Canada's Parents and Grandparents Program 2025 Opens With 17,860 PR Invitations

Canada's Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) remains a unique pathway for families seeking to reunite in Canada.

The Parents and Grandparents Program allows permanent residents and citizens to sponsor their parents and grandparents, making it a popular and highly sought-after immigration stream for families from around the world.

Canada has sent out 17,860 invitations to apply for permanent residency under the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) for 2025. This is one of the largest intakes so far, giving thousands of families a new chance to bring their parents or grandparents to Canada.

If you filled out an interest form in 2020, you may check your email. If you receive an invitation, don't wait; start your application as soon as possible.

Who Is Eligible for Canada's PGP?

To sponsor under the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP), you must meet several requirements.

Eligible sponsors are:

• Canadian citizens, permanent residents, or registered Indians under the Canadian Indian Act.
• At least 18 years old and currently living in Canada.
• Able to show they meet the Minimum Necessary Income (MNI) for the last three tax years (2022, 2023, and 2024). The MNI is based on the Low Income Cut-Off (LICO) plus 30%, adjusted for your total family size.
• Committed to financially supporting their relatives for 20 years (or 10 years in Quebec).
• Ready to add a spouse or common-law partner as a co-signer to meet the sufficient income requirement (if necessary).

Who Can You Sponsor for Canadian Permanent Residency?

The PGP is focused strictly on close family ties. You can sponsor:

• Biological or adopted parents and grandparents (no uncles, aunts, or siblings).
• Those who pass medical examinations (to prove they are not a public health risk or financial burden).
• Those who clear background and security checks (no serious criminal background).
• There is no upper age limit for those being sponsored, as long as they satisfy the admissibility checks.

How to Apply for Canada's Parents and Grandparents Program 2025?

• Check Your Email

Invitations started July 28, 2025, only for those who applied in 2020. Look in your inbox—and spam!

• Gather Your Papers

You'll need proof of your Canadian status, income notices (2022–2024), relationship documents, police certificates, and medical exam results.

• Carefully Fill Out All Forms 

You must download and fill out all IRCC forms. Double-check for errors and finally and make sure to sign them digitally.

• Pay the Fees 

You may pay the fees online after confirming the exact amount on the IRCC website. The fees are usually approximately $1,205 for each adult.

• Upload Documents Within 60 Days

Once your paperwork is ready, you must upload all your documents through the Permanent Residence Portal within 60 days. Remember that there will be no extensions once the window closes, so act accordingly.

You may take legal help from an authorized immigration consultancy if needed. Or you may contact us for any kind of guidance required for filling out/submitting the PGP application.

What to Expect After Applying for the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP)?

Once you apply to the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP), you may wait for: 

• Acknowledgment of Receipt (AOR): You will receive an acknowledgement receipt from IRCC via email or through the Permanent Residence Portal.
• Review by IRCC: IRCC will check your application to make sure everything is complete. If they need more information or notice something missing, they will contact you by mail or through the online portal.
• Eligibility Assessment: IRCC will review your eligibility as a sponsor and verify your income. They will also check that your parents or grandparents meet medical and security requirements before approving their application.
• Final Decision: If your application is approved, your family will get permanent resident status and be closer to you. If refused, IRCC will explain why and may share appeal options if available.
• Processing Times: Processing times for PGP applications usually take about 24 months outside Quebec. For applications in Quebec, it can take longer, sometimes up to 48 months.

If additional documents or information are requested, respond promptly to avoid processing delays.

What if it's Approved/ Refused?

If your application is approved:

Get ready to celebrate! IRCC grants permanent resident status for parents or grandparents. They can live, work, and join in on every family moment here in Canada. Start planning airport hugs, new memories, and the routines that make a real home.

If your application is refused:

It stings, but you're not alone. IRCC will explain why—maybe there was a missing document, an income gap, or another issue. You may have the opportunity to go for an appeal or try again in a future intake. No matter the result, keep checking your email and official messages, and respond quickly if they ask for more information.

Read carefully what the refusal letter contains. If you feel unsure, it is highly recommended to consult an immigration lawyer to overcome the rejection and for a successful application. 

What are the Processing times for PGP?

The processing times for the Parents and Grandparents Program depend on whether you are residing in or outside Quebec. 

The processing times for the PGP 2025 are approximately 24 months for applicants outside Quebec. For those applying through Quebec, it may be about 48 months. The difference is due to the province's separate and limited family class admission targets. While the wait can be tough, you may keep yourself ready with your paperwork and ensure you do not miss any important updates. Remember, each complete application brings your loved ones closer to you in Canada.

If you need any kind of support to sponsor your parents or grandparents to Canada, you may feel free to contact ImmiLaw Global. Our experienced immigration team is here to provide step-by-step guidance tailored to your family's needs.

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