Canada’s immigration system has reopened one of its most in-demand family reunification pathways. Starting July 28, 2025, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will begin issuing invitations to apply (ITAs) under the Parents and Grandparents Program.
This move gives Canadian citizens and permanent residents a fresh chance to bring their parents and grandparents to Canada as permanent residents.
Over the next two weeks, IRCC will send 17,860 invitations. The government aims to accept 10,000 complete applications.
IRCC will select applicants through a lottery system from the pool of interest-to-sponsor forms submitted in 2020. This round does not allow any new interest-to-sponsor submissions.
Who Is Eligible to Receive an Invitation?
Only individuals who submitted a complete interest-to-sponsor form in 2020—and who did not receive an invitation in 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, or 2024—will be eligible this year. No additional submissions are being accepted.
Even if you are selected through the Parents and Grandparents Program, you must still meet the eligibility criteria to sponsor a parent or grandparent. This includes financial requirements and the ability to commit to supporting the applicant for 20 years.
Sponsorship vs. Permanent Residence Applications
There are two applications involved in this process:
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Sponsorship application – This is completed by the Canadian citizen or permanent resident who wants to sponsor their parent or grandparent.
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Permanent residence application – This is completed by the parent or grandparent being sponsored.
Both applications must be submitted online through IRCC’s Permanent Residence (PR) Portal. If a paid immigration representative is involved, they must use the Representative PR Portal.
Each parent or grandparent applying as a principal applicant must have their own PR portal account and file an individual application.
If the principal applicant cannot complete an online application due to disability or other barriers, IRCC allows paper-based applications through special accommodations.
Required Application Forms
The sponsorship and permanent residence applications each involve several digital and PDF forms. These must be completed correctly and submitted together in the PR portal.
For the Sponsored Person (Parent or Grandparent)
Digital Forms (completed online):
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IMM 0008 – Generic Application Form for Canada
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IMM 5669 – Schedule A: Background/Declaration
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IMM 5406 – Additional Family Information
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IMM 5562 – Supplementary Information: Your Travels
PDF Forms (uploaded online if applicable):
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IMM 5409 – Statutory Declaration of Common-Law Union
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IMM 5519 – Declaration of Severance of a Common-Law Union
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IMM 5546 – Details of Military Service
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Additional forms for police, military, or government service
For the Sponsor
PDF Forms (completed and given to the principal applicant):
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IMM 5771 – Document Checklist
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IMM 1344 – Application to Sponsor, Sponsorship Agreement and Undertaking
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IMM 5768 – Financial Evaluation for Parents and Grandparents Sponsorship
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IMM 5748 – Income Sources for Sponsorship (if applicable)
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IMM 5409 – Statutory Declaration of Common-Law Union (if applicable)
The sponsor must provide proof of Canadian citizenship or permanent resident status. The principal applicant must upload these PDF forms into their application and sign electronically.
You can consult the full Instruction Guide IMM 5772 for step-by-step instructions and tips to avoid errors.
Paying the Application Fees
All application fees for the Parents and Grandparents Program must be paid online. Fees vary based on the number of applicants and their dependents.
| Sponsorship Category | Description | Fee (CAD) |
|---|---|---|
| Sponsor a parent or grandparent | Sponsorship Fee | $85 |
| Principal applicant processing fee | $545 | |
| Right of permanent residence fee | $575 | |
| Total | $1,205 | |
| Sponsor without right of PR fee | Sponsorship + processing only | $630 |
| Add a spouse/partner of parent or grandparent | Processing + PR fee | $1,210 |
| Add a child dependent | Per child | $175 |
In some cases, you may need to pay extra for:
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Medical exams (through IRCC-approved panel physicians)
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Police clearance certificates (from every country your parent or grandparent has lived in for 6+ months since age 18)
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Translation of documents not in English or French
Refer to the fee list on IRCC’s official payment page for updates.
How to Submit a Complete Application
Once all forms and documents are ready, the principal applicant must log into the PR portal, upload the sponsor’s forms, sign the application electronically, and submit it before the deadline mentioned in the ITA letter.
Checklist before submission:
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All digital forms completed
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PDF forms filled, signed, and uploaded
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Fee payment receipt included
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Copy of the ITA letter attached under “Required documents”
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Application electronically signed using applicant’s full legal name
If anything is missing, IRCC will issue a request for documents. You will have 30 days to respond. Failure to respond completely within that window may lead to the return of your application without processing.
Post-Submission Requirements
After you submit the Parents and Grandparents Program application, IRCC may ask for the following:
Medical Exams
IRCC sends instructions for medical exams after receiving the permanent residence application. Only panel physicians approved by IRCC can conduct these exams.
Police Certificates
Applicants must provide police certificates for every country they’ve lived in for six months or more within the past 10 years. These certificates stay valid for one year. If processing takes longer, you may need to submit updated ones.
Biometrics (Fingerprints and Photo)
Once you pay the biometrics fee, IRCC issues a letter requesting biometrics. Everyone between the ages of 14 and 79 must go to an authorized biometrics collection center within 30 days of receiving the letter.
Make sure to bring the request letter and your passport to the appointment. If delays arise, you can request an extension using the IRCC web form.
Reasons Your Application May Be Rejected
IRCC will return your application unprocessed if:
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You fail to include a valid ITA
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You submit an incomplete application
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You don’t pay all required fees
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You miss the submission deadline
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You weren’t selected in the 2025 invitation round
After you submit your application, notify IRCC immediately if anything changes in your or your parent’s situation. This includes updates to address, marital status, or new dependents. Use the IRCC Web Form to submit these updates.
Sponsor Obligations Under the Parents and Grandparents Program
Sponsors must support their parents or grandparents financially for 20 years from the date they become permanent residents. During this period, sponsored individuals cannot claim social assistance from the government.
Sponsors also must meet the Minimum Necessary Income (MNI) requirement, calculated over the past three taxation years. You’ll need your Notice of Assessment (NOA) from the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) to prove your income.
The minimum income thresholds depend on family size. Full requirements are available in the IRCC Financial Guidelines.
Processing Times and Updates
As of mid-2025, IRCC processes Parents and Grandparents Program applications within 20 to 24 months. Processing times differ based on the applicant’s country of residence and whether IRCC requires extra documents or background checks.
A Limited Window With High Stakes
The Parents and Grandparents Program remains one of the few direct pathways to reunite with aging family members in Canada permanently. Because of the limited number of invitations and long wait times between rounds, eligible sponsors should act promptly.
Missing a deadline, misunderstanding document requirements, or submitting incomplete applications can set you back by years. That’s why many sponsors choose to work with certified immigration consultants or law firms who understand the high standards IRCC expects.
Get Help From Experts at Maple Crest Immigration
Navigating the Parents and Grandparents Program can be overwhelming. With over 10 forms, strict deadlines, and evolving criteria, even small errors can lead to rejection or long delays.
Maple Crest Immigration Law Firm helps Canadian citizens and permanent residents sponsor their parents and grandparents successfully. Our licensed consultants handle everything from verifying eligibility to submitting airtight applications.
Let our legal team review your ITA, prepare your forms, and walk you through the entire process. Whether you need support with biometrics, medical exams, or MNI evaluation, we’re ready to guide you every step of the way.
Book your consultation today—don’t risk missing this rare opportunity.
