Canada’s Parents and Grandparents Sponsorship Program 2025: What You Need to Know

Canada’s family reunification programs have long been a cornerstone of its immigration system, and the Parents and Grandparents Sponsorship Program (PGP) continues to play a vital role in helping families build a future together. If you’re looking to sponsor your parents or grandparents to join you in Canada in 2025, now is the time to understand how the program works and prepare for the process.

What is the Parents and Grandparents Sponsorship Program?

The PGP allows Canadian citizens and permanent residents to sponsor their parents and grandparents to become permanent residents of Canada. Once approved, your parents or grandparents will enjoy the same benefits as other permanent residents, including access to healthcare, the ability to work, and a pathway to citizenship.

What’s New in 2025?

While Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) typically announces program updates each year, here’s what we can reasonably expect for the 2025 intake based on past trends and preliminary government announcements:

• Lottery-Based Invitations: Similar to previous years, the 2025 PGP is expected to use a randomized invitation system. Potential sponsors submit an Interest to Sponsor form, and IRCC selects candidates through a lottery draw.

• Limited Invitations: The government typically sets a quota on the number of applications accepted annually. In 2024, this was approximately 28,500 invitations. A similar number is anticipated for 2025.

• Financial Requirements: Sponsors must meet a Minimum Necessary Income (MNI) threshold, proving they can financially support their parents or grandparents without relying on social assistance. The required income is assessed over the previous three taxation years.

• Undertaking Period: Sponsors must commit to financially supporting their sponsored relatives for 20 years (10 years in Quebec). This means repaying any provincial social assistance received by the sponsored person during this period.

Eligibility Requirements for Sponsors

To be eligible to sponsor your parents or grandparents in 2025, you must:

✔ Be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident✔ Be at least 18 years old✔ Live in Canada✔ Meet the Minimum Necessary Income (MNI) for the past 3 years✔ Commit to the financial undertaking period.

Alternative Path: The Super Visa

If you are not selected through the PGP lottery or cannot meet the income requirements, the Super Visa remains an excellent alternative. The Super Visa allows parents and grandparents to visit Canada for up to 5 years at a time, with the possibility of extending their stay.

Why Sponsor Your Parents or Grandparents?

Bringing parents and grandparents to Canada is about more than paperwork; it’s about building a life together. Family plays a crucial role in supporting mental health, raising children, and maintaining cultural connections. Canada recognizes these benefits, which is why family reunification remains a priority.

How to Prepare for the 2025 PGP

1. Check Your Eligibility: Confirm your income meets the threshold and gather your Notices of Assessment from the last 3 years.

2. Stay Informed: Monitor IRCC announcements for updates on the 2025 intake.

3. Get Professional Help: Immigration processes can be complex. Consulting with an immigration consultant or lawyer can improve your chances of success.

4. Consider Alternatives: Explore the Super Visa as a backup plan.

   
   

Conclusion

The Parents and Grandparents Sponsorship Program 2025 offers a meaningful opportunity to reunite families and strengthen your ties to Canada. While competition for spots can be high, preparation and knowledge are key. Start planning today to bring your loved ones closer tomorrow.

If you’d like assistance with your sponsorship application or have questions about your eligibility, contact us today for expert guidance and personalized support.