Parents and Grandparents Sponsorship 2025: What You Need to Know

On July 28, 2025, IRCC began sending invitations to apply (ITAs) for the Parents and Grandparents Sponsorship Program (PGP). This year, 17,860 invitations are being sent, with the goal of approving 10,000 complete sponsorship applications.

In recent years, the Parents and Grandparents Sponsorship program has evolved significantly. Understanding these changes is crucial for potential sponsors. Besides the number of invitations issued, the process has become more streamlined, with online tools to assist applicants.

Invitations are being drawn from the interest-to-sponsor pool submitted in 2020. If you submitted an interest form back then, make sure to check your email (including spam). This could be your chance.

For those who submitted their interest in previous years, it’s worth noting the importance of maintaining updated contact information with IRCC. Changes such as moving homes or changing email addresses can affect your chances of receiving an invitation.

This is an important opportunity for many families looking to reunite, highlighting the significance of the Parents and Grandparents Sponsorship.

This program’s relevance is underscored by the emotional and social benefits of family reunification. It allows families to share experiences and support one another, which is vital in today’s fast-paced world.

Who Can Sponsor?

Understanding who can sponsor is essential. It opens doors for many individuals who are eager to bring their loved ones closer. The criteria ensure that sponsors are capable of providing the necessary support.

To sponsor a parent or grandparent, you must:

In addition to the listed requirements, potential sponsors should also consider their long-term financial stability. Being financially prepared can ease the process and lessen stress during the application period.

• Be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or registered Indian under the Canadian Indian Act;
• Be 18 or older;
  
• Live in Canada when you apply and until a decision is made;
• Meet the Minimum Necessary Income (MNI) requirements for the last 3 tax years (2022, 2023, 2024).

IRCC will also count previous partners or spouses when calculating your family size. That means even if you’re no longer together, they may still need to be included when determining your income requirement.

Income Requirements

Understanding the Minimum Necessary Income (MNI) is crucial. It’s not just about meeting the minimum but also about ensuring that your income can sustain additional family members. Preparing a comprehensive budget can help in assessing this.

Sponsors need to show that they meet the MNI for 3 years in a row. The exact amount depends on the size of your family (including you, your dependents, your parents/grandparents, and even former spouses or partners).

It’s also advisable to keep a backup of all documents submitted. This could come in handy in case of any follow-up questions from IRCC.

What You Should Do Now

After submitting your application, be proactive. Follow up if you haven’t received updates within the expected time frame. Keeping communication lines open with IRCC can help facilitate smoother processing.

• If you received an ITA, submit your sponsorship application through the Permanent Residence Portal no later than the date stated on the letter.
• Gather your documents carefully. That includes tax slips/NOAs to prove income and all required forms.
• If you didn’t get an invitation, keep an eye on your inbox. More rounds may still follow.

Here Are Some Tips

Moreover, being prepared for potential interviews can significantly improve your chances. Understanding common questions and being ready with answers can help demonstrate your commitment.

• Please note that principal applicants and any dependents over the age of 18 included in the application must provide a resume detailing their work history from the age of 18, with no gaps.
• As well, IMM5669, if the principal applicant or dependent over the age of 18 has not worked in the last 10 years, they must provide their personal history since the age of 18.

Bringing it to Northia 

At Northia, we pride ourselves on providing personalized assistance tailored to each client’s unique circumstances. This ensures that every family’s journey towards reunification is as smooth as possible.

At Northia, we know how meaningful it is to reunite with your parents or grandparents in Canada. But the process can feel overwhelming, especially with strict income requirements and family size rules that include even past relationships.

We understand the emotional aspects of this process. Reuniting with family can provide immense comfort, especially in times of need. Our role is to support you throughout this journey.

We’ll walk you through each step:

• • Confirming your eligibility

As part of our consultation, we will discuss the various pathways and strategies to navigate the Parents and Grandparents Sponsorship program effectively.

• Making sure your income meets the right threshold
• Preparing and reviewing your forms so nothing is missed

If you’re unsure where you stand or how to start, let’s figure it out together.

We encourage you to bring your questions and concerns during our consultations. This will help us better understand your needs and provide tailored advice.

Book your consultation.

Remember, you’re not alone in this process. Many families have successfully navigated the Parents and Grandparents Sponsorship program, and with the right support, you can too.