2025 Canadian Parental Sponsorship Program: A Way for Families to Reunite
Zia Waseer
Waseer Law Office
Canadian Parental Sponsorship Program (PGP)
For a lot of Canadians, the notion of being with their parents and grandparents again is very important to them. Families can bring their loved ones to Canada permanently through the Canadian Parental Sponsorship Program (PGP). This way, they may all be there for important times in their life.
The program will start up again in 2025 with new restrictions and limits on how many people can apply, imposed by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). Anyone who wants to sponsor their family this year needs to know about these changes.
We at Waseer Law focus on immigration and real estate law. Our offices are in London, Windsor, and Mississauga, Ontario, which makes it easy for clients to get to us. Our immigration lawyers have helped many families successfully go through Canada's sponsorship programs. They have done everything from filling out entire applications to looking into other options like the Super Visa.
2025 Canadian Parental Sponsorship Program Breakdown
The Parents and Grandparents Sponsorship Program (PGP) 2025 is one of the most popular avenues for families to reunite in Canada. Only a few individuals can apply each year, and there are many individuals who want to move to Canada, which makes the process competitive.
Important Dates for PGP 2025
- Program Admission Begins: July 28, 2025
- Invitations issued: A total of 17,860 invitations will be issued to sponsor candidates.
- Target for Approving: The Government's target for approving complete applications through the PGP in 2019 is 9,000-10,000.
Who Will Receive Invitations?
Those interested in the 2025 intake are only, who submitted the “Interest to Sponsor” form in 2020. Sadly, new forms will not be able to be accepted this year.
If you applied in 2020, here’s what you need to do:
- Watch Your Email (Fishing in Your Spam Box)!
- If you get an invitation, you need to act quickly because the timeframe is short.
- Submit your application electronically through the Permanent Residence Portal (if you are applying directly) or the Representative Portal by your immigration lawyer (such as Waseer Law).
📌 Why This Matters
Invitations are only being sent out to a select few sponsors, so the clock is ticking. If you fail to email or complete an application in full, you may miss the chance to sponsor your parents or grandparents in 2025.
Our immigration attorneys assist sponsors in completing the right, complete applications that satisfy IRCC, without costly errors that may lead to delays or refusals.
Expert Legal Guidance, One Click Away
Facing an immigration, real estate, or family law issue? Book a free 15-minute consultation with our experienced legal team. We’re here to help you understand your options and move forward with confidence.
2025 Canadian Parental Sponsorship Program
2. Who Can Apply in 2025?
The Canadian Parents and Grandparents Sponsorship Program (PGP) 2025 won't be open to everyone. This year's intake is rather precise, so it's important to know the restrictions for who can apply before you start filling out your application.
✅ Basic Eligibility for 2025
- You filed an “Interest to Sponsor” form in 2020.
- You will receive an official invitation email from IRCC starting July 28, 2025.
- You are a Canadian citizen, a permanent resident of Canada, or a registered Indian under the Canadian Indian Act.
- You are 18 years of age or older.
- You have the minimum required income (LICO plus 30 per cent) for your family size.
📧 Invitation Rules
- Invitations are emailed only (regularly check your inbox, spam, and junk folders).
- If you do not get an email invitation, you cannot apply in 2025.
- Applications must be submitted online through IRCC’s portals within the deadline provided.
💰 Financial Requirements
- Having achieved the minimum necessary income (MNI) in the last 3 tax years.
- Submitting Notices of Assessment (NOAs) from the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA).
- Using the earnings of a co-signer (e.g., a spouse or common-law partner) if necessary.
📄 Documentation Needed
- Supporting documentation: Proof of Canadian status such as a citizenship certificate or PR card.
- Documentation of income (CRA papers, letters of employment, etc.).
- Your parents' or grandparents' identification and relationship documents (passports, birth certificates, etc.).
- Printouts of any applicable forms you fill out in IRCC’s Permanent Residence Portal.
3. Step-by-Step Process If You’re Invited
- Step 1: Check Your Email Immediately — Invitations are sent only by email. Look in your inbox, junk, and spam folders.
- Step 2: Gather Required Documents — Proof of Canadian citizenship, CRA NOAs for the past 3 years, identity and relationship documents.
- Step 3: Submit Your Application Online — Use the PR Portal (self) or Representative PR Portal (lawyer).
- Step 4: Double-Check for Accuracy — Any mistake, missing form, or incomplete detail can cause delays or refusal.
- Step 5: Meet the Deadline — Applications must be submitted on time. No extensions are given.
4. What If You Don’t Receive an Invitation?
Not everyone who expressed interest in 2020 will be invited this year. If you are not selected, there are still options:
The Super Visa Program
The Super Visa is an alternative pathway that allows parents and grandparents to visit Canada for extended stays.
- Multiple entries for up to 10 years.
- Stay in Canada for up to 5 years per visit.
- Option to extend for up to 2 additional years without leaving Canada.
5. Why Family Sponsorship Matters
Family reunification is still an important feature of Canada's immigration policy. The PGP program shows that the government is still dedicated to keeping families together, with 22% of all permanent residents each year coming through the family class.
6. Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Missing the invitation deadline.
- Incomplete forms or missing signatures.
- Incorrect or outdated CRA financial documents.
- Not meeting the Minimum Necessary Income (MNI).
- Uploading wrong document formats.
- DIY errors that cause delays.
7. How Waseer Law Can Help
- Eligibility Review: Confirming IRCC requirements.
- Preparing complete applications and documents.
- Managing strict deadlines.
- Exploring alternative options like the Super Visa.
- Providing legal representation for appeals.
📞 Contact Waseer Law
At Waseer Law Office, we make professional legal support accessible across Ontario.
Call us at: 519-999-9676 or Email: reception@waseerlaw.ca
Expert Legal Guidance, One Click Away
Facing an immigration, real estate, or family law issue? Book a free 15-minute consultation with our experienced legal team. We’re here to help you understand your options and move forward with confidence.
Questions and Answers (FAQ)
1. If I didn't send in the form in 2020, can I still apply for the 2025 Parental Sponsorship Program?
No. This year, only people who filled out a "Interest to Sponsor" form in 2020 can apply.
2. How many applications will Canada accept in 2025?
IRCC wants to send out 17,860 invites and approve up to 10,000 applications.
3. What will happen if I don't turn in my application by the deadline?
Your invitation will run out, and you won't be able to apply until the next time.
4. Can you use the Super Visa to live in Canada permanently?
No. Parents and grandparents can stay in Canada for longer trips with the Super Visa, but it doesn't directly lead to permanent residency.
5. Do I need a lawyer to file?
If you don't grasp the regulations around money or documentation, having a lawyer can help you prevent mistakes, delays, and refusals.
6. Can I help other family members with this program?
No. The PGP program is only for parents and grandparents. You can sponsor other family members through other immigration categories.
📌 Disclaimer
This article is intended for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. To receive personalized legal advice and discuss the specific details of your case, please contact Waseer Law Office to book a consultation with one of our qualified immigration lawyers.
📞 Call us at: 519-999-9676
📧 Email: reception@waseerlaw.ca
