Great news for Canadian families! As of July 28, 2025, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has officially reopened the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP). Over the next two weeks, IRCC will begin sending Invitations to Apply (ITAs) to selected permanent residents and Canadian citizens who submitted interest forms back in 2020. Sponsoring Parents and Grandparents – Parisa Erfani
If you’re hoping to reunite with your loved ones through this sponsorship stream, here’s a complete guide to the process—including who’s eligible, how to apply, and what you’ll need to do step-by-step.
Who Will Receive Invitations in 2025?
This year’s ITAs will be issued by lottery from a pool of individuals who:
- Submitted an interest-to-sponsor form in 2020, and
- Have not received an invitation in 2020, 2021, 2022, or 2024.
Total Invitations: 17,860
Targeted Applications: 10,000 complete PR sponsorship submissions
Invitations will be sent to the email address provided in the 2020 form.
Note: Being invited does not guarantee approval. You still need to prove eligibility and meet sponsorship requirements during the application.
How Does the Application Process Work?
If you receive an invitation, there are two parts to the application:
- Sponsorship Application – You apply to sponsor your parents or grandparents.
- Permanent Residence Application – Your parents/grandparents apply for PR.
All applications must be submitted online using the IRCC Permanent Residence Portal (or Representative Portal if you’re working with an immigration representative).
If multiple family members are applying, each must submit a separate PR application.
Required Forms and Documents
Here’s what both the sponsor and the principal applicant (the person being sponsored) will need to complete:
For the Person Being Sponsored (Principal Applicant):
Digital Forms in the PR Portal:
- IMM 0008 – Generic Application Form
- IMM 5669 – Schedule A: Background/Declaration
- IMM 5406 – Additional Family Information
- IMM 5562 – Travel History
PDF Uploads (if applicable):
- IMM 5409 – Common-Law Declaration
- IMM 5519 – Severance of Common-Law Union
- IMM 5546 – Military Service
- Details of government or police employment
For the Sponsor:
PDF Forms to Upload:
- IMM 1344 – Sponsorship Agreement
- IMM 5771 – Document Checklist
- IMM 5768 – Financial Evaluation
- IMM 5748 – Income Sources (if applicable)
- IMM 5409 – Common-Law Declaration (if applicable)
Use the instruction guide [IMM 5772] to ensure proper completion of forms and uploading procedures.
Application Fees
Fees are paid online and must be included with your application. Common costs include:
| Category | Description | Fee (CAD) |
|---|---|---|
| Sponsor your parent/grandparent | Sponsorship + PR Fees | $1,205 |
| Without PR Fee | Sponsorship Only | $630 |
| Spouse/partner of parent | Sponsorship + PR Fees | $1,210 |
| Dependent child | Per child | $175 |
Additional fees may include medical exams, police certificates, and biometrics.
Submitting the Application
Before clicking “submit,” make sure:
- All questions are answered
- All forms are signed (electronically)
- The fee receipt is uploaded
- All supporting documents are included
- A copy of your ITA letter is uploaded under “Required Documents”
If documents are missing, IRCC will give you 30 days to respond. Otherwise, your application may be returned.
What Happens After Submission?
IRCC will request additional steps during processing, such as:
- Medical Exams: Instructions will be provided after submission.
- Police Certificates: Valid for 1 year; may need updates if processing is delayed.
- Biometrics: Required for applicants aged 14–79. Must be completed within 30 days.
What Could Lead to Rejection?
Your application will be returned if:
- It’s incomplete
- You didn’t pay all required fees
- You weren’t selected to apply
- You submitted after the deadline in your ITA
Keep both your and your sponsored relatives’ contact and personal information updated via the IRCC web form.
Final Thoughts
The reopening of the Parents and Grandparents Program is a much-anticipated opportunity for Canadian families to bring their loved ones closer. If you’ve received an ITA, act quickly and follow the instructions carefully. With the right preparation, you can successfully complete the sponsorship and bring your parents or grandparents to Canada as permanent residents.
Need help navigating the process? Consult an immigration professional to ensure everything is done right.
