Canada’s Parents and Grandparents sponsorship program opens for 2025
Canada's Parents and Grandparents Programme 2025: A Comprehensive Guide to the Sponsorship Process
Canada’s Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) is set to return in 2025, bringing families closer together than ever by allowing permanent residents and citizens to sponsor their parents and grandparents for Canadian permanent residence.
Beginning July 28, Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) began distributing Invitations to Apply (ITAs) using an algorithmic selection procedure.
Who is Invited in 2025?
IRCC will be sending out 17,860 Invitations to Apply over two weeks to approve 10,000 comprehensive sponsorship applications within this sponsorship scheme cycle.
To qualify for an ITA this year, you should:
- Have submitted an interest in sponsoring form back in 2020,
- Have not been invited to participate in any of the drawings between 2020 and 2024.
- If you are chosen, IRCC will tell you via the email address you provided in your first entry.
Who Can be Sponsored?
With the PGP, you can sponsor:
- Your biological or adoptive parents and grandparents
- Their wives or common-law partners, if applicable.
You must demonstrate that you meet the financial eligibility requirements during the application process to ensure that you can support your family members in Canada.
Two-Part Application Process
- Sponsorship Application - You, the sponsor, must submit an official application to support your family.
- Permanent Residence Application - Your parents or grandparents have to apply for PR using the IRCC's online portal.
If many relatives are applying as principal applicants, each must set up their portal account.
Important forms and documents
For the Sponsored Person(s):
- Generic Application Form for Canada (IMM0008)
- Schedule A: Background/Declaration (IMM 5669).
- Additional Family Information (IMM 5406).
- Supplementary Travel History (IMM 5562).
- Other possible forms include serving in the military, police service, and common-law declarations.
For the Sponsors:
- They should submit an application and sponsorship agreement (IMM 1344).
- Financial evaluation (IMM 5768)
- Sponsorship Checklist (IMM 5771)
- Proof of Canadian citizenship or PR status.
- Income Sources Form (IMM 5748, if necessary)
Application Fee Breakdown
| Category | Fees (CAD) |
|---|---|
| Sponsorship Fee | $85 |
| Principal Applicant Processing Fee | $545 |
| Right of Permanent Residence Fee | $575 |
| Total (Base Fee) | $1,205 |
| Additional spouse/partner (if included) | $1,210 |
| Additional dependent child (per child) | $175 |
Submit Your Application
- Filled every necessary form
- Submit your supporting papers.
- Paid the appropriate fees.
- Upload your ITA letter in the appropriate area.
- Digitally signed application materials.
What Happens Following Submission?
Upon receipt of your application, IRCC will begin the evaluation process and require additional documentation, including:
Medical exams
You will be called with directions on where and how to take a medical checkup.
Police Certificates
Applicants over the age of 18 may be required to present police clearance certificates. These papers have to be valid for one year after the date of issuance.
Biometrics
When Applications are Returned
- It is incomplete.
- The mandatory fees have not been paid.
- You weren't invited to apply.
- You exceeded the deadline specified in your ITA.
Keep Your Application Updated
- Contact information
- Family composition
- Marital status
- Any additional significant updates?
Final Thoughts
The Parents and Grandparents Program provides a significant opportunity for Canadian citizens and permanent residents to reconcile with their families forever. Yet, the procedure is selective and time-sensitive and requires tight documentation.
