Beginning today, 28 July 2025, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has begun issuing Invitations to Apply (ITAs) under the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP). These invitations, drawn by lottery from the pool of interest-to-sponsor forms submitted in 2020, mark the first time IRCC will send ITAs since that initial intake. Prospective sponsors who submitted a complete form in 2020—and who have not yet received an invitation—stand to benefit from this latest round of ITAs, which will total 17,860 over the next fortnight, with a view to securing 10,000 completed sponsorship applications.

Who Is Eligible to Receive an Invitation?

To qualify for this year’s lottery, applicants must satisfy two conditions:

• They submitted a complete interest‑to‑sponsor form in 2020; and

• They did not receive an ITA in any intake between 2020 and 2024.

It is important to bear in mind that this invitation‑eligibility does not constitute full sponsor‑eligibility. Should you receive an ITA, you must still demonstrate that you meet all sponsorship requirements when you submit the formal applications.

Overview of the Application Procedure

Once you receive an ITA via the email address you provided in 2020, you must complete two separate applications through the online PR Portal (or via the Representative PR Portal, if you engage paid representation):

1. Sponsorship Application

You apply to become a sponsor by completing and electronically signing the necessary PDF forms.

2. Permanent Residence Application

Your parent(s) or grandparent(s) apply for permanent residence, uploading your completed sponsorship forms and their own digital forms.

If more than one parent or grandparent qualifies as a principal applicant, each must submit a distinct application and establish a dedicated portal account. Alternative arrangements exist for those unable to apply online.

Required Forms and Documents

Both sponsors and principal applicants must complete and exchange a combination of digital portal forms and PDF schedules. Key documents include:

For Principal Applicants (Parents or Grandparents)

• Generic Application Form for Canada (IMM 0008)

• Schedule A – Background/Declaration (IMM 5669)

• Additional Family Information (IMM 5406)

• Supplementary Information – Your Travels (IMM 5562)

• Any PDF declarations relevant to relationships, military service, police service, or government employment

For Sponsors

• Document Checklist – Sponsor (IMM 5771)

• Application to Sponsor, Sponsorship Agreement and Undertaking (IMM 1344)

• Financial Evaluation for Parents and Grandparents Sponsorship (IMM 5768)

• Income Sources for the Sponsorship of Parents and Grandparents (IMM 5748), if applicable

• Statutory Declaration of Common‑Law Union (IMM 5409), if applicable

• Refer to the IRCC Instruction Guide (IMM 5772) to confirm all document requirements and ensure each form is completed accurately.

Paying Your Application Fees

Fees are payable online and typically begin at $1,205 CAD. They comprise:

• Sponsorship Fee: $85 CAD

• Principal Applicant Processing Fee: $545 CAD

• Right of Permanent Residence Fee: $575 CAD

• Biometrics Fee: as required

Additional dependents, spouses of the principal applicant, or opting out of the right of permanent residence fee will affect total costs. You may also incur third‑party fees for medical examinations and police certificates.

Submitting and Managing Your Application

Before you click “Submit,” confirm that:

• All questions are answered and every form is signed;

• Fee payment receipt is uploaded;

• All required documents are attached; and

• Your ITA letter is included in the “Required Documents” section.

Incomplete applications prompt a request for missing documents, to which you must respond within 30 days. Failure to comply will result in your application being returned unprocessed.

Once submitted, you may track progress and provide updates via the PR Portal. IRCC will request medical exams, biometrics and police certificates as your file advances. Keep all information current, and use IRCC’s web form to report any changes. Processing times are posted on IRCC’s website and may vary.

Securing the opportunity to reunite with parents or grandparents under the PGP is a meaningful step. By following each procedural requirement with precision and adhering to IRCC’s timelines, you strengthen the likelihood of a successful sponsorship. Should questions arise, consult the IRCC website or seek qualified immigration advice to go through any complexities that may emerge.