Starting July 28, 2025, the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) will open, accepting up to 10,000 complete applications. IRCC will send out 17,860 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) over a two-week period to individuals who submitted an Interest to Sponsor form in 2020.
This popular program allows Canadian citizens and permanent residents to sponsor their parents and grandparents to come to Canada as permanent residents. However, due to limited spots and high competition, it’s crucial to prepare well to maximize your chances of success in 2025.
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Who Can Sponsor Parents and Grandparents for Canadian Permanent Residency?
To sponsor your biological or adoptive parents or grandparents under the 2025 PGP, you must meet specific eligibility criteria. Here’s what you need to qualify:
1. Invitation to Apply (ITA):
You must have received an ITA from IRCC, drawn from the 2020 Interest to Sponsor pool.
2. Age Requirement:
You must be at least 18 years old.
3. Canadian Residency:
Your primary residence must be in Canada at the time of submission and until a decision is made.
4. Legal Status:
You must be either a Canadian citizen, a permanent resident, or a person registered under the Indian Act.
5. Financial Capability:
You must prove that you have enough income to support the people you are sponsoring. This requires submitting proof of income for the three previous tax years (2022, 2023, and 2024). If necessary, a spouse or common-law partner can co-sign the application to combine income.
6. Sponsorship Agreement:
You must sign an undertaking, committing to financially support the sponsored individuals for a specified period.
7. Compliance with Laws:
You must meet all the requirements under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act and the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations.
Who Cannot Sponsor Parents and Grandparents?
You may be ineligible to sponsor if you:
- Are incarcerated (in jail, prison, or penitentiary).
- Have unpaid immigration loans, performance bonds, or court-ordered family support payments (such as alimony or child support).
- Failed to support someone you previously sponsored.
- Have declared bankruptcy and are not discharged.
- Receive social assistance for reasons other than disability.
- Have been convicted of a violent criminal offense, a crime against a relative, or a sexual offense (inside or outside Canada).
- Are under a Removal Order and cannot legally remain in Canada.
2025 PGP Income Requirements
To qualify as a sponsor, you must meet the Minimum Necessary Income (MNI) for the last three tax years (2022–2024), based on your family size, including the people you are sponsoring.
Minimum Necessary Income (MNI) Table:
| Family Size | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 people | $47,549 | $44,530 | $43,082 |
| 3 people | $58,456 | $54,743 | $52,965 |
| 4 people | $70,972 | $66,466 | $64,306 |
| 5 people | $80,496 | $75,384 | $72,935 |
| 6 people | $90,784 | $85,020 | $82,259 |
| 7 people | $101,075 | $94,658 | $91,582 |
| Each additional person | $10,291 | $9,636 | $9,324 |
Example:
If you are sponsoring your parents (2 people) and have a spouse and one child (total family size of 5), your income for 2024 must be at least $80,496, for 2023 $75,384, and for 2022 $72,935.
How to Prove Your Income
To show that you meet the MNI requirement, you must provide Notices of Assessment (NOAs) from the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) for 2022, 2023, and 2024.
You have two options:
Option 1: Authorize CRA Access
- On the IMM 5768 form (Financial Evaluation for Parents and Grandparents Sponsorship), under question 8 (“Sponsor Statement of Consent”), check “Yes.”
- Provide your Social Insurance Number (SIN), signature, and date.
This grants IRCC direct access to your tax information from CRA.
Option 2: Submit Paper Copies
- Complete the IMM 5748 form (Income Sources for the Sponsorship of Parents and Grandparents).
- Include paper copies of your NOAs. If you don’t have them, you can retrieve them through CRA’s My Account online portal.
The 2025 PGP Application Process
Starting July 28, 2025, IRCC will issue Invitations to Apply (ITAs) to individuals who submitted an Interest to Sponsor form in 2020.
Note: Due to the high volume of submissions, IRCC will not open a new Interest to Sponsor form this year. They will focus only on the 2020 pool to ensure fairness.
How to Navigate the Process:
- Monitor Your Email: Regularly check the email account you used in 2020, including junk and spam folders, for your ITA. Missing it could mean missing your chance to apply.
- Submit Applications Online: If invited, you can submit your application through the Permanent Residence Portal or the Representative Permanent Residence Portal (if using an immigration representative).
- Act Quickly: With only 10,000 spots, the process will be highly competitive. Prepare key documents like proof of income, relationship evidence, and identification in advance.
If you don’t receive an ITA in 2025, consider the Super Visa as an alternative. This multiple-entry visa allows parents and grandparents to stay in Canada for up to 5 years per visit, with extensions of up to 2 years without leaving Canada. Unlike the PGP, the Super Visa has no annual cap, making it a more accessible option for many families.
Key Questions About the PGP
What is the PGP program in Canada?
The PGP allows Canadian citizens and permanent residents to sponsor their parents or grandparents for permanent residency, allowing them to live, work, and access benefits in Canada.
Is PGP open for 2025?
Yes, the PGP opens on July 28, 2025, accepting up to 10,000 applications from the 2020 Interest to Sponsor pool. No new forms will be accepted this year.
Is parent sponsorship open in Canada?
Yes, the PGP opens July 28, 2025, with invitations sent to 2020 Interest to Sponsor applicants over a two-week period.
How much income do I need to sponsor my parents in Canada?
To sponsor, you must meet the Minimum Necessary Income (MNI) for 2022-2024, based on your family size. For a family of 4, you would need $64,306 (2022), $66,466 (2023), and $70,972 (2024). Check IRCC’s website for the full MNI table.
The 2025 Parents and Grandparents Program offers an incredible opportunity for 10,000 families to bring their loved ones to Canada. Be sure to verify your eligibility, gather all necessary documents, and stay vigilant for your ITA. If you’re not invited, the Super Visa could be a great alternative.
