Parent and Grandparent Program (PGP): Application Guide 2025

The Parent and Grandparent Program (PGP) remains one of Canada’s most sought-after immigration pathways for family reunification, allowing Canadian citizens and permanent residents to sponsor their parents and grandparents for permanent residence . 

For 2025, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has announced significant updates that prospective sponsors need to understand to navigate this competitive program successfully.

What is the Parent and Grandparent Program (PGP)?

The PGP is a family class sponsorship program that enables eligible Canadian citizens and permanent residents to bring their parents and grandparents to Canada as permanent residents . Unlike temporary visit programs, successful PGP applicants receive full permanent residence status, allowing them to live, work, and access healthcare in Canada indefinitely .

The program operates on a lottery-based selection system due to overwhelming demand that far exceeds available spots . This approach ensures fairness while managing the substantial application volumes that IRCC receives annually.

2025 Program Updates: What You Need to Know

Application Intake and Capacity

For 2025, IRCC has made several important announcements regarding the PGP intake :

• Up to 25,000 applications will be processed in 2025, representing a significant increase from earlier projections 
• 10,000 new applications will be accepted specifically in 2025 
• No new Interest to Sponsor forms will be accepted in 2025 
• Only individuals who submitted Interest to Sponsor forms in 2020 remain eligible for selection 

Selection Process

IRCC continues using the 2020 pool for random selection rather than opening new submissions . This approach has been consistent since 2020, with all invitations coming from that original pool . If you did not submit an Interest to Sponsor form in 2020, you cannot participate in the 2025 intake .

Eligibility Requirements for Sponsors

Basic Sponsor Requirements

To sponsor your parents or grandparents under the PGP, you must meet these fundamental criteria :

• Age: Be at least 18 years old
• Status: Be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or registered Indian under the Canadian Indian Act
• Residence: Live in Canada with your primary residential address in Canada
• Invitation: Have received an Invitation to Apply (ITA) from IRCC
• Financial capacity: Meet minimum income requirements for the past three consecutive tax years

Who Cannot Sponsor

You are ineligible to sponsor if you :

• Are in jail, prison, or penitentiary
• Have not repaid immigration loans or performance bonds
• Are behind on court-ordered family support payments
• Previously failed to provide financial support for someone you sponsored
• Are an undischarged bankrupt
• Receive social assistance (except for disability)

Income Requirements and Financial Obligations

Minimum Necessary Income (MNI) Standards

The financial requirements for PGP sponsorship are stringent and must be met for three consecutive tax years before applying . The income thresholds are typically 30% higher than the Low Income Cut-Off (LICO), except for 2021 when COVID-19 adjustments applied .

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PGP Income Requirements by Family Size (2021-2023)

Family Size Calculation

Calculating your family size correctly is crucial for determining the required income threshold . Your family size includes:

Your current household:

• Yourself (the sponsor)
• Your spouse or common-law partner
• Your dependent children and your partner’s dependent children
• Any individuals you previously sponsored who are still under undertaking

Those you want to sponsor:

• The parent(s) or grandparent(s) you’re sponsoring
• Their spouse or common-law partner (even if not coming to Canada)
• Their dependent children (even if not coming to Canada)

Co-signing Applications

If you don’t meet the income requirements alone, your spouse or common-law partner can co-sign the application to combine incomes . The co-signer must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident and will share equal responsibility for the undertaking .

Step-by-Step Application Process

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PGP Application Process Flowchart 2025

Phase 1: Pre-Application Preparation

Before receiving an invitation, ensure you meet all eligibility criteria and have submitted an Interest to Sponsor form in 2020 . Monitor your email regularly as IRCC sends invitations randomly throughout the year .

Phase 2: Receiving Your Invitation to Apply (ITA)

When selected, you’ll receive an email invitation with specific instructions and deadlines . The typical response window is 60 days from the invitation date . Immediately upon receiving your ITA:

1. Save and print the invitation email
2. Note the deadline carefully
3. Begin document collection immediately
4. Create an organized filing system

Phase 3: Document Preparation and Form Completion

The application requires extensive documentation across multiple categories . Key forms include:

Sponsor Forms:

• IMM 5771 (Document Checklist)
• IMM 1344 (Application to Sponsor)
• IMM 5768 (Financial Evaluation)

Principal Applicant Forms:

• IMM 0008 (Generic Application Form)
• IMM 5669 (Schedule A – Background/Declaration)
• IMM 5406 (Additional Family Information)

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First page of the Generic Application Form for Canada (IMM 0008), detailing application and personal information required for Canadian immigration 

Phase 4: Medical Examinations and Background Checks

All principal applicants and their dependents must undergo medical examinations by IRCC-approved panel physicians . The medical exam includes:

• Comprehensive physical examination
• Chest X-rays
• Blood tests for HIV and syphilis
• Additional tests as required by the examining physician

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Specialist’s Referral Form (IMM 5734) used for medical examinations in Canadian immigration applications 

Police certificates are required from all countries where the applicant has lived for six months or more since age 18 .

Phase 5: Application Submission and Payment

Complete applications must be submitted within the deadline along with all required fees :

• Sponsorship fee: $85
• Principal applicant processing fee: $545
• Right of Permanent Residence Fee: $575
• Additional family members: Varies by relationship

Processing Times and What to Expect

Standard Processing Timeframes

Current processing times vary significantly by province :

• Outside Quebec: Approximately 24 months
• Quebec: Approximately 48 months due to additional provincial processing requirements

Quebec-Specific Requirements

Quebec has its own immigration selection process for family sponsorship . After IRCC approves your federal sponsorship application, you must apply to Quebec for a Certificate of Selection (CSQ) . This additional step contributes to longer processing times for Quebec-bound applications.

Super Visa: The Alternative Option

For families not selected through the PGP lottery, the Super Visa provides an excellent alternative for extended family visits .

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PGP vs Super Visa Comparison

Super Visa Benefits

The Super Visa offers several advantages :

• Extended stays: Up to 5 years per visit
• Multiple entries: 10-year validity
• No annual caps: Available year-round
• Faster processing: Generally quicker than PGP
• Lower income requirements: Based on LICO rather than MNI+30%

Super Visa Requirements

Key requirements include :

• Health insurance: Minimum $100,000 coverage from approved providers
• Medical examination: Required for all applicants
• Financial support: Host must meet LICO income requirements
• Letter of invitation: Detailed invitation from Canadian family member

Common Challenges and Solutions

Documentation Issues

Challenge: Missing or incomplete documentation
Solution: Start document collection immediately upon receiving ITA and maintain organized files with clear labeling systems 

Income Requirement Difficulties

Challenge: Not meeting MNI requirements alone
Solution: Consider having your spouse or common-law partner co-sign the application to combine incomes 

Processing Delays

Challenge: Extended processing times
Solution: Ensure complete and accurate application submission to avoid requests for additional information 

Tips for Success

Application Preparation

1. Use digital forms only: Complete all forms digitally using Adobe Reader 10+ with JavaScript enabled 
2. Maintain consistency: Ensure name spellings and information are consistent across all documents 
3. Organize systematically: Use clear labeling and logical document organization 
4. Keep copies: Maintain complete copies of your entire application package

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First page of the IMM 5476 form, ‘Use of a Representative,’ used for appointing or cancelling an immigration representative for Canadian visa applications 

Professional Assistance

Consider consulting with qualified immigration professionals if you encounter complexities in your case . Licensed immigration consultants or lawyers can provide valuable guidance through the process, particularly for cases involving unique circumstances or potential complications.

Understanding Your Obligations as a Sponsor

Undertaking Responsibilities

When you sponsor parents or grandparents, you sign an undertaking committing to provide financial support . This legal obligation includes:

• Duration: 20 years from the date they become permanent residents 
• Financial support: Cover basic needs if they cannot support themselves 
• Non-cancellable: The undertaking cannot be terminated regardless of circumstances 

Long-term Commitments

The sponsorship undertaking remains in effect even if :

• Your financial situation changes
• You get divorced or separated
• The sponsored person becomes a Canadian citizen
• Either party moves to another province

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

The Parent and Grandparent Program remains highly competitive, with limited spots available relative to demand . Success requires careful preparation, complete documentation, and patience throughout the lengthy processing period. For those not selected through the PGP lottery, the Super Visa provides an excellent alternative for maintaining close family connections.

Remember that immigration laws and procedures can change, so always consult the official IRCC website for the most current information . Consider professional assistance if your case involves complexities, and maintain organized records throughout the entire process.

The journey to bring your parents or grandparents to Canada requires dedication and attention to detail, but the reward of family reunification makes the effort worthwhile. Whether through PGP permanent residence or Super Visa temporary status, Canada offers pathways to keep families together across generations .