IRCC will open the 2025 PGP intake on 2025-07-28, issuing up to 10,000 invitations drawn exclusively from the 2020 Interest-to-Sponsor pool and not opening a new form. Sponsors should check their 2020 email (including spam) for ITAs and consider the Super Visa if not selected.
Soheil Hosseini
July 16, 2025
Jurisdiction
Federal
Week
Week 29
Impact
Moderate
Programs Affected
2025 Parents and Grandparents Program Intake Opens July 28
Summary: IRCC will begin sending invitations to apply under the Parents and Grandparents Program on 2025-07-28, selecting exclusively from the 2020 interest-to-sponsor pool and accepting up to 10,000 complete applications. No new Interest to Sponsor form will open. Those not selected are encouraged to consider the Super Visa. Source: IRCC (update dated 2025-07-16). Program: Sponsorship. IRCC announced on 2025-07-16 that it will start issuing invitations to apply for the 2025 Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) beginning July 28. The department will accept up to 10,000 complete applications and will draw exclusively from individuals who submitted an Interest to Sponsor form in 2020 and have not yet received an invitation to apply. IRCC confirmed that no new Interest to Sponsor form will be opened for this intake. Only those in the 2020 pool are eligible for invitations. Affected sponsors are advised to check their 2020 email accounts (including junk/spam folders) for ITAs. Individuals outside the 2020 pool or not invited this round are urged to consider the Super Visa as an alternative pathway for parents and grandparents to visit Canada for extended periods. Independent analysis:
- Positive: The targeted approach offers predictability for the 2020 cohort and may help IRCC process a known caseload efficiently.
- Negative: The lack of a new intake means no opportunity for new sponsors in 2025, potentially prolonging family reunification for many. The cap of 10,000 may leave substantial demand unmet, and reliance on older email addresses risks missed invitations for eligible sponsors. What sponsors should do now:
- Notify clients in the 2020 pool to monitor their 2020 email accounts closely.
- Prepare sponsorship application workflows for those invited to meet deadlines and completeness requirements.
- Promote Super Visa options for clients not invited or not in the 2020 pool. Source: IRCC | Date of update: 2025-07-16 | Program affected: Sponsorship This development prioritizes long-waiting sponsors while limiting access for newcomers; timely monitoring and prompt action will be essential for those hoping to secure a spot this intake.
Tags: Canada immigration, IRCC, Parents and Grandparents Program, PGP 2025, family sponsorship, Super Visa, immigration policy, ITA, 2020 interest to sponsor, Canadian visas
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