The Parents and Grandparents Program is now open

Starting July 28, 2025, the federal government will begin issuing invitations to apply (ITAs) under the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP). This round of invitations is for Canadian citizens and permanent residents who submitted an interest-to-sponsor form in 2020 and are hoping to sponsor their parents or grandparents for permanent residency.

Invitations are being sent by lottery, and selected sponsors will receive communication via the email address they provided in their original submission.

If you are selected, you will be eligible to submit a complete sponsorship application. This article outlines who can sponsor, the eligibility criteria, and how to apply under the PGP.

Who Will Receive PGP Invitations in 2025?

For the 2025 intake, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will issue 17,860 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) under the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP). These invitations will be sent over two weeks, beginning July 28, to approve 10,000 complete sponsorship applications for permanent residence.

Only prospective sponsors who meet the following criteria will receive an invitation:

• They submitted a complete interest-to-sponsor form in 2020; and
• They have not yet received an ITA in previous PGP intakes between 2020 and 2024.

It’s important to understand that receiving an invitation is not the same as being eligible to sponsor. Even if selected, applicants must still demonstrate their eligibility to sponsor their parents or grandparents during the application process.

Application Process: How to Sponsor Parents or Grandparents

If you receive an invitation under the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP), two separate applications must be completed and submitted together:

1. Sponsorship Application – This is completed by you, the sponsor, to demonstrate your eligibility and intent to support your parents or grandparents.
2. Permanent Residence Application – This is completed by the family member(s) you wish to sponsor.

How to Apply

• Create or sign in to your PR Portal account to begin the application process.
• The principal applicant (the parent or grandparent being sponsored) must submit the full application package online using the Permanent Residence (PR) Portal.
• If a paid immigration representative is assisting with the application, they must submit it through the Representative PR Portal.
• If more than one parent or grandparent is applying as a principal applicant, each individual must create their own portal account and submit a separate application.

In cases where a parent or grandparent cannot apply online due to accessibility issues, special accommodations may be arranged by contacting IRCC directly.

Complete the forms

The following table details forms to be completed by both the sponsor and the principal applicant:

You can use the Instruction Guide [IMM 5772] for a more detailed explanation of the required documents and the correct way to complete your forms.

The sponsored person (principal applicant) must:

• Upload the sponsor's completed and signed PDF forms to their online PR application; and
• Electronically sign the full application (including for any accompanying family members) in the PR portal.

Note: Sponsors who are Canadian citizens must include proof of their citizenship with the application.

Pay application fees

All fees must be paid online. The total cost for a PGP application typically begins at CAD $1,205.

Types of fees:

• Processing fees – For you (the sponsor), the person(s) you’re sponsoring, and any dependent children included in the application;
• Right of permanent residence fee – Must be paid before the application can be finalized.
• Biometrics fee – Usually required when you submit the application. This fee covers the collection of fingerprints and a digital photograph.

The fees that you pay may also differ based on your situation:

Depending on your situation, you may also be required to pay third-party fees for:

• Medical examinations; and/or
• Police clearance certificates.

Refer to the Instruction Guide [IMM 5772] to confirm which third-party requirements apply to your case.

Submit your online application

Before applying, ensure the following steps are completed:

• All questions in the required forms have been answered.
• The application has been electronically signed (using your full name as it appears on your passport);
• A receipt for payment of all applicable fees is included.
• All supporting documents are uploaded, and
• A copy of the Invitation to Apply (ITA) letter is attached in the “Required documents” section.

If your application is incomplete, IRCC will notify you with a request letter specifying the missing documents. You will have 30 days to provide the necessary information. If the application remains incomplete after this period, it will be returned and not processed.

Once submitted, you can track the progress of your application, provide updates, and help manage your parents’ or grandparents’ application as their sponsor.

You can find up-to-date processing times on IRCC’s official website.

Submit additional information during processing

After submitting your application, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will require the principal applicant and any accompanying family members to submit the following:

• Medical Exams IRCC will provide instructions for undergoing a medical exam after receiving a complete permanent residence application. These exams must be completed by a panel physician approved by IRCC.
• Police Certificates Police clearance certificates must be valid at the time of submission and are typically valid for one year from the date of issue. If processing extends beyond this period, updated certificates may be requested.
• Biometrics After the biometrics fee is paid, IRCC will issue a biometrics instruction letter. All applicants aged 14 to 79 must: Complete biometrics (fingerprints and digital photo) within 30 days of receiving the letter; Bring both the instruction letter and their valid passport to the biometrics collection centre. If they are unable to complete biometrics within the 30-day window, you must use IRCC’s web form to request an extension.

Your application may be returned if:

• It is incomplete;
• Required fees have not been paid.
• You were not issued an official Invitation to Apply (ITA); or
• You submit your application after the deadline stated in your ITA.

Keep your application information up to date

After submission, it is your responsibility to keep all information current for both the sponsor and the principal applicant (and any accompanying dependents). Use IRCC’s web form to report any changes, including:

• Contact information updates;
• Changes in family composition (e.g., marriage, birth, death);
• Address updates; or
• Document renewals or corrections.

Keeping your file accurate and updated can help avoid delays in processing.

For more information, visit: https://pioverseas.com/