Overview: What’s New in the Parent and Grandparent Program (PGP)?
The Parent and Grandparent Sponsorship Program (PGP) is one of Canada’s most valued immigration pathways, allowing families to reunite permanently. In a surprise update on March 7, 2025, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) announced it will invite 10,000 new sponsors from the 2020 Interest to Sponsor (ITS) pool — despite earlier indicating there would be no new intake this year.
If you submitted an ITS form in 2020 and haven’t been invited yet, this could be your chance!
(IRCC) announced it will invite 10,000 new sponsors from the 2020 Interest to Sponsor (ITS) pool
Why Is the Parent and Grandparent Sponsorship Program Important?
The PGP program allows Canadian citizens and permanent residents (PRs) to sponsor their parents and grandparents to immigrate to Canada as permanent residents. This includes:
- Permanent residency for your parents/grandparents
- Access to healthcare, work, and study rights
- Eligibility for Canadian citizenship in the future
How Are Sponsors Chosen for the PGP?
The PGP uses a lottery-style system called the Interest to Sponsor (ITS) pool, introduced in 2017. IRCC opens a window (usually once per year) during which potential sponsors can submit an online “Interest to Sponsor” form. This is not the actual sponsorship application—just an indication that you’re interested in sponsoring your parent(s) or grandparent(s).
You must meet eligibility requirements (including income thresholds) at the time of submission. After the submission period closes, IRCC randomly selects a set number of potential sponsors from the pool. Those selected receive an invitation to apply (ITA) to submit a full application for sponsorship. If you’re not selected, you must wait for the next year’s intake process and submit a new Interest to Sponsor form.
However, IRCC confirmed it is not accepting new Interest to Sponsor forms in 2025. Instead, the 10,000 invitations will be randomly selected from the existing 2020 ITS pool — continuing the trend from 2020 to 2024.
PGP Sponsorship Eligibility Requirements (2025)
To sponsor your parents or grandparents in 2025, you must:
- Be 18 years or older
- Be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or a person registered under the Canadian Indian Act
- Live in Canada throughout the sponsorship process
- Meet the Minimum Necessary Income (MNI) for the last 3 tax years (can be combined with a spouse’s income)
- Commit to financially supporting the sponsored family members for 20 years (outside Quebec) or 10 years (inside Quebec)
What If You Aren’t Selected?
Explore the Super Visa Program. This program allows parents or grandparents to:
What This Means for Future Sponsors
With over 90,000 sponsors still in the 2020 pool, it’s unclear if and when IRCC will reopen the program to new applicants.
If you plan to sponsor in the future:
- Maintain your income eligibility
- Prepare your documents early
- Stay updated on IRCC announcements
- Consult a licensed immigration professional to explore all options
Need Help With Parent and Grandparent Sponsorship in 2025?
At KLAAS Immigration Consulting, we help families:
- Assess eligibility under PGP and Super Visa
- Prepare strong, complete sponsorship applications
- Stay informed on IRCC policy changes
Email us at ask@klaasimmigration.ca or Book a consultation to get expert guidance tailored to your family situation.
Disclaimer:
All information in this article is accurate as of the date of publication. Immigration policies and processing times are subject to change. For the most up-to-date details, visit the official IRCC website.