Top 5 Canada PGP Immigration Updates [2025-2026 Guide]

TL;DR
Canada's Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) will reopen in 2025 with 30,000 spots—submit your Interest to Sponsor form early and ensure your income meets LICO+30% requirements. Check your eligibility now.

What Is the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP)?

The PGP lets Canadian citizens/permanent residents sponsor their parents/grandparents for permanent residence.

In 2025, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will process 30,000 applications through a lottery system. According to IRCC’s PGP page, sponsors must:

• Be 18+ years old
• Live in Canada
• Meet the Minimum Necessary Income (MNI) for 3 tax years
• Sign a 20-year financial undertaking

Evola’s Success Predictor analyzes your financial docs to flag gaps before applying.

How Does the 2025 PGP Lottery Work?

IRCC randomly selects sponsors from submitted Interest to Sponsor forms.

The 2025 intake will likely follow these steps:

1. Interest to Sponsor window opens (typically January-February)
2. Random draws occur over weeks/months
3. Invited applicants submit full packages within 60 days

Key changes expected for 2025:

• Higher emphasis on proof of relationship (birth/marriage certificates)
• Stricter income verification via CRA direct access
• Priority for sponsors whose parents/grandparents are widowed

What Are the 2025 Income Requirements?

Sponsors must earn 30% above Canada’s Low-Income Cut-Off (LICO).

For example, a family of 5 sponsoring 2 parents needs $106,833 (2024 LICO: $82,179 + 30%). According to IRCC’s financial criteria, income can include:

• Employment earnings
• Disability/welfare payments (in some provinces)
• Maternity/parental benefits

Use Evola’s CRS Calculator to simulate different household scenarios.

How Can I Improve My Chances for 2025?

Maximize your lottery odds and application strength with these steps:

✅ Submit multiple Interest to Sponsor forms (if eligible with a spouse/partner)
✅ Pre-translate non-English documents using certified translators
✅ Secure Quebec’s approval first if residing there—processing adds 6 months
✅ Update NOA/T4s early—CRA delays can derail applications

Pro tip: Sponsors with siblings in Canada often get flagged for faster processing due to stronger family ties.

What Happens After Approval?

Successful applicants receive permanent residency in 20-24 months.

Post-approval requirements include:

• Parents/grandparents passing medical exams
• Submitting biometrics within 30 days
• Paying the $1,080 Right of Permanent Residence Fee (RPRF)

For super visa alternatives, see IRCC’s visitor visa options.

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