Complete Application Guide
Canada’s Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) has officially opened its doors for 2025, marking a significant milestone for thousands of families seeking to reunite with their loved ones. Starting on July 28, 2025, and over the course of approximately two weeks, IRCC will send invitations to apply to interested potential sponsors who have been waiting since the 2020 intake.
Who Qualifies for 2025 Invitations?
Understanding the Parents and Grandparents Program
The 2025 PGP intake operates under a strict eligibility framework. We’ll send 17,860 invitations over approximately 2 weeks. Our goal is to accept 10,000 complete applications. However, not everyone can expect an invitation this year.
Eligible prospective sponsors must meet these criteria:
- Submitted a complete interest-to-sponsor form during the 2020 intake period
- Have not received an invitation to apply (ITA) in any previous years from 2020-2024
- Must check the same email address used for their 2020 submission
The selection process remains lottery-based, ensuring fairness among the large pool of interested sponsors who registered in 2020. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has not reopened new interest-to-sponsor forms since 2020, meaning only those who applied during that original window remain eligible.
Current Processing Times and Expectations
Processing times vary significantly depending on your destination within Canada. As of February 5, 2025, processing times for PGP Program applications were approximately 24 months for those destined outside Quebec. They are 48 months for Quebec-destined applicants due to the province’s more limited family class admission targets.
| Destination | Processing Time | Special Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| Outside Quebec | 24 months | Standard federal processing |
| Quebec | 48 months | Additional provincial requirements and limited admission targets |
Application Structure and Process
The PGP application involves two interconnected components that must be submitted through the Permanent Residence (PR) Portal:
- Sponsorship Application – Filed by the Canadian citizen or permanent resident
- Permanent Residence Application – Filed by the parent(s) or grandparent(s) being sponsored
The principal applicant (person being sponsored) serves as the primary contact and must submit both applications online. If multiple parents or grandparents are applying, each requires a separate portal account and individual application.
Required Documentation
The application process demands extensive documentation from both sponsors and applicants:
Documents Required from the Principal Applicant (Parent/Grandparent):
| Digital Forms (Portal Completion) | PDF Forms (If Applicable) |
|---|---|
| Generic Application Form for Canada [IMM 0008] | Statutory Declaration of Common-Law Union [IMM 5409] |
| Schedule A – Background/Declaration [IMM 5669] | Statutory Declaration of Severance [IMM 5519] |
| Additional Family Information [IMM 5406] | Details of Military Service [IMM 5546] |
| Supplementary Information – Your Travels [IMM 5562] | Details of Government Employment |
| Details of Police Service |
Documents Required from the Sponsor:
| Form Type | Document Name |
|---|---|
| PDF Forms (downloaded and completed) | Document Checklist — Sponsor [IMM 5771] |
| Application to Sponsor, Sponsorship Agreement and Undertaking [IMM 1344] | |
| Financial Evaluation for Parents and Grandparents Sponsorship [IMM 5768] | |
| Income Sources for Sponsorship [IMM 5748] (if applicable) | |
| Statutory Declaration of Common-Law Union [IMM 5409] (if applicable) |
Important Note: Canadian citizens must provide proof of their citizenship status as part of the sponsorship documentation.
Financial Requirements and Fee Structure
The PGP demands significant financial commitment from sponsors. The base application fees start at $1,205, but costs can escalate depending on family composition and circumstances.
Fee Breakdown
| Category | Components | Amount (CAD) |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Sponsorship | Sponsorship fee | $85.00 |
| Principal applicant processing | $545.00 | |
| Right of permanent residence fee | $575.00 | |
| Subtotal | $1,205.00 | |
| Additional Spouse/Partner | Processing fee | $635.00 |
| Right of permanent residence fee | $575.00 | |
| Subtotal | $1,210.00 | |
| Each Dependent Child | Processing fee per child | $175.00 |
Additional Third-Party Costs
Beyond government fees, applicants should budget for:
- Medical examinations (required for all applicants)
- Police certificates from all countries of residence
- Biometrics collection fees
- Professional translation services (if documents aren’t in English or French)
Critical Application Timeline
You must submit your complete application by 11:59 p.m., ET, on October 9, 2025. There are no exceptions. This inflexible deadline means invited sponsors have approximately 10-11 weeks to compile all documentation and submit their applications.
Post-Submission Requirements
After submission, IRCC will request additional documentation:
- Medical Examinations – Instructions provided after complete application submission
- Police Certificates – Valid for one year from issue date; may require updates if processing extends beyond validity period
- Biometrics – Required for individuals aged 14-79; must be completed within 30 days of request
Application Rejection Scenarios
IRCC will return applications under these circumstances:
- Incomplete documentation or missing forms
- Unpaid application fees
- Submission by non-invited applicants
- Applications submitted after the October 9, 2025 deadline
If the application is incomplete, IRCC will send you a letter asking for the missing documents. You’ll have 30 days to respond with the required information. If your application is still incomplete after 30 days, it will be returned and will not be processed.
Alternative Options for Non-Selected Applicants
For those who don’t receive invitations, Canada offers the Super Visa as an alternative pathway. This multi-entry visa allows parents and grandparents to visit Canada for extended periods, providing temporary reunion opportunities while awaiting future PGP opportunities.
Conclusion
The 2025 Parents and Grandparents Program represents a crucial opportunity for Canadian families to reunite permanently. With limited invitations available and strict timelines, invited sponsors must act swiftly and methodically to ensure successful applications. Given the substantial processing times and complex requirements, early preparation and professional guidance can significantly improve application outcomes.
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