Starting 28 July 2025, Canada’s Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will begin issuing invitations under the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP)—a key route for family sponsorship to Canada. This move allows thousands of citizens and permanent residents to reunite with their loved ones permanently.

Let’s break down who qualifies, what comes next after receiving an invite, and what options exist if you’re not selected.

IRCC to Send 17,860 Invitations This July

Over a two-week window beginning 28 July, IRCC will issue 17,860 invitations for the PGP. The goal is to accept 10,000 complete permanent residence applications in this round.

Invitations will only go to individuals who had submitted an interest to sponsor form in 2020. The pool will not be reopened, so no new submissions are being accepted.

If you applied in 2020, keep a close eye on your inbox—including your spam or junk folder—for official communication from IRCC.

What is the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP)?

The PGP allows Canadian citizens, permanent residents, and registered Indians to sponsor their parents or grandparents for permanent residency.

Given the high demand and limited quotas, IRCC uses a randomized lottery system to select eligible sponsors.

This makes it crucial to follow the invitation and application guidelines closely.

What to Do If You Receive an Invitation

If you’re among the lucky ones invited, here’s what you need to do next:

1. Confirm the Invitation

Only individuals selected from the 2020 pool will receive an invite. Do not submit an application unless officially invited—unauthorized submissions will be returned.

2. Create a Portal Account

You’ll need to complete and submit two applications:

• Sponsorship application (you as the sponsor)

• Permanent residence application (your parent or grandparent)

Both must be submitted together online through the Permanent Residence Portal. If you’re using a paid representative, they must use the Representative Portal.

If more than one parent or grandparent applies as a principal applicant, they each need separate PR Portal accounts.

Documents You Need to Prepare

Make sure you gather and upload the following documents:

• Proof of relationship with the applicant

• Sponsorship agreement and undertaking

• Sponsor’s citizenship or PR documentation

• Family info forms, background declarations, CVs

• Photographs of the principal applicant and dependents

Double-check that everything aligns with IRCC’s current checklist.

Application Fees and Biometrics

The sponsor must pay processing fees for themselves and any dependents. In most cases, a biometrics fee is also required.

If omitted, your application could be delayed or returned. Biometrics include fingerprinting and digital photos.

You may also need to pay for third-party services such as medical exams or police certificates.

A right of permanent residence fee is payable before final approval.

Submitting the Application: What to Ensure

Before clicking submit, confirm that you’ve:

• Answered all questions

• Signed electronically using your full passport name

• Uploaded the processing fee receipt

• Uploaded the 2024 invitation letter

If your submission is incomplete, IRCC will give you 30 days to correct it. Failure to do so will lead to rejection.

Didn’t Get an Invite? Here’s What to Do

Even if you’re not selected in this round, you still have a powerful option—the Super Visa.

This visa allows parents and grandparents to visit Canada for up to 5 years at a time, with an option to extend for another 2 years.

Unlike standard visitor visas, the Super Visa is valid for 10 years. Applicants must:

• Have valid health insurance

• Meet income thresholds

• Fulfill all admissibility criteria

This is an excellent route for families seeking long-term reunification without immediate permanent residency.

Final Word

The 2025 PGP intake is a significant opportunity for family reunification. If you submitted your interest in 2020, now’s the time to act fast, stay prepared, and follow every instruction from IRCC carefully.

Stay tuned to Maple Wire for more immigration updates and guidance that matters.

The post Canada Visa Update: Parents & Grandparents Sponsorship Opens first appeared on Maple News Wire.