How to Sponsor Your Parents and Grandparents for Canadian Permanent Residence in 2025
Canada’s Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) remains one of the most sought-after family reunification streams under Canada’s immigration system. The 2025 intake is now open, and Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has announced the details around this year’s invitation round and application process.
Who Can Sponsor in 2025?
This year, IRCC will issue 17,860 invitations to apply (ITAs) over a two-week period starting July 28, 2025. These invitations will go to individuals who:
Submitted a valid interest-to-sponsor form in 2020; and
Have not yet received an invitation in previous PGP intakes (2020–2024).
The department aims to approve 10,000 completed applications under this round. Keep in mind: being selected is only the first step. Applicants must still meet all eligibility criteria to sponsor and successfully complete the full application process.
Application Overview: Two-Part Submission
PGP sponsorship involves two separate but interconnected applications:
Sponsorship Application – You (the sponsor) apply to support your parents’ or grandparents’ immigration.
Permanent Residence Application – Your parent(s) or grandparent(s) apply to become Canadian permanent residents.
Both applications must be submitted together online via the Permanent Residence (PR) Portal. If a regulated immigration consultant or lawyer is submitting on your behalf, they will use the Representative PR Portal.
If more than one parent or grandparent is applying as the principal applicant, each must submit a separate application.
Required Forms and Documents
Here’s what both sponsors and principal applicants need to prepare:
| For the Person Being Sponsored | For the Sponsor |
|---|---|
| IMM 0008 – Generic Application Form for Canada | IMM 5771 – Document Checklist |
| IMM 5669 – Background/Declaration | IMM 1344 – Application to Sponsor, Sponsorship Agreement and Undertaking |
| IMM 5406 – Additional Family Information | IMM 5768 – Financial Evaluation |
| IMM 5562 – Travel History | IMM 5748 – Income Sources (if applicable) |
| Other forms may be required for dependents or unique situations (e.g., military/police service history) | IMM 5409 – Statutory Declaration of Common-Law Union (if applicable) |
The sponsor completes the PDF forms and sends them to the principal applicant, who uploads them to the PR Portal. The entire application must be digitally signed by the principal applicant before submission.
Proof of Canadian Citizenship
To act as a sponsor, you must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident. If you’re a citizen, you must provide:
The date you became a citizen
Your UCI or Client ID (found on your citizenship certificate)
If your certificate is lost or unavailable, include a letter explaining the situation and the steps you’ve taken to obtain it.
Fee Structure
Fees must be paid online prior to submission. Here’s a breakdown of the common costs:
| Category | Description | Amount (CAD) |
|---|---|---|
| Sponsor a parent or grandparent | Sponsorship + processing + PR fees | $1,205 |
| Sponsor (no PR fee included) | Sponsorship + processing only | $630 |
| Add a spouse or partner to the application | Processing + PR fees | $1,210 |
| Add dependent child(ren) | Per child | $175 |
Additional third-party costs may include:
Medical exams
Police certificates
Biometrics (typically required for applicants aged 14–79)
Submitting Your Application Online
Ensure the following before you hit submit:
All questions are fully answered
Application is electronically signed
Fee receipt is included
All required supporting documents are uploaded
A copy of your invitation to apply (ITA) is attached in the designated section
If your application is submitted without all the required documents, IRCC may give you 30 days to provide the missing information. However, this opportunity is not guaranteed and IRCC may return your application outright without processing it.
If your application is returned, you will lose your Invitation to Apply (ITA) and will need to re-enter the pool of candidates and wait to be selected again in a future round.
What Happens After Submission?
Once your application is received, you can track its progress through your IRCC account. You may also update details such as contact info or family changes using IRCC’s web form.
IRCC will then request:
| Requirement | Description |
|---|---|
| Medical Exams | Instructions are provided after submission. Exams must be completed by panel physicians authorized by IRCC. |
| Police Certificates | Anyone aged 18 or older must submit police certificates from any country where they lived for 6+ months in the past 10 years. |
| Biometrics | Applicants will receive a letter requesting fingerprints and a photo. These must be submitted at a biometrics collection site within 30 days. Bring your passport and the biometric instruction letter. |
If you’re unable to meet the deadline, use the IRCC web form to request an extension immediately.
Common Reasons Applications Are Returned
Your PGP application may be rejected or returned if:
You weren’t invited to apply
The application is incomplete or missing key documents
Fees were not paid
The submission was made after the ITA deadline
Be proactive in checking your email (including your junk/spam folders) and keep all records and receipts organized throughout the process.
What If You Don’t Meet the Minimum Income Requirements to Sponsor Your Parents or Grandparents?
To sponsor your parents or grandparents for Canadian permanent residence under the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP), you must meet the Minimum Necessary Income (MNI) requirement for the past three consecutive tax years. But what happens if you don’t meet the income threshold?
1. Wait and Reapply When You Meet the Income Requirement
If your income was recently impacted or not yet sufficient, your best option may be to wait until you meet the MNI before submitting a new application in a future intake year. This ensures a stronger, more compliant application.
2. Use a Co-Signer to Boost Household Income
If you are married or in a common-law relationship, your spouse or partner may act as a co-signer on the application. Their income will be combined with yours to help meet the financial requirement. Co-signers must also commit to the sponsorship undertaking and meet the same eligibility criteria.
3. Apply Under Humanitarian and Compassionate (H&C) Grounds
In exceptional cases, you may be able to request an exemption from the income requirement by applying under Humanitarian and Compassionate (H&C) considerations.
This option is reserved for cases where:
The refusal of sponsorship would cause undue hardship or harm to the family.
The parent or grandparent faces urgent medical, safety, or emotional risks in their home country.
The applicant is the sole surviving parent or has a critical dependency on the sponsor in Canada.
Important: If you’re pursuing this route, your application must include strong, compelling documentation and a detailed written explanation. Each case is evaluated on its individual merits, and there is no guarantee of success.
Final Thoughts
Sponsoring your parents or grandparents is a meaningful way to reunite your family in Canada. However, the process is competitive and highly regulated. Staying informed and submitting a complete, accurate application is essential to success.
If you need help navigating the 2025 PGP intake, consider consulting with a licensed immigration professional.Book your consultation today
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.