IRCC to issue 17,860 Invitations to Apply – only 10,000 spots available this year
Canada is bringing families together once again! Starting July 28, 2025, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will officially reopen the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) – a special channel for Canadian citizens and permanent residents to sponsor their parents and grandparents to become permanent residents.
This is an excellent opportunity for families that have been waiting since 2020 to know what to do.
What is the Parents and Grandparents Program?
The PGP allows eligible Canadians to sponsor their biological or adopted parents and grandparents to become permanent residents, allowing them to access health care, access the right to work, and ultimately allowing them to be in proximity to family to help with settlement.
Key Dates and Process
- Start Date: July 28, 2025
- Total Invitations to Apply (ITA): 17,860
- Total Applications IRCC Will Accept: 10,000
- Who Gets ITAs: ONLY those who submitted the Interest to Sponsor (ITS) form in 2020
- No new Entries: No new sponsorship interest forms will be accepted in 2025
Tip: Check the email again (don’t forget the spam box!) that you submitted in 2020 to see if you are selected.
Who Can Sponsor?
You can sponsor your parents or grandparents if you:
- Receive an Invitation to Apply (from 2020 pool)
- Are 18 years or older
- Live in Canada and maintain residence during the process
- Are a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or registered under the Indian Act
- Meet income requirements for the last three years (2022, 2023, 2024)
- Agree to support them financially and sign an undertaking
Who Cannot Sponsor?
You’re not eligible if you:
- Are in jail or prison
- Have unpaid immigration or court-ordered debts
- Declared bankruptcy (not discharged)
- Receive social assistance (except for disability)
- Were convicted of serious offences
- Are under a removal order
Minimum Income Requirements (MNI)
To sponsor, you must meet the Minimum Necessary Income based on your family size:
Example: If you’re sponsoring 2 parents and have a spouse + 1 child (total family size = 5), your income must be at least:
- $72,935 (2022)
- $75,384 (2023)
- $80,496 (2024)
How Do You Prove Your Income
There are 2 options.
- Authorize CRA Access
- On Form IMM 5768, say “Yes” under the Statement of Consent.
- Provide your SIN, signature and date.
- The IRCC will obtain information on your income directly from the CRA.
- Submit Paper Copies
- Provide the CRA Notices of Assessment (NOAs) for 2022, 2023 and 2024.
- You can download them from your CRA’s My Account.
How to Apply (If you’re Invited)
- Get your Invitation to Apply (ITA) by email (make sure to check your inbox often)
- Apply online through:
- Permanent Residence Portal or
- Representative Portal (if you are using a consultant/lawyer)
- Submit a full application with:
- Proof of Income
- IDs & documents
- Sponsorship forms
Don’t wait! The process is highly competitive.
Didn’t Get an ITA? Consider the Super Visa
If you don’t get an invite this year, that’s okay! The Super Visa is a fantastic second option for parents and grandparents to visit for up to 5 years at a time, providing access to visit multiple times, and there is no annual limit.
Requirements:
- Private Canadian health insurance
- Meet the Minimum Necessary Income
- Can be extended for up to 2 more years
Final Thoughts
The 2025 Parents and Grandparents Program is a unique opportunity to unite your family in Canada – 10,000 families will benefit this year.
If you applied in 2020, now is your opportunity!
So check your email, prepare documents and remain ready.
Family is everything – bring yours back home this summer.
