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Intake opens for PGP

In a move that reaffirms Canada's long-standing commitment to family reunification, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has announced the reopening of intake for the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP). Beginning July 28, 2025, the federal government will start sending out 17,860 invitations to potential sponsors, with the goal of receiving 10,000 complete applications this year. This announcement is significant for many families across Canada, offering a path toward bringing loved ones into the country on a permanent basis.

The PGP is a key component of Canada’s family class immigration system. It allows eligible Canadian citizens, permanent residents, and registered Indians to sponsor their parents or grandparents for permanent residency (PR). Once granted PR, these relatives can enjoy all the rights and benefits afforded to permanent residents, including healthcare, work authorization, and a pathway to citizenship.

Due to overwhelming interest in the program, the PGP operates on a lottery-based invitation system. Only those who submitted an “Interest to Sponsor” form during the 2020 intake period are eligible for this year’s selection. Since the 2020 intake, no new submission windows have opened, which means that only individuals in the existing pool will receive invitations.

According to IRCC, the department will begin issuing invitations on July 28, 2025, over two weeks. The goal is to issue 17,860 invitations, which is expected to yield 10,000 fully completed applications for sponsorship.

To be eligible under the PGP, sponsors must meet several requirements, including:

• Sponsors must be Canadian citizens, permanent residents, or registered Indians under the Canadian Indian Act.
• Must reside in Canada.
• Sponsors must meet Minimum Necessary Income (MNI) requirements based on family size, including the individuals being sponsored. This is usually determined by Notices of Assessment from the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) for the past three taxation years.
• Sponsors must commit to financially support their parents or grandparents for 20 years, starting from the date they become permanent residents. This includes repaying any social assistance benefits collected by the sponsored family members during that time.

For those not selected in the PGP invitation round, the Super Visa remains a viable and flexible alternative. Unlike the PGP, which provides permanent residency, the Super Visa offers long-term temporary resident status, allowing parents or grandparents to stay in Canada for up to 10 years, with visa renewals possible every five years.

• Validity: Multi-entry status for up to 10 years, with individual stays up to 5 years per visit.
• Insurance: Applicants must purchase private Canadian medical insurance valid for at least one year.
• Income Threshold: The host must meet minimum income levels and provide a written promise of financial support.
• Medical Exam & Admissibility: Applicants must undergo a medical exam and be deemed admissible to Canada.

For many families, the Super Visa is a practical way to bring loved ones to Canada while waiting for PGP intake opportunities to reopen.

The reopening of the Parents and Grandparents Program for 2025 is a welcome step forward for many Canadian families who have been waiting for an opportunity to reunite with their loved ones permanently. Although the limited number of invitations and continued reliance on the 2020 pool may be disappointing to some, the government’s decision to resume intake shows continued support for family-class immigration.

For those not selected this year, the Super Visa remains a valuable option, allowing extended family visits and creating meaningful opportunities for connection and caregiving.

As Canada continues to evolve its immigration policies to meet changing demographic and social needs, the PGP will likely remain a critical part of the landscape—one that balances compassion, fairness, and logistical feasibility in keeping families together.

If you are looking to Study, Work, Visit or Migrate to Canada, talk to I Can Help Immigration Services, at +1 778 239 7861 or +1 647 453 7660 with RCIC # R413239, Canada’s No.1 Immigration & Visa Company to get the best help you need.