If you submitted an interest to sponsor form for your parents or grandparents back in 2020, your wait might finally be over. Starting July 28, 2025, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will begin issuing invitations to apply under the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP). Over the course of about two weeks, the government will send out 17,860 invitations, with the goal of approving 10,000 completed sponsorship applications for this year’s intake.

Importantly, only those who completed the interest to sponsor form in 2020 will be considered. No new forms are being accepted this year. If you are among those who applied in 2020 and have not yet received an invitation, now is the time to check your inbox—including spam and junk folders.

What Happens If You Get Invited?

If you receive an invitation, you can apply online through the Permanent Residence Portal or the Representative Portal. The application must be submitted within the timeframe provided in the invitation. Make sure your documents are in order and that you still meet the eligibility requirements as a sponsor—including the minimum income threshold for the past three tax years.

What If You Are Not Invited?

For those who are not selected, the super visa remains a strong alternative. This long-term visitor visa allows parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens and permanent residents to visit Canada for extended periods—up to five years at a time, with the possibility of two-year extensions without leaving the country. The visa is valid for 10 years and requires proof of medical insurance, a written promise of financial support, and income verification from the host.

While it does not offer permanent residency, the super visa is often more accessible and offers greater flexibility than regular visitor visas, which typically allow stays of only six months.

Looking Ahead

This year’s PGP intake is a continuation of the 2020 pool. There has been no new intake since that year, and it remains unclear when a fresh round of interest to sponsor forms will be accepted. If you are hoping to sponsor your parents or grandparents in the future, the best course of action is to stay informed and monitor updates from IRCC.

In the meantime, if your loved ones want to visit Canada sooner rather than later, the super visa may be your best bet.

If you submitted your form in 2020, check your email. This could finally be your chance to bring your family home.