Most Asked Questions About Sponsoring Parents and Grandparents in Canada (2025)
Most Asked Questions About Sponsoring Parents and Grandparents in Canada (2025)
Canada’s Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) allows Canadian citizens and permanent residents to reunite with their parents and grandparents. While the program opens doors to permanent residency, many sponsors have questions about eligibility, processing, income requirements, and more. Here’s a comprehensive guide to the most commonly searched questions for 2025.
1. What Is the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP)?
The PGP allows Canadian citizens and permanent residents to sponsor their parents and grandparents for permanent residency. Approved applicants receive full benefits, including healthcare, the right to work, and the potential to apply for Canadian citizenship after meeting residency requirements.
2. When Did the 2025 PGP Intake Open?
The 2025 intake officially opened on July 28, 2025. IRCC issued 17,860 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) to individuals who submitted an Interest to Sponsor form in 2020. The goal is to accept 10,000 complete applications.
3. Who Is Eligible to Apply in 2025?
Eligibility is limited to individuals who submitted an Interest to Sponsor form in 2020. No new forms are being accepted for 2025. If you did not submit a form in 2020, you will not be eligible for this intake.
4. What Should I Do If I Receive an Invitation to Apply?
If you receive an ITA, you must submit a complete application by 11:59 p.m. ET on October 9, 2025. Applications must be submitted online through the Permanent Residence Portal or the Representative Portal. Make sure all information aligns with your original Interest to Sponsor form to avoid delays or refusals.
5. What If I Don’t Receive an Invitation?
If you did not receive an ITA in 2025, you cannot sponsor your parents or grandparents this year. Alternatives include:
Super Visa: Allows extended visits (up to 5 years per visit) without permanent residency.
Future Intakes: Submit a new Interest to Sponsor form in 2026.
6. What Counts as Income for Sponsoring Parents and Grandparents?
Eligible income is the total income on line 15000 of your Notice of Assessment (NOA) from the CRA. Income to be excluded includes:
Provincial or territorial allowances for instruction or training (taxable scholarships, bursaries, fellowships on line 13000)
Social assistance from a province or territory
Payments from the Government of Canada under a resettlement assistance program
Regular Employment Insurance (EI) earnings (except for 2020 and 2021)
Old Age Security (OAS) and Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) payments
7. Can Sponsored Parents Work in Canada?
Yes. Sponsored parents and grandparents become permanent residents, giving them the right to live and work anywhere in Canada without restriction.
8. Common Grounds for Refusal of a Sponsorship Application
Applications may be returned incomplete or refused for:
Missing fees
Errors in submitted information
Missing supporting documentation
Not meeting the financial requirements
Careful preparation and accurate documentation are essential.
9. Can Parents Stay in Canada While Waiting for the Application to Be Processed?
Yes. Parents can stay in Canada using:
A regular visitor visa (up to six months)
A Super Visa (up to 5 years per entry)
Visitor status can be extended in Canada before expiry, maintaining legal status until a decision is made.
10. How Long Does It Take to Sponsor a Parent?
Processing takes approximately 24–36 months. Most cases are not completed in less than 24 months, but processing may take longer depending on case complexity and IRCC workload.
11. What Are the Key Application Requirements?
Sponsors must:
Be at least 18 years old
Be Canadian citizens or permanent residents
Reside in Canada
Meet Minimum Necessary Income (MNI) for the past three years
Commit to financially supporting the sponsored individuals for 20 years
Final Thoughts
Sponsoring parents or grandparents requires careful planning and preparation. Understanding income requirements, eligibility, and application timelines can help ensure a smoother process. For those who did not receive an ITA, consider Super Visa options and prepare for future intakes.
About the Author: Lauren Shannan is a Senior Immigration Consultant with 10 years of experience helping foreign nationals navigate their journey in Canada. With her extensive knowledge of immigration processes and policies, Lauren provides valuable insights to those looking to make Canada their new home.
Disclaimer: This blog post is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For personalized advice, please consult with a licensed immigration professional.