IRCC Announces Second Round of 2025 PGP Program

How to Sponsor Your Parents and Grandparents for Canadian Permanent Residency (2025)

If you’re living in Canada and want your parents or grandparents to join you permanently, the Parents and Grandparents Sponsorship Program (PGP) is your pathway. This program helps families reunite and settle together in Canada. Below is a detailed breakdown of how the 2025 intake works and what steps you need to take.

What Is the Parents and Grandparents Sponsorship Program?

The Parents and Grandparents Sponsorship Program allows Canadian citizens and permanent residents to sponsor their biological or adopted parents and grandparents for permanent residency. Once approved, your family members gain access to all the benefits of living in Canada, including healthcare, employment opportunities, and social services.

2025 Intake: Key Dates and Numbers

Starting July 28, 2025, the Government of Canada will begin sending 17,860 invitations over two weeks to individuals who submitted an Interest to Sponsor form in 2020. The government aims to receive and process 10,000 complete applications from this pool.

This invitation system ensures fairness and helps IRCC manage applications efficiently.

How Invitations Work

Only those who receive an official invitation can apply under the 2025 intake. If you are selected, IRCC will send an email to the address you used in your 2020 form. Therefore, it’s essential to check your inbox and spam folder regularly during the invitation period.

If you don’t receive an invitation, you can still explore the Super Visa option. This visa allows parents and grandparents to stay in Canada for up to five years, with the possibility of a two-year extension.

Sponsorship Fees

The basic application fee for the Parents and Grandparents Sponsorship Program starts at 1,205 CAD. Additional costs may apply for biometrics, translations, and document verification.

Who Can Sponsor?

You can sponsor your parents or grandparents if you:

• Are 18 years or older
• Live in Canada
• Are a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or registered under the Canadian Indian Act
• Have sufficient income to support your family (your spouse or partner’s income can be included)
• Sign a sponsorship undertaking, agreeing to support them financially

If you live in Quebec, you must also complete a separate undertaking process with the provincial immigration department once your federal application is approved.

Who Cannot Sponsor?

You are ineligible to sponsor if you:

• Are in jail or prison
• Have unpaid immigration loans or court-ordered payments
• Declared bankruptcy and have not been discharged
• Receive social assistance (unless due to disability)
• Were convicted of certain crimes
• Are under a removal order from Canada

Before applying, it’s best to review your financial and legal status to ensure full eligibility.

What Happens After You Apply

After submitting your sponsorship application, make sure to:

• Keep your contact information up to date
• Use the IRCC web form to report changes such as marriage, address updates, or the birth of a child

IRCC will communicate primarily through email, so check regularly for updates or additional document requests.

How Applications Are Processed

IRCC reviews applications carefully and may return them if:

• The form is incomplete
• Required fees are missing
• The applicant wasn’t officially invited
• The submission was made after the deadline

If your application meets all requirements, you’ll receive:

• An acknowledgment of receipt (AOR)
• An application number
• A notification that your eligibility is under assessment

Once processing begins, you can use these details to check your status online.

Tracking Your Application

You can track the sponsorship status using the IRCC online tool once you receive the application number.

If you wish to manage your parents’ or grandparents’ application, they must provide written consent. To act officially on their behalf, include a Representative Form (IMM 5476) with your application package.

For Sponsored Parents and Grandparents

Your sponsored family members can also track their case. They should:

• Create an IRCC secure account
• Link their application using the file number provided in IRCC’s confirmation email
• Use the online status checker, which updates daily

Once IRCC starts processing the file, your parents or grandparents will receive an acknowledgment letter containing their application number.

If Processing Time Has Passed

If your case takes longer than the posted processing time, you can contact IRCC through the web form. When submitting your inquiry, include your application number, full name, and date of birth for faster resolution.

Withdrawing Your Application

You may withdraw your sponsorship request anytime before IRCC grants permanent residence.

Refunds are available if processing has not started. However, once IRCC begins reviewing the file, only the Right of Permanent Residence Fee (RPRF) can be refunded if the application is withdrawn or refused.

Paying the Right of Permanent Residence Fee

If you didn’t pay the RPRF upfront, IRCC will contact you or your sponsored family to complete this payment. Paying it early can prevent delays in final approval.

Refunds are possible if you withdraw your application or receive a refusal, but you must also waive your right to appeal to qualify for reimbursement.

Preparing for Arrival in Canada

If your sponsorship application is approved, your parents or grandparents can begin their move to Canada.

If They Are Already in Canada

IRCC will contact them to confirm their permanent resident status online. Occasionally, they may need to attend an in-person interview for verification.

If They Are Outside Canada

They’ll receive pre-arrival services that include settlement support, job search help, and language training. At the port of entry, they must present:

• Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR)
• Valid passport
• Required visas or supporting documents

They should carry all essential documents in their hand luggage for easy access. Once the immigration officer reviews and confirms their documents, they officially become permanent residents.

The Final Step: Becoming a Permanent Resident

At the airport or border, an officer will review their documents, confirm eligibility, and grant permanent resident status. IRCC will then issue and mail the PR card to the Canadian address provided. This card acts as proof of status and is needed for re-entry into Canada after travel.

Free Support Services for Newcomers

After arriving, your parents or grandparents can access free settlement services funded by the Canadian government. These programs help them integrate into their new life smoothly. They can benefit from:

• Employment workshops and job search assistance
• English or French language courses
• Guidance on applying for health cards
• Help registering children in school
• Local community and cultural programs

These resources ensure newcomers feel welcome and connected in Canada. it easier for newcomers to adapt to life in Canada and feel connected to their new community.

Conclusion

The Parents and Grandparents Sponsorship Program 2025 offers a remarkable chance to reunite families permanently in Canada. By staying informed, submitting accurate documents, and responding to IRCC requests promptly, you can make the process smoother and faster.

Canada’s focus on family reunification reflects its core values of compassion and inclusivity. If you’re eligible and receive an invitation, act quickly, stay organized, and prepare for a joyful reunion with your loved ones in Canada.

Get in touch with SPS Global

Receive professional advice on any of your questions regarding Canadian immigration. get in touch with us, experienced immigration consultants from SPS Global. For additional information, contact support@spscanada.com (Canada) or support.amd@spscanada.com (Ahmedabad), or by phone at (1) 905-362-9393 (Canada) or +919586226232 (Ahmedabad).