Canada Parents and Grandparents Sponsorship Program 2025 | Comprehensive Guide

Last Updated On : May 04 , 2025

Family reunification remains a cornerstone of Canada's immigration policy. The Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) offers Canadian citizens and permanent residents the opportunity to sponsor their parents and grandparents for permanent residency. As of 2025, there have been significant updates to the PGP, which are crucial for prospective sponsors to understand.

If you're planning to immigrate to Canada with your parents, the Parents and Grandparents Program under family class sponsorship offers a direct pathway to reunite with loved ones.

2025 PGP Intake: Current Status

In March 2025, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) announced plans to accept up to 25,000 sponsorship applications under the PGP for the year. This includes applications carried over from 2024 and 10,000 new applications to be submitted in 2025.

However, it's important to note that no new Interest to Sponsor forms are being accepted in 2025. IRCC will continue to issue Invitations to Apply (ITAs) to individuals who submitted their Interest to Sponsor forms in 2020.

Steps To Apply For Parents and Grandparents Program

1. Interest to Sponsor Submission

The initial step involves submitting an Interest to Sponsor form. However, as mentioned, this step is currently closed, with IRCC focusing on the 2020 submissions.

2. Invitation to Apply (ITA)

IRCC randomly selects potential sponsors from the 2020 pool and issues ITAs. Only those who receive an ITA can proceed with the sponsorship application.

3. Application Submission

Upon receiving an ITA, sponsors have a specified timeframe (usually 60 days) to submit a complete application, including all necessary documents and fees.

Eligibility Criteria for Sponsors

To sponsor a parent or grandparent under the PGP, you must:

• Be 18 years or older and a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.
• Reside in Canada at the time of application.
• Meet the Minimum Necessary Income (MNI) requirements for the past three consecutive years, which vary based on family size.
• Sign a sponsorship agreement, committing to financially support the sponsored individuals for 20 years (10 years if residing in Quebec).
  
  

Income Requirements To Live With Parents and Grandparents

Sponsors must demonstrate financial stability by meeting the MNI for the three tax years preceding the application. The exact income thresholds depend on the sponsor's family size and are updated annually. For example, for a family size of four, the MNI for the years 2021 to 2023 were approximately:

• 2023: $66,466
• 2022: $64,306
• 2021: $49,106 

It's important to note that the 2021 income requirement was reduced due to the COVID-19 pandemic's financial impact.

PGP Processing Times

Processing times for PGP applications can vary:

• Outside Quebec: Approximately 24 months.
• Within Quebec: Approximately 48 months, due to additional provincial processing requirements.
  
  

Alternative For PGP: The Super Visa

For those not selected under the PGP, the Super Visa offers an alternative for parents and grandparents to visit Canada:

• Validity: Up to 10 years, with multiple entries.
• Stay Duration: Up to 5 years per visit, with the possibility of extensions.
  
  
• Requirements:
• Proof of private medical insurance from a Canadian insurance company.
• A letter of invitation from the child or grandchild residing in Canada.
• Proof of the host's income meeting the minimum necessary threshold.
  
  

The Schooling Visa in Canada with Parents allows minor international students to study while being accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. As of 2024, the average processing time for such visa applications ranges from 8 to 12 weeks.

Key Takeaways

• No new Interest to Sponsor forms are being accepted in 2025.
• ITAs are issued to individuals from the 2020 submission pool.
• Up to 25,000 applications will be processed in 2025.
• Super Visa remains a viable alternative for family reunification.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)