Starting July 28, 2025, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will begin accepting up to 10,000 complete applications for the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP). The invitations to apply (ITAs) will be sent over a two-week period to 17,860 individuals from the 2020 Interest to Sponsor pool—no new applications will be accepted this year.
This article breaks down the program in detail, including who is eligible, income requirements, and how to maximize your chances of success.
Table of Contents
Who Is Eligible to Sponsor Parents or Grandparents to Canada?
To sponsor your biological or adopted parents or grandparents under the 2025 PGP, you must meet strict eligibility criteria set by IRCC.
Basic Eligibility Criteria
- Invitation to Apply (ITA): Only individuals who submitted an Interest to Sponsor form in 2020 and receive an ITA in 2025 are eligible.
- Age Requirement: Must be at least 18 years old.
- Residency: You must live in Canada when you apply and until the application is processed.
- Status in Canada: You must be a Canadian citizen, a permanent resident, or registered under the Canadian Indian Act.
- Financial Eligibility: You must meet the Minimum Necessary Income (MNI) for the past three tax years (2022, 2023, and 2024).
- Sponsorship Agreement: You must commit in writing to support your parents or grandparents financially.
- Legal Compliance: You must not be in breach of immigration or criminal law.
Who Cannot Sponsor?
You may not be eligible to sponsor if you:
- Are currently incarcerated.
- Have defaulted on immigration loans or court-ordered payments (e.g., child support).
- Have previously failed to financially support a sponsored person.
- Are undischarged from bankruptcy.
- Receive social assistance (unless due to a disability).
- Have a serious criminal record, including violence or sexual offenses.
- Are under a removal order from Canada.
2025 Income Requirements for Sponsoring Parents and Grandparents
Sponsors must meet or exceed the Minimum Necessary Income (MNI) thresholds for three consecutive tax years prior to applying. This includes your total family size—both your immediate household and the people you intend to sponsor.
Minimum Income Requirements (2022–2024)
Family Size | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 |
---|---|---|---|
2 people | $47,549 | $44,530 | $43,082 |
3 people | $58,456 | $54,743 | $52,965 |
4 people | $70,972 | $66,466 | $64,306 |
5 people | $80,496 | $75,384 | $72,935 |
6 people | $90,784 | $85,020 | $82,259 |
7 people | $101,075 | $94,658 | $91,582 |
Each additional person | $10,291 | $9,636 | $9,324 |
Example: If you’re sponsoring two parents and live with a spouse and child (total of 5 people), your minimum income must be at least:
- $72,935 (2022)
- $75,384 (2023)
- $80,496 (2024)
How to Prove Your Income to IRCC
To demonstrate that you meet the financial requirements, IRCC accepts two methods:
Option 1: Authorize CRA Access
- Complete the IMM 5768 form (Financial Evaluation for Parents and Grandparents Sponsorship).
- Under question 8, provide your Social Insurance Number (SIN) and consent for IRCC to obtain your income data from CRA.
Option 2: Submit Tax Documents
- Complete the IMM 5748 form (Income Sources for PGP).
- Include paper copies of your Notices of Assessment (NOAs) from the Canada Revenue Agency for 2022, 2023, and 2024.
Step-by-Step: How the 2025 PGP Application Process Works
Since IRCC is only drawing from the 2020 Interest to Sponsor pool, it’s essential to follow the process closely if you submitted a form in that year.
1. Watch Your Email
Check the email you used in 2020—including your junk and spam folders—for your Invitation to Apply (ITA) starting July 28, 2025.
2. Submit a Complete Application
Once invited, you must apply through:
- The Permanent Residence Portal, or
- The Representative Permanent Residence Portal (if you’re using an immigration representative).
Have all required documents ready, including:
- Proof of relationship (birth certificates, adoption papers)
- Income documentation (NOAs or CRA consent)
- IDs and civil status documents
3. Act Fast and Avoid Mistakes
Only 10,000 applications will be accepted, and missing documents or late submissions could cost you the opportunity. Prepare early to avoid delays.
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Not Invited in 2025? Consider the Super Visa
If you are not among those invited this year, the Super Visa may be a viable alternative.
What Is the Super Visa?
The Super Visa allows parents and grandparents to visit Canada for up to 5 years per entry, with possible extensions of up to 2 additional years. It’s a multiple-entry visa valid for up to 10 years.
Key Requirements for the Super Visa
- Proof that your income meets the MNI threshold.
- Purchase private Canadian health insurance for at least one year.
- A letter of invitation from your child or grandchild in Canada.
There is no annual cap for the Super Visa, making it a more flexible option for many families.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the PGP program in Canada?
The Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) allows Canadian citizens and permanent residents to sponsor their parents or grandparents for permanent residency, enabling them to live and work in Canada and access public benefits.
Is the PGP open for 2025?
Yes. Starting July 28, 2025, IRCC will invite applicants from the 2020 pool only, with a cap of 10,000 applications.
How much income do I need to sponsor my parents?
Your income must meet or exceed the Minimum Necessary Income (MNI) for the three most recent tax years, based on your family size. For example, a family of four must meet $64,306 (2022), $66,466 (2023), and $70,972 (2024).
Final Thoughts: Prepare Early, Act Quickly
The 2025 PGP provides an incredible opportunity to reunite families in Canada—but it’s extremely competitive. If you submitted an Interest to Sponsor form in 2020, now is the time to:
- Verify your eligibility
- Organize financial documents
- Watch your email for an invitation starting July 28
If you’re not invited, the Super Visa is still a strong alternative.