July 17, 2025

Canada’s Parents & Grandparents Program Opens July 28: Here’s What You Need to Know

If you’ve been waiting to reunite with your parents or grandparents in Canada, it’s time to get ready. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) is finally opening its 2025 intake for the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP)—and it’s happening sooner than you think. Starting July 28, 2025, IRCC will begin issuing invitations to apply to over 17,000 potential sponsors across Canada. These invitations are being sent to those who previously submitted their interest forms in Fall 2020. For thousands of families, this is the moment they’ve been waiting for.

What’s Changing This Year?

The 2025 PGP intake isn’t open to new applicants. Instead, IRCC will draw from the existing 2020 pool of sponsors, targeting about 17,860 invitations. The goal is to receive 10,000 complete applications. So, if you submitted your interest to sponsor in 2020 and never received an invitation—this could be your lucky year. For those unsure about what this means or what to do next, consulting a qualified Immigration Consultant in Canada can help you avoid delays or mistakes during the application process.

Who Can Sponsor a Parent or Grandparent?

To be eligible to sponsor under this program, you need to:
  • Be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or registered under the Indian Act
  • Be 18 years or older
  • Live in Canada
  • Meet the Minimum Necessary Income (MNI) for the last 3 years
  • Commit to financially supporting the sponsored family members for 20 years (10 years if you’re in Quebec)
The income requirement is important. If you’re not sure you meet it, a trusted Immigration Consultant in Brampton or other cities across Ontario can help assess your eligibility based on your CRA documents. You’ll also need to sign a sponsorship agreement that promises to support your parent(s) or grandparent(s) financially and ensures they won’t rely on social assistance. For more details, check the official Canada.ca PGP eligibility page.

Who Can Be Sponsored?

Eligible sponsors can apply to bring:
  • Their biological or adopted parents and grandparents
  • Their parents’ or grandparents’ spouses or common-law partners
  • Any dependent children of those being sponsored
This program is one of the few that allows multi-person sponsorships, which is especially helpful for families seeking to reunite across generations.

What Happens If You Get an Invitation?

If you’re selected, here’s what you’ll need to do:
  1. Log into the Permanent Residence Portal to begin your application.
  2. Submit a sponsorship application and a permanent residence application for your parents or grandparents.
  3. Include all necessary documents: financial statements, proof of relationship, signed forms, and biometrics for applicants aged 14–79.
  4. You’ll also need to provide police certificates, medical exam proof, and identity documents for each person included.
IRCC strongly advises applicants to double-check their documents before submission. Mistakes can lead to rejections or major delays. If this feels overwhelming, many of our clients have turned to Sayal Immigration, whether they’re working with an Immigration Consultant in Kitchener or a local expert in their city.

Important Dates to Remember

Timeline What’s Happening
July 28, 2025 IRCC starts sending out invitations
Mid-August 2025 ITA window expected to close (2 weeks)
Fall 2025 onward Sponsorship applications processed
You can always check for updates on the IRCC Notices Page.

No ITA? Don’t Worry—There’s a Backup

If you don’t receive an invitation this round, you still have another way to bring your parents or grandparents here: the Super Visa. This visa allows for:
  • 5 years of continuous stay per visit
  • Renewals for up to 10 years
  • Multiple entries and exits
  • A faster process than PGP PR
However, the Super Visa requires private medical insurance, so it’s essential to plan carefully. Many families from the GTA turn to our Immigration Consultant in Mississauga for help with Super Visa paperwork and insurance compliance. For more info, visit the official Super Visa Overview.

Why You Should Prepare Now

PGP sponsorship is time-sensitive and can be complex. From income assessments to legal forms, every step matters. Working with a knowledgeable Immigration Consultant in Toronto or Immigration Consultant in Scarborough can make a real difference. Here’s what to prepare now:
  • CRA tax notices for the last 3 years
  • Proof of status in Canada
  • Medical insurance quotes (for Super Visa as a backup)
  • Translated documents if applicable

How Sayal Immigration Can Help

At Sayal Immigration, we’ve supported hundreds of families in reuniting across generations. Our clients come from all walks of life—from young professionals in Toronto to seniors seeking family support in smaller towns. Whether you’re working with an Immigration Consultant in London Ontario or getting help locally in Brampton, you’ll get:
  • Personalized eligibility assessments
  • Professional document review
  • Portal-based application help
  • Deadline tracking and reminders

Final Thought: Reunite Without Regret

This is more than just another program—it’s a chance to live with the people who raised you, who shaped your life, and who want to enjoy their golden years surrounded by family. If you get an invitation, act fast. If not, prepare for next year or explore the Super Visa. Either way, Sayal Immigration is here to walk with you—step by step.
February 18, 2025

H-1B Holders: Your Best Options to Move to Canada in 2025

If you’re on an H-1B visa in the U.S., you’ve likely faced uncertainty—long green card backlogs, visa renewal stress, and job security concerns. With layoffs in the tech sector and strict immigration policies, many skilled professionals are wondering if staying in the U.S. is still the best option.

Submit the Assessment Form to Discover your Eligibility

Canada offers a more predictable and welcoming immigration system. Thousands of H-1B holders have already made the move, and you could be next. This guide breaks down the best pathways to Canadian permanent residency (PR) and work permits, along with real-life success stories.

Why Are H-1B Holders Choosing Canada?

A 2023 study by the National Foundation for American Policy found that nearly 70% of H-1B visa holders are stuck in green card backlogs, with Indian applicants facing wait times of up to 150 years due to per-country limits. On top of that, more than 260,000 tech jobs were lost in 2023 alone, leaving many H-1B workers scrambling for options.

Canada, on the other hand, actively welcomes skilled professionals. With clear PR pathways, a strong job market, and no visa lottery system, it’s an attractive alternative for those tired of uncertainty in the U.S.

Additionally, Canada’s social benefits, such as free healthcare and high-quality education, make it an excellent destination for families. The multicultural environment ensures that newcomers feel welcomed and integrated into society much faster than in other countries.

Top Pathways for H-1B Holders to Move to Canada

1. Express Entry: The Fastest PR Route

Canada’s Express Entry system ranks candidates based on factors like age, education, work experience, and language skills. Many H-1B holders score high due to their STEM backgrounds and professional experience, making this a top choice.

Check eligibility for Express Entry

Success Story: Rajiv, a software engineer in California, was stuck in the U.S. green card backlog for 8 years. Frustrated, he applied for Express Entry in March 2023. With a CRS score of 478, he received an Invitation to Apply (ITA) in June and landed in Toronto as a permanent resident within 10 months!

If you’re looking for an Immigration Consultant in Canada, our team at Sayal Immigration can guide you through the Express Entry process.

2. Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs): More Options for PR

If you don’t meet the Express Entry cut-off, you can apply for a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP). Provinces like Ontario, British Columbia, and Alberta have dedicated streams for tech workers, often lowering CRS score requirements for applicants in high-demand fields.

Find out more about PNPs

Example: The Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) issued over 10,000 invitations in 2024 to professionals with CRS scores as low as 460!

If you’re searching for an Immigration Consultant in Mississauga, Sayal Immigration specializes in PNP applications and PR pathways.

3. Intra-Company Transfer: Stay with Your Current Employer

If your employer has a branch in Canada, you might qualify for an Intra-Company Transfer (ICT) work permit. This allows you to move to Canada while staying with your current company.

Learn more about ICT work permits

Case Study: Lisa, a data scientist in New York, transferred to her company’s Vancouver office under the ICT program. Two years later, she got PR through Express Entry!

For those needing an Immigration Consultant in Toronto, we provide assistance with ICT applications to simplify the transition.

4. Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP): Move with a Job Offer

If a Canadian employer is willing to sponsor you, you can get a work permit through the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP). The employer must obtain a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA), proving that no Canadian workers are available for the role.

Government guidelines on the TFWP

✅ Many Canadian tech companies are hiring skilled foreign workers due to a shortage of local talent!

5. Study in Canada: A Family-Friendly Pathway to PR

If you want to explore education as a PR pathway, Canada offers study permits that allow one spouse to study while the other works on an open work permit. This can lead to PR through Canadian work experience or Express Entry.

Explore study permit options

Fact: In 2024, over 70% of international students in Canada planned to apply for PR after graduation.

If you’re looking for an Immigration Consultant in Brampton, we assist with study permits, work permits, and PR pathways.

Additional Benefits of Moving to Canada

Beyond immigration pathways, H-1B holders benefit from Canada’s strong labor protections, better work-life balance, and the opportunity to become a citizen within just three years of PR status. Unlike the U.S., Canada does not have restrictive H-1B-style employer sponsorships, giving workers more freedom to change jobs and explore better opportunities.

With a thriving economy, growing tech hubs in Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal, and government incentives for innovation, Canada is positioning itself as a global leader in attracting talent.

Why You Should Act Now

Canada plans to welcome over 500,000 new immigrants annually by 2025, and skilled workers are in high demand. However, Express Entry cut-off scores have been rising, and policies could change at any time. Waiting too long might mean tougher competition or fewer opportunities.

Book an Appointment with Sahil for any Immigration related Queries

If you’re thinking about making the move, the time to start is now.

How Sayal Immigration Can Help

At Sayal Immigration, we specialize in helping H-1B visa holders move to Canada seamlessly. Whether it’s Express Entry, PNPs, or work permits, we create personalized strategies to maximize your success.

👉 Book a Free Consultation today and take the first step toward your future in Canada!