Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) on Wednesday announced that it will reopen the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) on July 28, 2025, issuing up to 10,000 invitations to potential sponsors.
But there’s a catch: this year’s intake will only include individuals who submitted an interest in sponsoring form back in 2020.
So, if you filled out the form in 2020 and haven’t heard back, this might be your chance. IRCC will begin sending invitations via email over two weeks starting July 28. That means it’s time to check your inbox, and your spam folder too.
What is Canada’s Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP)?
The Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) allows Canadian citizens and permanent residents to sponsor their parents or grandparents for permanent residence in Canada. It’s a popular pathway for family reunification, helping loved ones live together long-term in the country.
Who Is Eligible for the 2025 Intake?
Only those who submitted an interest in to sponsorship form in 2020 are eligible this year. IRCC will not accept new submissions. If that’s you, keep an eye on your email between July 28 and mid-August.
Applications must be submitted electronically through the:
- Permanent Residence Portal (for individuals), or
- Representative Permanent Residence Portal (if using a representative).
Didn’t Get an Invitation? Consider the Super Visa Instead
If you’re not invited this year, all is not lost. You can still bring your parents or grandparents to Canada on a super visa. Here’s what the super visa offers:
- Multiple entries for up to 10 years
- Stay up to 5 years per visit
- Option to extend the stay by 2 more years without leaving Canada
It’s a great alternative for those looking to spend extended time with family in Canada without going through the full sponsorship process.
Quick Summary: What You Need to Do Now
| Task | Details |
|---|---|
| Check eligibility | You must have submitted an interest to sponsor form in 2020 |
| Monitor your email | Look out for IRCC’s invitation between July 28–mid-August |
| Submit application | Use the Permanent Residence Portal or Representative Portal |
| Not selected? | Explore the super visa option for long stays |
Why This Matters for Travellers and Immigrant Families
Canada’s PGP is one of the few immigration pathways focused entirely on family reunification. For many immigrant families, it’s an opportunity to finally bring ageing parents or grandparents closer without the limitations of short-term visas.
While the limited intake and long wait times are frustrating, staying informed and ready to act is your best bet.
Final Thoughts
Canada will issue up to 10,000 PGP invitations starting July 28, 2025, but only to those who applied back in 2020. If you’re one of them, watch your email closely. If not, the super visa remains a practical backup option.
Either way, if reuniting with your family in Canada is the goal, there’s still a path forward.
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