financial qualifications. Key legal prep steps:
Common Pitfalls That Can Delay or Deny an Application
Even with good intentions, small errors can lead to big setbacks. Here are some of the most common mistakes applicants make:
Incomplete or Incorrect Forms
IRCC is strict about paperwork. Missing signatures or selecting the wrong document type can delay your application or get it returned entirely. Double-check every section before submitting, and make sure all required forms are current and properly filled out.
Misunderstanding the Undertaking Period
Sponsoring someone under the PGP comes with a 20-year financial commitment. If this isn’t clearly understood or if you don’t meet the income requirements, your application could be denied. Many applicants underestimate this obligation, which covers basic needs like food, housing, and health care not covered by public plans.
Applying Without an Invitation
Only those who receive an invitation from IRCC are allowed to submit an application. Applying without one will result in automatic rejection. It’s important to wait for the official invitation email before moving forward with your submission.
Not Updating Personal Information
If your address or family status changes and you don’t inform IRCC, it could cause confusion or loss of communication. Updates should be made as soon as possible to avoid missing key correspondence or deadlines.
Assuming Past Rules Still Apply
Immigration rules change. Always double-check current guidelines for the year you’re applying. What worked in a previous intake year may no longer apply, especially with new submission portals or adjusted income requirements.
Tips for a Smoother Application Process
Getting everything right the first time can save you months of frustration. Here are a few ways to stay on track:
What Happens After You Submit
After submitting your application, IRCC will begin its review. This typically involves:
You can track your application status through the IRCC portal. If your application is refused, you’ll receive a detailed explanation and may be able to reapply in a future intake.
Final thoughts
The Parents and Grandparents Program is a meaningful opportunity to reunite families, but it’s also a process that requires attention to detail, legal awareness, and patience. In 2025, with new tools and updated procedures in place, applicants have more ways to stay organized and get things right from the start.
Don’t rush the process or rely on outdated advice. Take your time, prepare carefully, and seek professional help if you need it. Reuniting with loved ones is worth doing the right way.
