Dear future neighbour,
Canada has officially launched its 2025 Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP), inviting 17,860 eligible sponsors to apply for permanent residence on behalf of their parents and grandparents. The invitation round began on July 28, 2025, with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) set to issue invitations over a two-week period.
Why 17,860 Invitations for a Cap of 10,000 Applications?
Although IRCC aims to process up to 10,000 complete sponsorship applications, it issued 17,860 invitations to accommodate withdrawals and ineligibility, ensuring the application target is met. This strategic over-invitation helps offset non-responders and incomplete submissions.
See below details of PGP Invitation
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Invitation Date | July 28, 2025 |
| Total Invitations Issued | 17,860 |
| Complete Applications Target | 10,000 |
| Eligibility Pool | Interest to Sponsor forms submitted in 2020 |
| Submission Window | Within 60 days of ITA receipt |
| Processing Time | ~24 months (outside Quebec); up to 48 months in Quebec |
| Alternatives | Super Visa; Humanitarian & Compassionate (H&C) |
Who Was Eligible for the 2025 Invitation Round?
Only applicants from the 2020 Interest to Sponsor pool qualified. IRCC did not reopen the form for new submissions in 2025, maintaining consistency with prior intake strategies.
Eligible sponsors needed to:
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Be at least 18 years old and a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or registered Indian under the Canadian Indian Act;
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Reside in Canada throughout the process;
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Demonstrate financial stability (Minimum Necessary Income) over the past three tax years (2022‑2024)
Invitation Timeline & Required Actions
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July 28 – early August 2025: Invitations were sent via email, including to spam/junk folders so invitees were advised to monitor closely.
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Once invited, sponsors had 60 days to submit a complete application through the Permanent Residence Portal or a representative portal
Processing Duration & Regional Differences
Processing time varies by location:
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For applicants outside Quebec: approximately 24 months
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For applications targeting Quebec: up to 48 months due to provincial requirements
What Invitees Should Do Now
If you received an ITA:
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Gather documentation early—proof of income (CRA Notices of Assessment), identity, relationship, medical exams, and police certificates.
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Submit both sponsorship and permanent residence application within 60 days.
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Ensure you meet all eligibility criteria and complete every form accurately to avoid delays.
Alternatives if You Were Not Selected
If you did not receive an invitation:
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You remain in the 2020 pool and may be invited in future draws.
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Consider the Super Visa, which allows parents and grandparents to visit Canada for up to five years per stay, with multiple entries over 10 years. While it doesn’t grant permanent residency, it offers greater flexibility.
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In special hardship or caregiving situations, Humanitarian and Compassionate (H&C) applications may present another pathway.
Need help with your Canadian immigration process?
Whether you’re applying for a visitor visa, submitting a work permit or visa application, creating an Expression of Interest (EOI), setting up an Express Entry or Provincial Nomination profile, preparing your application after receiving an Invitation to Apply, or simply want a professional review of your self-prepared application, we’re here to assist you.
Schedule a consultation or contact us at:
info@eseumohimmigration.com
