Ottawa, July 18, 2025 – The Europe Today: Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has announced that beginning July 28, 2025, thousands of Canadians will receive invitations to apply for sponsorship under the federal Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP). The invitations will go to 17,860 potential sponsors who had submitted an interest-to-sponsor form in 2020.
According to a notice published by IRCC on Wednesday, the department aims to accept up to 10,000 complete applications during this intake period. The initiative is part of the Government of Canada’s continued commitment to family reunification, which remains a key component of the country’s immigration policy.
Those invited to apply will be able to submit their sponsorship applications through either the Permanent Residence Portal or the Representative Permanent Residence Portal, as outlined by IRCC.
Eligibility and Next Steps
IRCC emphasized that only individuals from the 2020 pool of interest-to-sponsor submissions will be considered for the 2025 intake. Potential sponsors are urged to monitor their email accounts, including junk and spam folders, for communication from the department. No new interest-to-sponsor forms will be accepted for this round.
Alternatives for Those Not Invited
For individuals who do not receive an invitation to apply in the 2025 intake, IRCC encourages the consideration of the super visa program. This multi-entry visa, valid for up to 10 years, allows parents and grandparents to stay in Canada for up to five years at a time, with the possibility of extending their stay by an additional two years per visit.
Commitment to Family Reunification
While the federal government continues to adjust the number of temporary and permanent residents permitted entry into Canada, IRCC reaffirmed that family reunification remains a priority. According to the department, family-class immigrants—such as parents and grandparents—represent approximately 22 per cent of all permanent resident admissions.
The Parents and Grandparents Program is highly competitive, often oversubscribed, and seen as a vital pathway for Canadian citizens and permanent residents seeking to reunite with their loved ones and provide long-term support in Canada.
Further details and updates on the PGP intake process are available on the official IRCC website.
