Bringing your parents or grandparents to live permanently in Canada is one of the most meaningful things you can do for your family. Through the Parents and Grandparents Sponsorship Program (PGP), Canada offers a path for reunification by allowing citizens and permanent residents to sponsor their parents and grandparents to become permanent residents themselves.
This guide breaks down everything you need to know about the 2025 intake, including eligibility, required income, steps to apply, documents, portal instructions, and what to expect after applying. It’s written for first-time applicants, so you don’t need to be an immigration expert to follow along.
What Is the Parents and Grandparents Sponsorship Program?
The PGP is a Canadian immigration program that lets citizens and permanent residents sponsor their biological or adopted parents and grandparents to become permanent residents of Canada. This means they will enjoy all PR benefits such as healthcare coverage, work and residency rights, and eventually the opportunity to become Canadian citizens.
Unlike the Super Visa, which only allows extended temporary stays, the PGP offers a permanent solution to family reunification.
What’s New for 2025?
On July 16, 2025, IRCC (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada) announced key details for the 2025 intake:
- Invitations will begin on July 28, 2025.
- 10,000 invitations will be sent by email over a two-week period.
- Invitations will go to those who submitted an Interest to Sponsor (ITS) form back in 2020.
- No new Interest to Sponsor (ITS) forms are being accepted in 2025.
What Is an ITS Form?
It’s an online form that potential sponsors submitted in 2020 to express their interest in sponsoring their parents or grandparents. Only those who submitted this form are being considered for the 2025 intake.
How to Check If You’ve Been Invited
If you submitted the ITS form in 2020, follow these steps:
- Starting July 28, 2025, check your email inbox.
- Also check junk or spam folders.
- Look for an email from IRCC with an invitation letter.
This letter will include:
- Confirmation that you’re invited to apply
- The deadline to submit your application
- Instructions on how to apply
If you haven’t received the email by mid-August 2025, you were not selected this round.
Eligibility to Sponsor
You must meet all the following conditions:
- You received an invitation to apply in 2025
- You are 18 years or older
- You live in Canada and your primary address is here
- You are a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or registered Indian under the Canadian Indian Act
- You meet the minimum income requirements for the past 3 tax years
- You commit to financially support your sponsored family for 20 years (or 10 years in Quebec)
You cannot sponsor if:
- You’re in jail, prison, or penitentiary
- You defaulted on an immigration loan, bond, or family support payments
- You didn’t support previous sponsorships
- You are undischarged bankrupt
- You’re receiving social assistance (except for a disability)
- You were convicted of certain crimes
- You’re under a removal order from Canada
Income Requirements (with Detailed Example)
You must show that your income met the Minimum Necessary Income (MNI) for each of the last 3 taxation years before applying.
Family Size Calculation Includes:
- You (the sponsor)
- Your spouse/common-law partner (if co-signing)
- Your children
- Anyone you’re still financially responsible for
- The parents/grandparents you’re sponsoring
- Their spouse or children (if included)
Income Table for 2022–2024 (based on family size):
| Family Size | 2024 Income | 2023 Income | 2022 Income |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | $47,332 | $45,450 | $44,530 |
| 3 | $58,946 | $56,902 | $55,528 |
| 4 | $71,400 | $69,120 | $67,321 |
| 5 | $80,496 | $75,384 | $72,935 |
| 6 | $90,121 | $85,706 | $82,384 |
| 7 | $99,749 | $96,027 | $91,835 |
(These numbers are based on past trends and for demonstration only. Always verify exact figures before applying.)
Example:
You want to sponsor your mother and father. You live with your spouse and 2 children. That’s a family size of 6. You must show income of:
- $90,121 in 2024
- $85,706 in 2023
- $82,384 in 2022
Who You Can Sponsor
You can sponsor:
- Your biological or adopted parents
- Your biological or adopted grandparents
- Their current spouse, common-law, or conjugal partner
- Their dependent children (under 22 years or financially dependent)
Important:
- If your parents are divorced, you need separate applications.
- If they’re separated but not legally divorced, submit one application.
Who You Can’t Sponsor:
- Your in-laws (unless your spouse gets their own invitation)
- Anyone who is inadmissible to Canada for health, security, or criminal reasons
Application Process – Step-by-Step
Step 1: Receive Invitation
You must receive the official email invitation from IRCC.
Step 2: Create Your Account
Use the Permanent Residence Portal (if applying yourself), or your consultant uses the Representative Portal.
Step 3: Complete Permanent Residence Forms and Supporting Documents:
You’ll need to complete and submit the following:
- IMM 5771: Document Checklist – Also follow his checklist to complete your documents
- IMM 1344: Application to Sponsor, Sponsorship Agreement and Undertaking
- IMM 5768: Financial Evaluation
- IMM 5748: Income Sources (if needed)
- IMM 5409: Statutory Declaration of Common-Law Union (if applicable)
- IMM 0008: Generic Application Form for Canada
- IMM 5669: Schedule A – Background/Declaration
- IMM 5406: Additional Family Information
- IMM 5562: Supplementary Information – Your Travels (if applicable)
- IMM 5476: Use of Representative (if applicable)
- Digital Photos (as per IRCC specs)
- Proof of Relationship
- Medical Exams (after submission)
- Police Certificates (if applicable)
- Proof of income: CRA Notices of Assessment for 2022, 2023, and 2024
- Proof of status in Canada (citizenship certificate, PR card, or passport)
- Invitation to Apply letter (from 2025 intake)
- Identity and civil status documents for both sponsor and applicants
- Digital photos (as per IRCC specifications)
- Police certificates (if requested)
- Medical exams (will be requested after submission)
- Biometrics (fee payment and appointment)
- Proof of relationship to sponsor (e.g., birth certificate)
- Fee payment receipts
- Biometrics (ages 14–79)
Step 5: Pay the Fees
- Sponsor and PR Application: from $1,205 (per applicant)
- Biometrics Fee: $85 per person (ages 14–79)
- Medical Exam and Police Certificate: paid directly to doctors/police
Step 6: Submit the Application
Submit the complete online application within 60 days of your invitation date.
Step 7: Medical, Police & Biometrics
After submission, IRCC will request:
- Medical exams for all applicants
- Police certificates
- Biometrics (must be done within 30 days of the letter)
Note: Always check the official IRCC checklist and instructions before submission. The list provided here is for illustration purposes and may vary depending on your individual case, or you may have accompanying members.
After Applying: What to Expect
Keep Info Updated:
Report changes in:
- Marital status
- Birth/death of family members
- Contact details
Use IRCC’s web form to report changes.
Application Processing:
IRCC will:
- Assign an application number
- Review forms and documents
- Assess sponsor and applicant eligibility
If Approved:
- Parents and grandparents become Canadian permanent residents.
If Refused:
- You may request a refund for the Right of Permanent Residence Fee.
Track the Application:
You or your representative can:
- Link to IRCC account
- Track progress
- Upload documents if requested
Withdrawals and Refunds:
You can withdraw the application anytime before PR is granted. Use the web form with a signed letter to request a withdrawal and refund.
📞 Need Help? VisaPlus Is Here for You
This process can feel overwhelming, especially with multiple forms, deadlines, and technical requirements. At VisaPlus Immigration Canada Inc., we’re here to walk you through it all—from checking your invitation to final submission.
✅ We review your eligibility
✅ Help with IRCC portals and form completion
✅ Assist with uploading all required documents
✅ Monitor progress and updates from IRCC
📍 Address: 2 County Court Blvd, Unit 315, Brampton, ON L6W 3W8
📧 Email: contact@visaplus.ca
📞 Call: 905-488-6150
🌐 Website: www.visaplus.ca
Your family’s future starts with one step. Let us help you take it.
⚠️ Disclaimer
This article is for general information purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, immigration programs and criteria can change without notice. For personalized guidance based on your specific situation, consult with a licensed immigration professional or reach out to our team at VisaPlus Immigration Canada Inc.
