In a significant update to Canada’s immigration system, the country’s immigration department recently announced that it will send invitations to apply (ITAs) to potential sponsors in 2025. This is great news for many Canadians and permanent residents eager to reunite with their parents and grandparents by sponsoring them for permanent residency. Let’s break down the details of how this process works, what has changed, and how to navigate the system effectively.
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New Invitations to Apply (ITAs) for Sponsoring Parents and Grandparents in 2025
On March 7, 2025, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) revealed that they would be inviting certain eligible individuals to apply to sponsor their parents and grandparents for Canadian permanent residency in 2025. This announcement marks an important step in the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP), which helps Canadian citizens, permanent residents, and registered Indians reunite with their loved ones.
A Shift from the 2024 Announcement
Earlier in January 2025, IRCC stated that they would not be issuing new invitations to sponsor parents and grandparents under the PGP this year. Instead, they focused solely on processing applications from the 2024 intake. However, this March announcement changes the course for many, as those who submitted an interest to sponsor form under the PGP in 2020 might now have a chance to receive an invitation in 2025.
While the exact timeline for sending out these invitations remains unclear, IRCC assured that more details will be available in the coming months. The government employs a lottery system to randomly select potential sponsors from the pool of applicants, which means not all eligible individuals will be selected to submit their full application.
The 2020 Intake Pool
As of now, all invitations for the PGP program have been sent to those who submitted interest to sponsor forms in the 2020 intake. This has been the case for several years since intake closed in 2020. Importantly, the intake for the PGP has yet to reopen, and it’s still uncertain when future intakes will begin.
Super Visa Program as an Alternative
For those who are not selected through the PGP or for those looking for other options, the Super Visa program offers a valuable alternative. This program allows Canadian citizens, permanent residents, and registered Indians to sponsor their parents and grandparents for extended visits to Canada.
The Super Visa is a temporary resident visa that can be valid for up to 10 years and permits multiple entries into the country. While it does not provide permanent residency, it 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.
Understanding the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP)
The Parents and Grandparents Program is designed to facilitate family reunification by allowing Canadian citizens, permanent residents, and registered Indians to sponsor their parents and grandparents for Canadian permanent residency. However, the application process is highly structured and requires meeting certain eligibility criteria.
Eligibility Requirements for Sponsors
To be eligible to sponsor under the PGP, a person must meet the following criteria:
- Minimum Income Requirement: The sponsor must meet the minimum income threshold set by the Canadian government. This ensures that the sponsor has the financial capacity to support their family members and prevent them from relying on social assistance.
- Admissibility of Sponsored Relatives: The parents or grandparents being sponsored must meet Canadian admissibility requirements, including health, security, and criminal checks.
How to Apply for the PGP
The PGP application process is not as simple as submitting a direct application. Here’s how it works:
- Submit an Interest to Sponsor Form: Eligible sponsors must first submit an Interest to Sponsor form to IRCC. This is where you express your desire to sponsor your parents or grandparents for permanent residency.
- Wait for an Invitation to Apply (ITA): If selected, sponsors will receive an ITA, inviting them to submit a full application for the permanent residency of their parents or grandparents.
- Lottery System: IRCC uses a lottery system to randomly select individuals from the pool of applicants. Due to the large number of applications, this system ensures fairness and provides an equal opportunity to all interested sponsors.
No Direct Application to PGP
It’s important to note that there is no way to apply directly to the PGP program. Sponsors must wait until they receive an ITA after submitting the Interest to Sponsor form. While this process can be uncertain, it’s crucial for potential sponsors to remain patient and hopeful.
Super Visa: A Flexible Option for Extended Stays
If you are a Canadian citizen or permanent resident and your application for the PGP is not successful or you’re looking for an alternative, the Super Visa program offers an excellent solution. The Super Visa is a temporary resident visa that allows parents and grandparents to live with their families in Canada for extended periods.
Key Features of the Super Visa Program:
- Up to 10 Years Validity: Super Visas can be issued for up to 10 years, and they allow for multiple entries during that period.
- Extended Stays: Super Visa holders can stay in Canada for up to five years at a time and can extend their stay by another two years, ensuring long-term visits.
- Health Insurance Requirement: To qualify for a Super Visa, foreign nationals must purchase private health insurance for the entire duration of their stay in Canada. This is to ensure that the sponsor’s relatives have access to adequate healthcare while residing in Canada.
- Income Requirements for Sponsors: Like the PGP, sponsors under the Super Visa program must meet specific income requirements to demonstrate they can financially support their relatives during their stay.
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What’s Next for Sponsorship in 2025?
As Canada looks ahead to 2025, it remains committed to family reunification. While the PGP lottery and the Super Visa offer two distinct pathways for sponsoring parents and grandparents, the PGP remains highly competitive and subject to the government’s lottery system. For many, the future looks bright with new ITAs being issued in 2025, but it’s important to stay informed and prepared for any changes in the immigration process.
If you missed the chance to apply in previous years, now is the time to keep an eye out for further announcements regarding the Parents and Grandparents Program and to explore all available options to bring your loved ones to Canada.