Canada Parents and Grandparents Sponsorship 2025: Higher Hurdles, Greater Rewards

Canada Parents and Grandparents Sponsorship 2025 spotlights: Few immigration programs stir as much emotion as the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP)—a lifeline for families longing to bridge generations. The 2025 intake has now opened, but with significant changes that demand sponsors be better prepared than ever.

Invitations Focused on 2020 Applicants

• On July 28, 2025, IRCC began sending Invitations to Apply (ITAs) to sponsors who submitted their Interest to Sponsor form in 2020 and had not been previously invited.

• This round will issue 17,860 invitations, with the goal of securing 10,000 completed applications.

👉 Action point: If you submitted your form in 2020, check your inbox (including spam/junk) daily. This may be your once-in-a-lifetime chance.

Steeper Income Requirements

The Minimum Necessary Income (MNI) for PGP sponsors has risen significantly. For the 2024 tax year:

• 2 people (sponsor + 1 parent): CAD 47,549

• 3 people: CAD 58,456

• 4 people: CAD 70,972

• (increases with family size)

👉 Sponsors can combine income with a spouse or common-law partner to qualify, but IRCC requires clear, verifiable proof for the last three tax years.

Tight Timelines for Submission

• Deadline: October 9, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. ET

• Portal: Applications must be submitted via the Permanent Residence Portal

• Late submissions = refused automatically

Required documents include:

• Proof of income (2022–2024)

• Medical exams

• Police certificates

• Relationship documents

👉 Prepare these documents in advance to avoid delays.

The Super Visa as a Strategic Backup

Didn’t get an invitation? The Parents & Grandparents Super Visa offers a flexible alternative:

• Valid for up to 10 years

• Allows stays of up to 5 years per visit

• Renewable from inside Canada

It’s not permanent residence, but it allows families to stay close while waiting for the next PGP intake.

Expert Insight

The PGP 2025 shows Canada’s strong commitment to family reunification—but also its expectation of financial readiness.

As an immigration consultant, I’ve seen too many families miss deadlines or fall short on income proof because they weren’t prepared in time.

Action Steps for Sponsors

• ✅ Check your email daily from July 28 to mid-August 2025

• ✅ Gather proof of income for 2022–2024 early

• ✅ Order police certificates and schedule medical exams in advance

• ✅ Explore the Super Visa option if you were not invited this year

(Canada Parents and Grandparents Sponsorship 2025)