The Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) is now open, i.e., the federal government has begun issuing invitations to apply (ITAs) to Canadian citizens and permanent residents interested in sponsoring their parents or grandparents for permanent residency.
These ITAs will be sent via a lottery system.
Moreover, those selected will be contacted using the email address they provided in their original 2020 interest-to-sponsor form.
Today, we will discuss who’s eligible, how the application process works, and what to expect when applying through the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP).
So, without further ado, let us begin!
Who Will Be Invited To Apply In 2025?
In this year’s intake, IRCC (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada) will issue 17,860 ITAs over a two-week period. Moreover, the goal is to accept 10,000 complete sponsorship applications for permanent residence.
To qualify for an invitation, you must:
- Have submitted a complete interest-to-sponsor form in 2020
- Not have received an ITA between 2020 and 2024
Keep in mind that receiving an invitation does not automatically mean you meet the criteria to sponsor someone. You’ll still need to prove eligibility when applying.
Step-By-Step Application Process
Since the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) is now open, here’s how you can apply for the same.
Create Or Log Into Your Account
If you’re selected to sponsor, there are two applications you must complete:
- Sponsorship Application – This is where you apply to become a sponsor
- Permanent Residence Application – This is filled out by the person being sponsored
The principal applicant (your parent or grandparent) is responsible for submitting both applications online through the PR Portal.
If you’re using a paid immigration representative, they’ll submit everything through the Representative PR Portal.
If multiple parents or grandparents are applying as principal applicants, each must create a separate PR portal account and submit their own application.
Special arrangements are available for applicants who cannot complete the application online.
Filling Out The Required Forms
The forms you’ll need depend on whether you’re the sponsor or the person being sponsored.
Documents for the Person Being Sponsored | Documents for the Sponsor |
Digital forms (to be completed in the portal) | PDF forms (to be downloaded, filled out, and provided to the principal applicant): |
Generic Application Form for Canada [IMM 0008] | Document Checklist — Sponsor [IMM 5771] |
Schedule A – Background/Declaration [IMM 5669] | Application to Sponsor, Sponsorship Agreement and Undertaking [IMM 1344] |
Additional Family Information [IMM 5406] | Financial Evaluation for Parents and Grandparents Sponsorship [IMM 5768] |
Supplementary Information – Your Travels [IMM 5562] | Income Sources for the Sponsorship of Parents and Grandparents [IMM 5748] (if applicable) |
Notes for Dependents |
Any dependent 18 years or older must also complete IMM 5669, IMM 5406, IMM 5562 and, if applicable, IMM 5476 (regardless of whether they are immigrating or not). |
PDF forms (to be uploaded in the online application if applicable): |
Statutory Declaration of Common-Law Union [IMM 5409] |
Statutory Declaration of Severance of a Common-Law Union [IMM 5519] |
Details of Military Service [IMM 5546] |
Details of Government Employment |
Details of Police Service |
Statutory Declaration of Common-Law Union [IMM 5409] (if applicable) |
You should refer to the Instruction Guide [IMM 5772] for a full breakdown of each document and how to complete them correctly.
The principal applicant must:
- Upload all the completed sponsor documents to their online application
- Sign and submit the full application electronically through the PR portal
Note that the sponsors who are Canadian citizens must also include proof of citizenship.
Paying Application Fees
All application fees must be paid online. Fees for the Parents and Grandparents Program usually start at $1,205.
Types of Fees:
- Processing Fee – For the sponsor, the principal applicant, and any dependents
- Right Of Permanent Residence Fee – Required before final approval
- Biometrics Fee – Covers fingerprinting and digital photos
Breakdown of Fees:
Category | Description | Fee ($CAN) |
Sponsor your parent or grandparent | Sponsorship fee | $85.00 |
Principal applicant processing fee | $545.00 | |
Right of permanent residence fee | $575.00 | |
Total | $1,205.00 | |
Sponsor without right of permanent residence fee | Sponsorship fee | $85.00 |
Principal applicant processing fee | $545.00 | |
Total | $630.00 | |
Spouse or partner of parent/grandparent | Processing fee | $635.00 |
Right of permanent residence fee | $575.00 | |
Total | $1,210.00 | |
Spouse or partner (without right of PR fee) | Processing fee | $635.00 |
Dependent child | Per child | $175.00 |
Total | $810.00 |
You may also need to pay third-party fees for:
- Medical exams
- Police certificates
It is best to refer to the instruction guide to determine exactly what applies to your case.
Submitting Your Application Online
Before hitting “submit,” make sure you:
- Complete all questions on all forms
- Electronically sign the application
- Upload your payment receipt
- Include all supporting documents
- Lastly, attach a copy of your invitation letter (ITA)
If your application is incomplete, IRCC will notify you and give you 30 days to provide the missing documents. If you fail to do so, your application will be returned and not processed.
Once submitted, you can track your application and provide updates if needed — even managing parts of the process on behalf of the person being sponsored.
You can always check current processing times on the IRCC website.
Additional Information May Be Required
Now that the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) is now open, it is vital to note that vital information might be needed after the application has been submitted.
- Medical Exams
You’ll receive instructions for medical exams after submitting your complete application.
- Police Certificates
Certificates must be valid for one year. If your processing time goes beyond that, updated versions may be required.
- Biometrics
After paying the biometrics fee, IRCC will issue a biometrics request letter. Applicants between the ages of 14 to 79 must:
- Complete biometrics within 30 days
- Bring the letter and their passport to the collection appointment
If you cannot meet the 30-day deadline, submit a request for an extension using the web form.
Reasons Your Application Could Be Returned
Your application will be returned if:
- It is incomplete
- Fees have not been paid
- You were not selected to apply
- You miss the application deadline outlined in your ITA
Be sure to keep your details up to date, including contact info, family composition, and any changes related to the application. Use the official IRCC web form for updates.
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