Only 10,000 Will Be Chosen—Will Your Family Be One of Them?

Only 10,000 Will Be Chosen—Will Your Family Be One of Them?

What’s the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP)?

The Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) is a Canadian immigration initiative allowing citizens and permanent residents to sponsor their parents or grandparents for permanent residence. It’s an opportunity for families to reunite and live together in Canada long term.

On July 16, 2025, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) announced that this year’s PGP intake will open on July 28, with up to 10,000 invitations to apply being issued over a two-week period. But there’s a twist: no new interest to sponsor forms will be accepted. Instead, IRCC is pulling exclusively from submissions made back in 2020.

Why Is This Important Now?

For many families in Vancouver who submitted interest forms in 2020 and have been waiting for years, this intake could finally offer a pathway forward. IRCC confirmed it’s using the existing 2020 pool due to the backlog of applicants still awaiting processing.

That means if you submitted an interest form five years ago and haven’t yet received an invitation, now is the time to check your email inbox—along with your junk and spam folders. Invitations will be sent electronically, and missing that notification could mean missing out entirely.

How Does the Process Work in 2025?

If selected, applicants must submit a full sponsorship application along with their parent’s or grandparent’s permanent residence application. These submissions must be completed electronically via the Permanent Residence Portal or the Representative Permanent Residence Portal.

Given how detailed and document-heavy the process can be, many applicants choose to consult with a US Immigration lawyer in Vancouver—not only for application guidance but also to better understand how sponsorship fits within their overall family immigration strategy. This is especially important for families managing cross-border considerations.

Missed the Invite? Here’s What You Can Do

Not receiving an invitation this year doesn’t necessarily close all doors. The super visa offers an alternative for bringing parents or grandparents to Canada.

This visa allows multiple entries for up to 10 years, with individual stays of up to 5 years, and the option to extend each stay by an additional two years without leaving Canada. It’s a temporary solution, but one that provides more flexibility than traditional visitor visas.

However, super visa eligibility depends on several factors, including financial thresholds, medical insurance, and proof of support. If you’re unsure about requirements, a conversation with a US Immigration lawyer in Vancouver could help clarify whether this route is right for your situation.

Key Details Applicants in Vancouver Should Remember

1. No new forms in 2025:

Only those who submitted an interest to sponsor form in 2020 are eligible this year.

2. Email is everything:

Keep an eye on the email address you used in 2020—IRCC will not issue invitations any other way.

3. Online-only submissions:

Applications must be submitted through one of IRCC’s designated online portals. Incomplete or paper-based applications will not be accepted.

4. Time is limited:

Applicants usually have a deadline once the invitation is issued. Missing that deadline could result in losing your spot.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the process or have doubts about your eligibility, a US Immigration lawyer in Vancouver can assist with reviewing documents, tracking timelines, and representing your interests within IRCC’s system.

Why Consult a US Immigration Lawyer in Vancouver?

Although the program falls under Canadian immigration, families often face overlapping challenges—such as sponsorship responsibilities, income verification, and immigration histories that cross borders. That’s where a US Immigration lawyer in Vancouver offers valuable insight.

These legal professionals are well-equipped to help families navigate not just Canadian regulations, but also any complications arising from U.S.-Canada immigration overlaps. Whether your parent has a U.S. immigration history, or you’re managing multiple applications, having the right guidance can prevent costly mistakes.

Moving Forward

The 2025 reopening of the Parents and Grandparents Program is a long-awaited moment for many families in Vancouver. If you submitted your form in 2020, now is the time to act—check your email and prepare for the next step.

If the PGP window doesn’t open for you this year, the super visa provides another way to bring your family closer. Whichever path you choose, working with a US Immigration lawyer in Vancouver can ensure you’re making informed decisions with your family’s future in mind.