Received an invitation from IRCC for the Parents and Grandparents Program 2025? Here’s a step-by-step guide on what to do next.
Parents and Grandparents Program 2025: Application Process, Eligibility & Fees
Canada’s Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) officially opened on July 28, 2025, and Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has begun sending out invitations to apply (ITAs) to eligible Canadian citizens and permanent residents who want to sponsor their parents or grandparents for permanent residence.
If you’re hoping to bring your loved ones to Canada through family sponsorship, here’s everything you need to know about this year’s Parents and Grandparents Program 2025 intake.
Who Will Receive an Invitation in 2025?
Only those who meet the following criteria will receive an invitation this year:
- You submitted an interest-to-sponsor form in 2020, and
- You did not receive an ITA during the 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, or 2024 intake rounds.
The invitations are sent by lottery, and IRCC is using the same pool of submissions from 2020. New applications or interest-to-sponsor forms are not being accepted at this time.
17,860 invitations to apply will be issued over the next two weeks, with a target of approving 10,000 complete applications for permanent residence.
Make sure to check the email address you used in 2020, this is where IRCC will contact you if you’re selected.
Application Process: Step-by-Step To The Parents and Grandparents Program 2025
If you receive an invitation to apply, you’ll need to submit two applications online:
- Sponsorship Application – to confirm that you are eligible to sponsor.
- Permanent Residence Application – for your parent(s) or grandparent(s) to apply for PR.
All applications must be submitted through IRCC’s Permanent Residence (PR) Portal, or the Representative Portal if you’re working with an immigration consultant or lawyer.
Required Forms and Documents For The Parents and Grandparents Program 2025
Here’s a breakdown of what each party needs to complete:
For the Person Being Sponsored (Parent/Grandparent)
Digital forms (in PR Portal):
- IMM 0008: Generic Application Form for Canada
- IMM 5669: Schedule A – Background/Declaration
- IMM 5406: Additional Family Information
- IMM 5562: Supplementary Information – Your Travels
PDF forms (if applicable):
- IMM 5409: Statutory Declaration of Common-Law Union
- IMM 5519: Statutory Declaration of Severance of a Common-Law Union
- IMM 5546: Details of Military Service
- Details of Government or Police Employment
Each parent or grandparent applying as a principal applicant must submit their own application.
For the Sponsor (You)
PDF forms (to be completed and uploaded by the principal applicant):
- IMM 5771: Document Checklist
- IMM 1344: Application to Sponsor, Sponsorship Agreement and Undertaking
- IMM 5768: Financial Evaluation
- IMM 5748: Income Sources (if applicable)
- IMM 5409: Statutory Declaration of Common-Law Union (if applicable)
For full instructions on completing the forms, refer to the Instruction Guide IMM 5772.
Application Fees for Parents and Grandparents Program 2025
Additional costs apply if you’re including:
- A spouse or partner of the parent/grandparent: $1,210
- A dependent child: $175 per child
You may also need to pay third-party fees for:
- Medical exams
- Police certificates
- Biometrics (approx. $85 per person aged 14–79)
All fees must be paid online before you submit your application.
How to Submit Your Application
Before hitting submit, make sure:
- All forms are complete and electronically signed
- You’ve included your fee payment receipt
- All required documents are uploaded
- You’ve attached a copy of your invitation letter in the designated section
If your application is missing documents, IRCC will notify you. You’ll have 30 days to respond. If you fail to complete it in time, your application will be returned.
After Submission: What Happens Next?
IRCC may request the following during processing:
- Medical exams: You’ll receive instructions from IRCC
- Police certificates: Must be recent (valid for 12 months)
- Biometrics: You’ll receive a letter with details on where and how to provide them
If your application is approved, your parent(s) or grandparent(s) will receive permanent resident status in Canada.
Reasons Your Application Could Be Returned
IRCC will return your application if:
- It’s incomplete
- The fees were not paid
- You weren’t invited to apply
- You miss the deadline stated in your ITA
It’s crucial to double-check every section and ensure you meet the eligibility and documentation requirements.
What If You Weren’t Invited?
Unfortunately, no new interest-to-sponsor forms are being accepted at this time. However, if you weren’t selected, you can consider alternative options such as the Super Visa, which allows parents and grandparents to stay in Canada for up to 5 years at a time.
