2025 Parents Sponsorship: Your 7-Step Ultimate Guide

Introduction: Reuniting Your Family in Canada

Bringing your parents and grandparents to live with you in Canada is a dream for many permanent residents and citizens. The Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) is the primary pathway to make this dream a reality, granting them permanent resident status. However, the PGP is notoriously competitive, with demand far exceeding the number of available spots each year.

The 2025 PGP intake is expected to continue this trend. Success requires careful preparation, a clear understanding of the requirements, and acting quickly when the intake window opens. This ultimate guide will walk you through the entire process in 7 clear, actionable steps, ensuring you are fully prepared to submit a strong application and maximize your chances of reuniting with your loved ones.

Step 1: Confirm Your Eligibility to Sponsor

Before you even think about the application forms, you must first confirm that you, the sponsor, meet the strict eligibility criteria set by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). You cannot sponsor your parents or grandparents if you do not meet these foundational requirements.

Sponsor Eligibility Criteria

• Age: You must be at least 18 years old.
• Status in Canada: You must be a Canadian citizen, a permanent resident of Canada, or a person registered in Canada as an Indian under the Canadian Indian Act.
• Residency: You must be living in Canada. If you are a Canadian citizen living abroad, you must prove that you intend to live in Canada when your sponsored relatives become permanent residents.
• Financial Undertaking: You must sign a sponsorship agreement, or 'undertaking,' committing to provide financial support for your sponsored family members for 20 years (10 years for sponsors in Quebec). This means you are responsible for repaying any provincial social assistance they might receive during this period.
• No Disqualifying Factors: You are likely ineligible if you are in prison, have declared bankruptcy and have not been discharged, are under a removal order, or have failed to meet the terms of a previous sponsorship undertaking.

Step 2: Meet the Crucial Income Requirements (MNI)

This is often the most significant hurdle for potential sponsors. You must prove that you meet the Minimum Necessary Income (MNI) for your family size. IRCC requires you to provide your Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) Notices of Assessment (NOA) for the three consecutive taxation years immediately preceding your application.

Understanding the Minimum Necessary Income (MNI)

The MNI is calculated based on the Low Income Cut-Offs (LICO) plus 30%. Your family size includes yourself, your spouse or partner, your dependent children, and the parents or grandparents you wish to sponsor. For the 2025 PGP intake, you will likely need to provide your NOAs for the 2024, 2023, and 2022 tax years.

Important Note: The table below shows estimated figures based on past years for illustrative purposes. IRCC releases the official MNI figures annually. Always check the official IRCC website for the exact income requirements for the current intake year.

If you have a co-signer (your spouse or common-law partner), their income can be included to help you meet the MNI. The co-signer must also meet the same eligibility requirements as you and agree to the 20-year undertaking.

Step 3: Submit the 'Interest to Sponsor' Form

In recent years, IRCC has used a lottery system to manage the high volume of interest. This process typically involves:

1. Intake Period: IRCC announces a specific period, usually lasting a few weeks, during which potential sponsors can submit an online "Interest to Sponsor" form.
2. Form Submission: This is not the full application. It's a simple online form where you provide your basic information, including your name, date of birth, country of birth, address, and proof of status document number (e.g., passport or permanent resident card).
3. One Submission Only: Submitting duplicate forms will get you disqualified. Ensure you submit it only once and save a copy of your confirmation number.

It is critical to monitor the IRCC website and news outlets closely in late 2024 and early 2025 for the official announcement of the PGP 2025 intake dates.

Step 4: Receive Your Invitation to Apply (ITA)

After the intake period closes, IRCC conducts a random draw from the pool of all submitted Interest to Sponsor forms. If you are selected, you will receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA). This is the green light to proceed with the full application.

Receiving an ITA comes with a strict deadline. You will typically have 60 days from the date of your invitation to submit your complete and accurate application package. This is not a lot of time, which is why preparing your documents in advance is so important.

Step 5: Prepare and Submit the Full Application Package

This is the most intensive step of the process. Your application package must be perfect. Any missing forms, documents, or incorrect information can lead to your application being returned or refused, and you'll lose your chance for that year.

Gathering Your Documents and Forms

You'll need a comprehensive set of documents for yourself (the sponsor), your co-signer (if applicable), and the parents/grandparents you are sponsoring. Key items include:

• Application Forms: A full checklist will be provided by IRCC, but this generally includes the Application to Sponsor, Sponsorship Agreement and Undertaking (IMM 1344), Generic Application Form for Canada (IMM 0008), and Additional Family Information (IMM 5406).
• Proof of Income: Your Notices of Assessment (NOA) from the CRA for the required three tax years.
• Proof of Status: Your Canadian passport, citizenship certificate, or permanent resident card.
• Proof of Relationship: Your parents' birth certificates (listing their parents) and your own birth certificate (listing them as your parents). Marriage certificates may also be required.
• Identity Documents: Passports and national identity cards for your parents/grandparents.
• Digital Photos: Photos for each person being sponsored, meeting IRCC's specific requirements.

Paying the Fees

You must pay all required government fees online and include the receipt with your application. The fees typically include a sponsorship fee, a principal applicant processing fee, and the right of permanent residence fee.

Comparison: Parents Sponsorship (PGP) vs. Super Visa

If the PGP seems too uncertain due to the lottery, the Super Visa is an excellent alternative. It allows parents and grandparents to visit Canada for extended periods. Here’s how they compare:

Step 6: Await a Decision from IRCC

Once you've submitted your application, the waiting period begins. PGP processing times are lengthy, often taking around two years. During this time, IRCC will review your application for completeness and eligibility.

They will also request that your parents or grandparents complete:

• Medical Examinations: Performed by an IRCC-approved panel physician.
• Biometrics: Fingerprints and a photograph taken at a Visa Application Centre (VAC).

You can check the status of your application online through your IRCC secure account. Respond to any requests for additional information from IRCC as quickly as possible.

Step 7: Prepare for Your Parents' Arrival

The best news you can receive is the final approval of your application. Once approved, your parents or grandparents will be issued a Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) document and a permanent resident visa in their passport.

They must travel to Canada before their COPR and visa expire to officially land as permanent residents. This is the final step in a long journey. As a sponsor, your 20-year undertaking begins on the day they become permanent residents. Be prepared to support them as they settle into their new life in Canada, helping them apply for a health card, find community resources, and integrate into Canadian society.

Conclusion: Your Journey to Family Reunification

Sponsoring your parents or grandparents is a significant commitment of time, money, and responsibility. The process is complex and competitive, but with thorough preparation and a clear understanding of each step, you can navigate it successfully. Start gathering your income documents early, watch for the PGP 2025 announcement, and be ready to act swiftly. The reward—reuniting your family and sharing your life in Canada—is well worth the effort.