Parents And Grandparents Interest To Sponsor Form And Invitation Process

The Interest to Sponsor form is the first step in the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP). It is the online form potential sponsors submit to be included in IRCC’s pool for possible selection in a future intake. After the form closes, IRCC reviews submissions, removes duplicates, randomizes the list, and invites a limited number of applicants to submit a complete sponsorship application. A confirmation number only confirms successful submission of the form; it does not guarantee an invitation.

Who should submit the form

The form is for eligible people in Canada who want to sponsor their parents or grandparents for permanent residence through the PGP. According to the Government of Canada, sponsors must generally be at least 18 years old and be Canadian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible individuals living in Canada who meet the program requirements. IRCC states that the program is for Canadian citizens and permanent residents sponsoring parents and grandparents, including certain accompanying family members, such as spouses, common-law partners, or conjugal partners in applicable cases.

What information the form is used for

The form gives IRCC the basic identifying and contact information it needs to place a potential sponsor in the selection pool and contact that person later if selected. The contact details matter because invitation emails are sent to the email address listed on the original Interest to Sponsor form, and if the email cannot be delivered, IRCC may use the mailing address from that submission instead.

How to submit the Interest to Sponsor form

The Interest to Sponsor form is submitted online during an official PGP intake period announced by IRCC.  When the intake is open, potential sponsors should approach the submission process in a simple order:

• confirm they meet the basic sponsorship requirements for PGP before starting;
• complete the online Interest to Sponsor form during the announced intake period;
• enter their legal name and contact details exactly and carefully;
• submit the form once and keep the confirmation number or a copy of the submission for their records.

What potential sponsors should prepare before submitting

Before completing the form, potential sponsors should have the core details they plan to enter ready and verified. At a minimum, sponsors should make sure the form uses:

• correct legal name;
• current email address;
• current mailing address;
• accurate personal details that can later be matched to the sponsorship application if invited.

This preparation matters because IRCC requires the later sponsorship application to match the information on the original Interest to Sponsor form. If details have changed since the form was submitted, updated information must be provided along with an explanation and proof of the change.

Submission guidance

Potential sponsors should treat the Interest to Sponsor form as an official record, not a casual sign-up. A careful submission reduces the risk of later issues and makes it easier to respond if selected. The most important practical guidance is straightforward:

• Submit only one form. IRCC says duplicate submissions are removed, and submitting more than once does not improve the chance of being invited.
• Do not rush to resubmit because of a mistake. IRCC’s 2020 intake notice said applicants who made a mistake should not submit a new form, since duplicate entries are removed.
• Use a reliable email address that is checked regularly. IRCC uses the original contact details when sending invitations.
• Save proof of submission. The confirmation number is useful for future reference, even though it does not guarantee selection.

How to avoid mistakes and stay prepared

Selection itself is not based on speed once the form has been successfully submitted; IRCC says it reviews submissions, removes duplicates, randomizes the list, and then invites potential sponsors from that randomized pool. That means the best way to maximize chances is not to “game” timing, but to avoid preventable problems.

The most useful tips are:

• Submit a complete and accurate form. Errors in name or contact details can create problems later if selected.
• Use contact details that will remain accessible. Invitations are sent using the original submission details.
• Check spam and junk folders during invitation periods. IRCC specifically tells invited sponsors to check those folders if the email is not visible.
• Keep records of the exact information submitted. If invited later, the sponsorship application must match the original form, or include proof and an explanation for changes.
• Avoid shared or problematic email arrangements. IRCC has previously issued notices about technical issues affecting some invitation communications, especially where email handling created problems.

Important things to understand before submitting

A few rules shape how this stage works:

• submitting the form places a potential sponsor in the pool for possible selection;
• receiving a confirmation number does not mean an invitation is guaranteed;
• IRCC removes duplicate submissions before inviting sponsors;
• only invited sponsors can move to the full sponsorship application stage. If someone applies without an invitation, IRCC sends the application back.

If the form is closed

If the form is closed, sponsors should wait for the next official intake announcement rather than trying to submit outside an intake period. IRCC says future PGP intake details will be announced on its website and social media channels. For families that are not in the current pool or are not invited, IRCC points to the Super Visa for Parents and Grandparents as an alternative for parents and grandparents to come to Canada for extended stays.