It is big news in Canada today! The Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) has only now opened its 2025 intake and it is issuing an incredible 17,860 invitations to apply to become permanent residents.
Whether you are also excited about getting your loved ones to Canada or you are simply wondering what all this huge wave of invitations can bring to the country, you have come to the right place.
It is not a dreary government press release but your cut and dried sheet of everything Canada PGP 2025 with step-by-step suggestions and answers to the questions which are making the rounds.
Are you a family gathering kind of person or a side-eye Canada Immigrations policies person? Well, either way, here is what these 17,860 invitations are all about and how you can be a part of it or at least be in the know loop.
What’s the Big Deal with Canada’s PGP?
Can you see your closest ones around you in Canada sharing thanksgiving dinner or making memories or even the awareness that they are well and close?
That is the core of the Program Parents and Grandparents (PGP).
It allows the citizens of Canada and their permanent residents to sponsor their parents and grandparents to become permanent residents of the country, gaining access to healthcare, jobs and even citizenship opportunities in the future.
It is an immense opportunity but on the other hand it is among the most difficult tickets to get in Canada immigration system.
The PGP is insanely competitive. There are way more people wanting to be in it than it has spots. It is a tiered process to ensure that it is fair, Canada operates a lottery system, selecting the lucky ones out of a pool of interested people years ago.
In 2025, the immigration, refugees, and citizenship Canada (IRCC) is issuing 17,860 invitations to attain a goal of 10,000 complete applications and these are all persons who had submitted interest forms way back in 2020.
Why are there so many invitations and so few applications? Not all those who are invited pursue an invitation opportunity, therefore, IRCC nets a wide area in achieving their target.
The said process commences today July 28, 2025, and invitations will get into mailboxes within the next two weeks.
Are you one of those 2020 aspirants then this could become your time. Otherwise, you should not worry about it because later in this article we will report about other options such as the Super Visa.
So, what should you know about this to make it work, or even why there is so much buzz about it.
Who Is Eligible For Canada’s PGP?
Before you start picturing family reunions, let’s make sure you and your loved ones qualify.
The PGP has strict rules for both the sponsor (you) and the people you’re bringing over.
Here’s the full scoop:
Are You Eligible to Sponsor?
To be the sponsor, you’ve got to check these boxes:
Canadian Status: You must be a Canadian citizen, a permanent resident, or a registered Indian under the Canadian Indian Act.
You also need to live in Canada now and plan to stay during the application process—no skipping off to another country halfway through.
Age Requirement: You’ve got to be at least 18 years old. No exceptions, even for the most responsible teens.
Financial Proof: You need to show you can support your family, including those you’re sponsoring. This means meeting the Minimum Necessary Income (MNI) for the last three tax years (2022, 2023, and 2024).
The MNI is based on the Low Income Cut-Off (LICO) plus 30%, adjusted for your family size—you, your dependents, and the people you’re sponsoring. Click here for exact numbers, as they update annually.
The Long-Term Commitment: You’ll sign a 20-year undertaking (10 years in Quebec) to financially support your sponsored family, ensuring they don’t rely on government assistance. That’s a serious promise, so be ready.
Smart Move: If your income’s a bit short, you can add your spouse or common-law partner as a co-signer.
Their income counts toward the MNI, which can be a lifesaver.
Who Can You Sponsor For PR?
Those you are sponsoring should:
Be your genetic or adoptive parents or grandparents. This is a laser program, no siblings, cousins and other relatives are welcome.
Undergo medical tests to demonstrate that they will not pose any hazard or burden on the healthcare system of Canada. Such tests are carried out by doctors approved by IRCC.
Clarity in backgrounds and security checks to substantiate that they are admissible, no serious criminal records can be entertained.
The good news is that it has no limit in regards to age. Your loved ones need to be 50s or older 90s as long as they pass those checks, they are eligible.
Adjusting to all these criteria is not a matter of checking boxes, but a good way of showing that you are capable of supporting your family and that they are willing to become a part of the Canadian diversity picture.
There is one step towards making this happen if this is right.
Your Step-by-Step Guide for Applying
Got an Invitation to Apply (ITA)? That’s your golden ticket! You’ve got 60 days to submit a complete application through the Permanent Residence Portal, so let’s move fast.
Here’s your step-by-step guide to nailing it:
Step 1: Keep an Eye on Your Email
When: Invitations started today, July 28, 2025, and will roll out over the next two weeks.
Who’s Eligible: Only those who submitted an interest to sponsor form in 2020 and haven’t been invited before are in the pool. It’s a random draw, so luck plays a big role.
What to Do: Check the email you used in 2020—don’t skip the spam or junk folders. The ITA will spell out your next steps and that strict 60-day deadline.
Quick Note: Missed the 2020 interest form? You’re out for this round, but future intakes or the Super Visa might be your ticket.
Step 2: Gather Your Documents:
This is where the prep work gets real. You’re submitting two parts: your sponsorship application and the permanent residence application for your family.
Here’s what you need:
For You (the Sponsor):
Proof of Status: Citizenship certificate, permanent resident card, or Indian Status card.
Income Documents: Notices of Assessment from the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) for 2022, 2023, and 2024 to prove you meet the MNI.
Relationship Proof: Birth certificates, adoption papers, or marriage certificates showing your connection to your sponsored family.
Co-Signer Documents (if applicable): Your spouse’s income records and their signed agreement to co-sign.
For Your Sponsored Family:
Identification: Valid passports and travel documents.
Relationship Proof: Birth or marriage certificates linking them to you.
Police Certificates: From every country they’ve lived in for 6+ months since turning 18. These can take weeks, so don’t delay.
Medical Exams: Results from an IRCC-approved panel physician, done after you get the ITA.
Pro Tip: Start collecting these ASAP. Police certificates from some countries can take a month, and medical exams need scheduling. Don’t get caught scrambling on day 59!
Step 3: Fill Out the Forms
Head to the IRCC website for the latest forms. All these forms will only open in Adobe once you download them. You’ll need:
Document Checklist — Sponsor [IMM 5771]
Application to Sponsor, Sponsorship Agreement and Undertaking [IMM 1344]
You, your co-signer (if this applies) and the person you’re sponsoring must digitally sign this form.
Financial Evaluation for Parents and Grandparents Sponsorship [IMM 5768]
Income Sources for the Sponsorship of Parents and Grandparents [IMM 5748]
Statutory Declaration of Common-Law Union [IMM 5409]
Statutory Declaration of Common-Law Union [IMM 5409]
Statutory Declaration of Severance of a Common-Law Union [IMM 5519]
Details of Military Service [IMM 5546]
Details of Government Employment (PDF, 2.57 MB)
Details of Police Service (PDF, 2.57 MB)
Fill these out carefully and completely. Typos, missing signatures, or blank fields can sink your application faster than you can say “maple leaf.”
Step 4: Pay the Fees
You’ll pay online when you submit. Here’s the breakdown (as of 2025, confirm on IRCC’s site):
Sponsorship Fee: $75
Processing Fee: $475 per adult
Right of Permanent Residence Fee: $500 per adult
Biometrics Fee: $85 per person or $170 per family
Total starting cost: around $1,205, but check the IRCC fee page for updates. Nobody wants a surprise bill.
Step 5: Hit Submit
Where: Submit online via the Permanent Residence Portal. If you’re using a paid immigration rep, they’ll use the Representative Portal.
Who Submits: The principal applicant (your parent or grandparent) submits both the sponsorship and permanent residence applications together.
Deadline: Within 60 days of your ITA. Miss it, and you’re out—no do-overs.
Smart Hack: Save documents as PDFs, make sure they’re clear, and name them logically (e.g., “Passport_PhilipDoe.pdf”). A blurry scan or messy upload could mean a returned application.
Red Flags to Avoid Refusal: What Might Go Wrong After You Apply
You’ve hit submit—congrats! But don’t pop the champagne just yet. IRCC’s review process is thorough, and plenty of things can trip you up.
Here are the top red flags that could lead to refusal and how to steer clear:
1. Incomplete or Incorrect Documents
What Goes Wrong: Losing a form, scanning the one that is not readable, and even forgetting a signature may cost you the return of your application or its denial. Complete submissions are not a game IRCC messes around with.
How to Avoid: Use the checklist of IRCC provided in the application package. Check and re-check all the forms and documents three times. Make sure PDFs are readable and less than file size (typically 4MB). When it is not provided, IRCC can request it, but do not rely on these opportunities, they should be correct at the very beginning.
Failing the Income Test
What Goes Wrong: Unless your income (or combined income between you and a co-signer) exceeds the MNI of 2022, 2023 and 2024, you are out-of-luck regarding your application. This is checked by IRCC using your CRA Notices of Assessment.
How to Avoid: Estimate your MNI sooner by means of the tables provided by IRCC. And when you are just short of the amount required, bring in a co-signer. In case you can not even come within a country mile, think of supplementing your income (e.g. a side gig) when there is another intake.
3. Medical Inadmissibility
What Goes Wrong: Your sponsored member of the family may be refused entry in case the specified health condition is defined as a public health threat (e.g., active tuberculosis) or one that will lead to excess demand on the health budget (e.g., expensive chronic illness). The “excessive demand” definition used by IRCC will be approximated to around 25,000/year in five years.
How to Avoid: Book medical tests with an immigration-approved panel physician right after you receive your ITA. In case of a known health problem, talk to an immigration attorney to consider the options of humanitarian exemption or mitigation plans.
4. Criminal Inadmissibility
What Goes Wrong: Your family member may have to be found inadmissible with a serious criminal record (e.g., felonies or recent convictions). Red flags can be issues even in minor issues, which are not divulged on an appropriate scale.
How to Avoid: Make sure that police certificates are complete and correct in all countries where one has traveled and lived for 6 or more months at the age of 18 years. You need to be transparent about prior convictions and where there is one, think about legal advice on how to demonstrate rehabilitation (e.g. pardons or time passed).
5. Misrepresentation
What Goes Wrong: Falsities or failure to provide important information such as a relationship, earnings or previous immigration applications can result in refusal and a ban of 5-years to reapply. Everything is cross-checked by IRCC.
How to Avoid: Be harsh in every way. Confirm such information as family connections, dates, and addresses. When in doubt, you should either declare (e.g. past visa denial) or consult an expert.
6. Missing the Deadline
What Goes Wrong: Submitting after the 60-day ITA deadline is an automatic no-go. IRCC doesn’t offer extensions.
How to Avoid: Start prepping the moment you get your ITA. Set calendar reminders for key tasks (e.g., medical appointments, document uploads) and aim to submit at least a week early.
7. Changes in Circumstances
What Goes Wrong: If your situation changes during processing—like moving abroad, losing income, or a family member’s status changing (e.g., marriage)—it could jeopardize your application.
How to Avoid: Notify IRCC immediately of any changes via their web form. If your income drops, provide updated proof or add a co-signer. If you move, confirm you still meet residency requirements.
Key Takeaway: IRCC’s looking for reasons to say yes, but they’re strict about the rules. Treat your application like a job interview—dot every i, cross every t, and stay transparent to avoid these red flags.
What Happens After You Apply?
Once your application’s in, here’s what’s next:
Acknowledgment of Receipt (AOR): IRCC confirms they’ve got your application via email or the portal. You’re officially in the system!
Completeness Check: IRCC will scan for missing documents or errors. If something’s off, IRCC will ask you to fix it fast—don’t sleep on those requests.
Assessment:
IRCC will verify your eligibility as a sponsor (status, income, undertaking).
Your family gets checked for medical and security clearance.
The Decision:
Approved: Your loved ones get a permanent resident visa and instructions to move to Canada. Time to celebrate!
Refused: You’ll get a letter explaining why (e.g., missing docs, inadmissibility). You might appeal to the Immigration Appeal Division or reapply in a future round, depending on the issue.
Processing Times
Outside Quebec: About 24 months.
Quebec: Closer to 48 months, due to Quebec’s separate immigration targets.
Delays can happen—think global disruptions or application surges—so keep your contact info updated with IRCC to stay in the loop.
Patience is key, but a solid application can speed things along.
Alternative To PGP
Didn’t score one of those 17,860 invitations? Don’t give up. The Super Visa is a fantastic way to keep your loved ones close without the permanent residency commitment.
Here’s the rundown:
What It Is: A multiple-entry visa lets your parents or grandparents stay up to 5 years per visit and extend after that for an additional 2 years, valid for 10 years.
Requirements:
Proof of your relationship (birth or marriage certificates).
Private medical insurance ($100,000+ coverage for at least one year).
You are meeting the MNI (same as PGP), but only for the previous one year instead of 3 years.
Medical exams for them, if required.
Why It’s Awesome: Processing takes months, not years, making it a faster way to bring family over for extended stays.
The Super Visa doesn’t lead to permanent residency, but it’s perfect for long visits or as a bridge while you wait for future PGP rounds.
Why Consider It?: If you’re not in the 2020 pool, this is your best bet to keep your family close without the long wait. Plus, it’s less paperwork-heavy than the PGP.
However, keep in mind super visa holders are not authorized to work in Canada.
Top 12 Tips for a Rock-Solid Application
Want to boost your odds? Here’s how to make your PGP application shine:
Act Fast: The 60-day ITA deadline is non-negotiable. Start prepping the moment you get the email.
Complete Everything: Missing a form or document is the fastest way to get rejected. Use IRCC’s checklist religiously.
Nail the Income: Verify your MNI with CRA documents. A co-signer can save you if you’re short.
Start Documents Early: Police certificates and medical exams take time—kick things off right away.
Check for Errors: Typos, missing signatures, or wrong dates can tank your application. Review twice.
Organize Your Files: Save documents as clear PDFs with names like “Passport_PhilipDoe.pdf” to avoid confusion.
Keep Copies: Back up everything you submit, just in case IRCC needs clarification.
Update IRCC: Moving or changing your email? Notify IRCC via their web form to stay in the loop.
Use Authorized Help: If your case is complex, hire an IRCC-authorized consultant or lawyer—avoid shady “experts.”
Stay Transparent: Don’t hide past visa refusals or minor convictions. Honesty is your best bet.
Submit Early: Aim to upload your application a week before the deadline to avoid last-minute glitches.
Be Patient: Processing takes time, but a well-prepped application keeps you ahead of the curve.
The Canada PGP 2025 is a massive moment—whether you’re one of the 17,860 invited to apply, holding out for a future chance, or just curious about what the event means for Canada’s immigration landscape.
Starting today, July 28, 2025, those invitations are hitting inboxes, and for those in the 2020 pool, it’s go-time.
Check your email, gather your documents, and submit within that 60-day window. Not invited? The Super Visa is a great way to keep family close while you wait for the next round.
This program’s a lightning rod—some see it as a heartwarming chance to reunite families, others as a strain on housing and services.
Wherever you land, the facts are clear: 24,500 admissions are planned, and the process is no cakewalk.
Stay sharp with the IRCC website for updates, and share this guide with anyone who needs it. Family’s worth it, and so is knowing what’s up.
FAQ
Got questions? We’ve got answers to the top 12 queries about the Canada PGP 2025:
Can permanent residents sponsor?
Yes, as long as you live in Canada and meet all eligibility criteria, including the MNI.
What’s the difference between PGP and Super Visa?
PGP grants permanent residency—full rights to live, work, and study. Super Visa is for temporary stays (up to 5 years per visit) with no permanent status.
How’s the MNI calculated?
It’s based on your family size (you, dependents, sponsored folks) using LICO + 30% for three prior tax years (2022-2024).
What if I don’t get an invitation?
You’re out for 2025, but the Super Visa is a solid alternative, and future PGP intakes might open.
What happens if my application is refused?
You’ll get a letter with reasons (e.g., incomplete docs, inadmissibility). You can appeal to the Immigration Appeal Division or reapply later, depending on the issue.
Can I sponsor someone else’s parents?
No, only your own parents or grandparents. Your spouse can sponsor theirs separately.
Can I include siblings in the PGP?
No, the PGP is strictly for parents and grandparents. Siblings may qualify under other family sponsorship streams with different rules.
Canada Opens PGP 2025 with 17,860 PR Invitations Issued
It is big news in Canada today! The Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) has only now opened its 2025 intake and it is issuing an incredible 17,860 invitations to apply to become permanent residents.
Whether you are also excited about getting your loved ones to Canada or you are simply wondering what all this huge wave of invitations can bring to the country, you have come to the right place.
It is not a dreary government press release but your cut and dried sheet of everything Canada PGP 2025 with step-by-step suggestions and answers to the questions which are making the rounds.
Are you a family gathering kind of person or a side-eye Canada Immigrations policies person? Well, either way, here is what these 17,860 invitations are all about and how you can be a part of it or at least be in the know loop.
What’s the Big Deal with Canada’s PGP?
Can you see your closest ones around you in Canada sharing thanksgiving dinner or making memories or even the awareness that they are well and close?
That is the core of the Program Parents and Grandparents (PGP).
It allows the citizens of Canada and their permanent residents to sponsor their parents and grandparents to become permanent residents of the country, gaining access to healthcare, jobs and even citizenship opportunities in the future.
It is an immense opportunity but on the other hand it is among the most difficult tickets to get in Canada immigration system.
The PGP is insanely competitive. There are way more people wanting to be in it than it has spots. It is a tiered process to ensure that it is fair, Canada operates a lottery system, selecting the lucky ones out of a pool of interested people years ago.
In 2025, the immigration, refugees, and citizenship Canada (IRCC) is issuing 17,860 invitations to attain a goal of 10,000 complete applications and these are all persons who had submitted interest forms way back in 2020.
Why are there so many invitations and so few applications? Not all those who are invited pursue an invitation opportunity, therefore, IRCC nets a wide area in achieving their target.
The said process commences today July 28, 2025, and invitations will get into mailboxes within the next two weeks.
Are you one of those 2020 aspirants then this could become your time. Otherwise, you should not worry about it because later in this article we will report about other options such as the Super Visa.
So, what should you know about this to make it work, or even why there is so much buzz about it.
Who Is Eligible For Canada’s PGP?
Before you start picturing family reunions, let’s make sure you and your loved ones qualify.
The PGP has strict rules for both the sponsor (you) and the people you’re bringing over.
Here’s the full scoop:
Are You Eligible to Sponsor?
To be the sponsor, you’ve got to check these boxes:
Canadian Status: You must be a Canadian citizen, a permanent resident, or a registered Indian under the Canadian Indian Act.
You also need to live in Canada now and plan to stay during the application process—no skipping off to another country halfway through.
Age Requirement: You’ve got to be at least 18 years old. No exceptions, even for the most responsible teens.
Financial Proof: You need to show you can support your family, including those you’re sponsoring. This means meeting the Minimum Necessary Income (MNI) for the last three tax years (2022, 2023, and 2024).
The MNI is based on the Low Income Cut-Off (LICO) plus 30%, adjusted for your family size—you, your dependents, and the people you’re sponsoring. Click here for exact numbers, as they update annually.
The Long-Term Commitment: You’ll sign a 20-year undertaking (10 years in Quebec) to financially support your sponsored family, ensuring they don’t rely on government assistance. That’s a serious promise, so be ready.
Smart Move: If your income’s a bit short, you can add your spouse or common-law partner as a co-signer.
Their income counts toward the MNI, which can be a lifesaver.
Who Can You Sponsor For PR?
Those you are sponsoring should:
Be your genetic or adoptive parents or grandparents. This is a laser program, no siblings, cousins and other relatives are welcome.
Undergo medical tests to demonstrate that they will not pose any hazard or burden on the healthcare system of Canada. Such tests are carried out by doctors approved by IRCC.
Clarity in backgrounds and security checks to substantiate that they are admissible, no serious criminal records can be entertained.
The good news is that it has no limit in regards to age. Your loved ones need to be 50s or older 90s as long as they pass those checks, they are eligible.
Adjusting to all these criteria is not a matter of checking boxes, but a good way of showing that you are capable of supporting your family and that they are willing to become a part of the Canadian diversity picture.
There is one step towards making this happen if this is right.
Your Step-by-Step Guide for Applying
Got an Invitation to Apply (ITA)? That’s your golden ticket! You’ve got 60 days to submit a complete application through the Permanent Residence Portal, so let’s move fast.
Here’s your step-by-step guide to nailing it:
Step 1: Keep an Eye on Your Email
When: Invitations started today, July 28, 2025, and will roll out over the next two weeks.
Who’s Eligible: Only those who submitted an interest to sponsor form in 2020 and haven’t been invited before are in the pool. It’s a random draw, so luck plays a big role.
What to Do: Check the email you used in 2020—don’t skip the spam or junk folders. The ITA will spell out your next steps and that strict 60-day deadline.
Quick Note: Missed the 2020 interest form? You’re out for this round, but future intakes or the Super Visa might be your ticket.
Step 2: Gather Your Documents:
This is where the prep work gets real. You’re submitting two parts: your sponsorship application and the permanent residence application for your family.
Here’s what you need:
For You (the Sponsor):
Proof of Status: Citizenship certificate, permanent resident card, or Indian Status card.
Income Documents: Notices of Assessment from the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) for 2022, 2023, and 2024 to prove you meet the MNI.
Relationship Proof: Birth certificates, adoption papers, or marriage certificates showing your connection to your sponsored family.
Co-Signer Documents (if applicable): Your spouse’s income records and their signed agreement to co-sign.
For Your Sponsored Family:
Identification: Valid passports and travel documents.
Relationship Proof: Birth or marriage certificates linking them to you.
Police Certificates: From every country they’ve lived in for 6+ months since turning 18. These can take weeks, so don’t delay.
Medical Exams: Results from an IRCC-approved panel physician, done after you get the ITA.
Pro Tip: Start collecting these ASAP. Police certificates from some countries can take a month, and medical exams need scheduling. Don’t get caught scrambling on day 59!
Step 3: Fill Out the Forms
Head to the IRCC website for the latest forms. All these forms will only open in Adobe once you download them. You’ll need:
Document Checklist — Sponsor [IMM 5771]
Application to Sponsor, Sponsorship Agreement and Undertaking [IMM 1344]
You, your co-signer (if this applies) and the person you’re sponsoring must digitally sign this form.
Financial Evaluation for Parents and Grandparents Sponsorship [IMM 5768]
Income Sources for the Sponsorship of Parents and Grandparents [IMM 5748]
Statutory Declaration of Common-Law Union [IMM 5409]
Statutory Declaration of Common-Law Union [IMM 5409]
Statutory Declaration of Severance of a Common-Law Union [IMM 5519]
Details of Military Service [IMM 5546]
Details of Government Employment (PDF, 2.57 MB)
Details of Police Service (PDF, 2.57 MB)
Fill these out carefully and completely. Typos, missing signatures, or blank fields can sink your application faster than you can say “maple leaf.”
Step 4: Pay the Fees
You’ll pay online when you submit. Here’s the breakdown (as of 2025, confirm on IRCC’s site):
Sponsorship Fee: $75
Processing Fee: $475 per adult
Right of Permanent Residence Fee: $500 per adult
Biometrics Fee: $85 per person or $170 per family
Total starting cost: around $1,205, but check the IRCC fee page for updates. Nobody wants a surprise bill.
Step 5: Hit Submit
Where: Submit online via the Permanent Residence Portal. If you’re using a paid immigration rep, they’ll use the Representative Portal.
Who Submits: The principal applicant (your parent or grandparent) submits both the sponsorship and permanent residence applications together.
Deadline: Within 60 days of your ITA. Miss it, and you’re out—no do-overs.
Smart Hack: Save documents as PDFs, make sure they’re clear, and name them logically (e.g., “Passport_PhilipDoe.pdf”). A blurry scan or messy upload could mean a returned application.
Red Flags to Avoid Refusal: What Might Go Wrong After You Apply
You’ve hit submit—congrats! But don’t pop the champagne just yet. IRCC’s review process is thorough, and plenty of things can trip you up.
Here are the top red flags that could lead to refusal and how to steer clear:
1. Incomplete or Incorrect Documents
What Goes Wrong: Losing a form, scanning the one that is not readable, and even forgetting a signature may cost you the return of your application or its denial. Complete submissions are not a game IRCC messes around with.
How to Avoid: Use the checklist of IRCC provided in the application package. Check and re-check all the forms and documents three times. Make sure PDFs are readable and less than file size (typically 4MB). When it is not provided, IRCC can request it, but do not rely on these opportunities, they should be correct at the very beginning.
Failing the Income Test
What Goes Wrong: Unless your income (or combined income between you and a co-signer) exceeds the MNI of 2022, 2023 and 2024, you are out-of-luck regarding your application. This is checked by IRCC using your CRA Notices of Assessment.
How to Avoid: Estimate your MNI sooner by means of the tables provided by IRCC. And when you are just short of the amount required, bring in a co-signer. In case you can not even come within a country mile, think of supplementing your income (e.g. a side gig) when there is another intake.
3. Medical Inadmissibility
What Goes Wrong: Your sponsored member of the family may be refused entry in case the specified health condition is defined as a public health threat (e.g., active tuberculosis) or one that will lead to excess demand on the health budget (e.g., expensive chronic illness). The “excessive demand” definition used by IRCC will be approximated to around 25,000/year in five years.
How to Avoid: Book medical tests with an immigration-approved panel physician right after you receive your ITA. In case of a known health problem, talk to an immigration attorney to consider the options of humanitarian exemption or mitigation plans.
4. Criminal Inadmissibility
What Goes Wrong: Your family member may have to be found inadmissible with a serious criminal record (e.g., felonies or recent convictions). Red flags can be issues even in minor issues, which are not divulged on an appropriate scale.
How to Avoid: Make sure that police certificates are complete and correct in all countries where one has traveled and lived for 6 or more months at the age of 18 years. You need to be transparent about prior convictions and where there is one, think about legal advice on how to demonstrate rehabilitation (e.g. pardons or time passed).
5. Misrepresentation
What Goes Wrong: Falsities or failure to provide important information such as a relationship, earnings or previous immigration applications can result in refusal and a ban of 5-years to reapply. Everything is cross-checked by IRCC.
How to Avoid: Be harsh in every way. Confirm such information as family connections, dates, and addresses. When in doubt, you should either declare (e.g. past visa denial) or consult an expert.
6. Missing the Deadline
What Goes Wrong: Submitting after the 60-day ITA deadline is an automatic no-go. IRCC doesn’t offer extensions.
How to Avoid: Start prepping the moment you get your ITA. Set calendar reminders for key tasks (e.g., medical appointments, document uploads) and aim to submit at least a week early.
7. Changes in Circumstances
What Goes Wrong: If your situation changes during processing—like moving abroad, losing income, or a family member’s status changing (e.g., marriage)—it could jeopardize your application.
How to Avoid: Notify IRCC immediately of any changes via their web form. If your income drops, provide updated proof or add a co-signer. If you move, confirm you still meet residency requirements.
Key Takeaway: IRCC’s looking for reasons to say yes, but they’re strict about the rules. Treat your application like a job interview—dot every i, cross every t, and stay transparent to avoid these red flags.
What Happens After You Apply?
Once your application’s in, here’s what’s next:
Acknowledgment of Receipt (AOR): IRCC confirms they’ve got your application via email or the portal. You’re officially in the system!
Completeness Check: IRCC will scan for missing documents or errors. If something’s off, IRCC will ask you to fix it fast—don’t sleep on those requests.
Assessment:
IRCC will verify your eligibility as a sponsor (status, income, undertaking).
Your family gets checked for medical and security clearance.
The Decision:
Approved: Your loved ones get a permanent resident visa and instructions to move to Canada. Time to celebrate!
Refused: You’ll get a letter explaining why (e.g., missing docs, inadmissibility). You might appeal to the Immigration Appeal Division or reapply in a future round, depending on the issue.
Processing Times
Outside Quebec: About 24 months.
Quebec: Closer to 48 months, due to Quebec’s separate immigration targets.
Delays can happen—think global disruptions or application surges—so keep your contact info updated with IRCC to stay in the loop.
Patience is key, but a solid application can speed things along.
Alternative To PGP
Didn’t score one of those 17,860 invitations? Don’t give up. The Super Visa is a fantastic way to keep your loved ones close without the permanent residency commitment.
Here’s the rundown:
What It Is: A multiple-entry visa lets your parents or grandparents stay up to 5 years per visit and extend after that for an additional 2 years, valid for 10 years.
Requirements:
Proof of your relationship (birth or marriage certificates).
Private medical insurance ($100,000+ coverage for at least one year).
You are meeting the MNI (same as PGP), but only for the previous one year instead of 3 years.
Medical exams for them, if required.
Why It’s Awesome: Processing takes months, not years, making it a faster way to bring family over for extended stays.
The Super Visa doesn’t lead to permanent residency, but it’s perfect for long visits or as a bridge while you wait for future PGP rounds.
Why Consider It?: If you’re not in the 2020 pool, this is your best bet to keep your family close without the long wait. Plus, it’s less paperwork-heavy than the PGP.
However, keep in mind super visa holders are not authorized to work in Canada.
Top 12 Tips for a Rock-Solid Application
Want to boost your odds? Here’s how to make your PGP application shine:
Act Fast: The 60-day ITA deadline is non-negotiable. Start prepping the moment you get the email.
Complete Everything: Missing a form or document is the fastest way to get rejected. Use IRCC’s checklist religiously.
Nail the Income: Verify your MNI with CRA documents. A co-signer can save you if you’re short.
Start Documents Early: Police certificates and medical exams take time—kick things off right away.
Check for Errors: Typos, missing signatures, or wrong dates can tank your application. Review twice.
Organize Your Files: Save documents as clear PDFs with names like “Passport_PhilipDoe.pdf” to avoid confusion.
Keep Copies: Back up everything you submit, just in case IRCC needs clarification.
Update IRCC: Moving or changing your email? Notify IRCC via their web form to stay in the loop.
Use Authorized Help: If your case is complex, hire an IRCC-authorized consultant or lawyer—avoid shady “experts.”
Stay Transparent: Don’t hide past visa refusals or minor convictions. Honesty is your best bet.
Submit Early: Aim to upload your application a week before the deadline to avoid last-minute glitches.
Be Patient: Processing takes time, but a well-prepped application keeps you ahead of the curve.
The Canada PGP 2025 is a massive moment—whether you’re one of the 17,860 invited to apply, holding out for a future chance, or just curious about what the event means for Canada’s immigration landscape.
Starting today, July 28, 2025, those invitations are hitting inboxes, and for those in the 2020 pool, it’s go-time.
Check your email, gather your documents, and submit within that 60-day window. Not invited? The Super Visa is a great way to keep family close while you wait for the next round.
This program’s a lightning rod—some see it as a heartwarming chance to reunite families, others as a strain on housing and services.
Wherever you land, the facts are clear: 24,500 admissions are planned, and the process is no cakewalk.
Stay sharp with the IRCC website for updates, and share this guide with anyone who needs it. Family’s worth it, and so is knowing what’s up.
FAQ
Got questions? We’ve got answers to the top 12 queries about the Canada PGP 2025:
Can permanent residents sponsor?
Yes, as long as you live in Canada and meet all eligibility criteria, including the MNI.
What’s the difference between PGP and Super Visa?
PGP grants permanent residency—full rights to live, work, and study. Super Visa is for temporary stays (up to 5 years per visit) with no permanent status.
How’s the MNI calculated?
It’s based on your family size (you, dependents, sponsored folks) using LICO + 30% for three prior tax years (2022-2024).
What if I don’t get an invitation?
You’re out for 2025, but the Super Visa is a solid alternative, and future PGP intakes might open.
What happens if my application is refused?
You’ll get a letter with reasons (e.g., incomplete docs, inadmissibility). You can appeal to the Immigration Appeal Division or reapply later, depending on the issue.
Can I sponsor someone else’s parents?
No, only your own parents or grandparents. Your spouse can sponsor theirs separately.
Can I include siblings in the PGP?
No, the PGP is strictly for parents and grandparents. Siblings may qualify under other family sponsorship streams with different rules.
Author: Shubham
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