Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada has paused the intake of new applications under the Parents and Grandparents Program, commonly known as the PGP.
IRCC confirmed that it will not accept new Interest to Sponsor forms or invite additional potential sponsors to apply until further notice. Applications that have already been received will continue to be processed.
The announcement affects Canadian citizens and permanent residents hoping to sponsor their parents or grandparents for Canadian permanent residence. However, it does not mean that every existing PGP application has been cancelled or that the program has been permanently abolished.
Quick Answer
Canada has paused new applications under the Parents and Grandparents Program until further notice. IRCC will not accept new Interest to Sponsor forms or issue new invitations, but existing applications will continue to be processed. The government plans to approve up to 15,000 people through the PGP in 2026. The Super Visa remains available to eligible parents and grandparents.
What Did Canada Announce About Parent and Grandparent Sponsorship?
On July 15, 2026, IRCC announced that Canada would pause the intake of new applications under the Parents and Grandparents Program.
According to the official announcement, IRCC will:
- Not accept new Interest to Sponsor forms;
- Not invite additional potential sponsors to apply;
- Continue processing existing PGP applications;
- Plan to approve up to 15,000 people for permanent residence through the PGP in 2026; and
- Continue presenting the Parent and Grandparent Super Visa as an alternative for eligible families.
IRCC stated that demand for parent and grandparent sponsorship continues to exceed the number of spaces available under Canada’s immigration levels plan.
Families can review an overview of the Parents and Grandparents Program through Always Canada Group.
What Does the Parents and Grandparents Program Pause Mean?
The pause means that people who are not already part of an active PGP intake cannot currently submit a new Interest to Sponsor form.
IRCC will also not issue new invitations to potential sponsors until the government releases further instructions.
| New Interest to Sponsor forms | Not being accepted |
|---|---|
| New invitations to apply | Paused until further notice |
| Existing applications | Continue to be processed |
| Planned PGP approvals for 2026 | Up to 15,000 people |
| Super Visa applications | Remain available to eligible applicants |
The government has not provided a date for a future intake. Families should be cautious of anyone claiming to guarantee entry into a new PGP lottery or sponsorship intake.
What Happens to Existing PGP Applications?
The pause does not mean that applications already submitted to IRCC have been cancelled.
IRCC has confirmed that existing applications will continue to be processed. The government plans to approve up to 15,000 people for permanent residence through the program in 2026.
Applicants with an active file should continue to:
- Monitor their IRCC account and email;
- Respond to document requests before the stated deadline;
- Keep contact and family information updated;
- Complete medical examinations when instructed;
- Submit police certificates or biometrics when requested;
- Inform IRCC of important changes in circumstances; and
- Retain copies of all forms and supporting documents.
Processing an existing application does not guarantee approval. Sponsors and applicants must continue to meet the applicable eligibility, admissibility and documentary requirements.
What Did the 2026 Ministerial Instructions Say?
Ministerial Instructions that came into effect on January 1, 2026 authorized IRCC to accept up to 10,000 applications received through the 2025 intake into processing during 2026.
Those instructions also stated that no new permanent residence applications from sponsored parents or grandparents, and no related sponsorship applications, would be accepted for processing until further instructions were issued.
The July announcement provided additional clarity by confirming that IRCC would not accept new Interest to Sponsor forms or invite new potential sponsors until further notice.
Is Parent and Grandparent Sponsorship Permanently Closed?
No permanent closure has been officially announced.
IRCC describes the current measure as a pause and states that it will remain in effect until further notice. This means the government could issue new instructions or announce a future intake at a later date.
However, there is currently:
- No confirmed reopening date;
- No active period for submitting a new Interest to Sponsor form;
- No confirmed new PGP lottery; and
- No guarantee that the previous intake system will return unchanged.
Families should rely on official IRCC announcements rather than rumours, social media posts or unofficial promises.
Can Parents and Grandparents Still Come to Canada?
Parents and grandparents may still be able to visit their children or grandchildren in Canada through the Parent and Grandparent Super Visa.
The Super Visa is a temporary resident option rather than a permanent residence program.
An approved Super Visa can allow an eligible parent or grandparent to:
- Visit Canada for up to five years at a time;
- Receive multiple entries during a visa validity period of up to 10 years;
- Apply for an extension of up to two additional years while still in Canada, subject to the applicable requirements.
The applicant and the host must still satisfy the relevant Super Visa conditions. These commonly involve:
- A qualifying relationship with the Canadian host;
- A written invitation from the child or grandchild in Canada;
- Meeting the applicable family-income requirement;
- Obtaining qualifying private medical insurance;
- Completing an immigration medical examination where required;
- Meeting Canada’s temporary resident admissibility requirements; and
- Satisfying an immigration officer that the applicant will respect the conditions of temporary residence.
A Super Visa does not grant permanent resident status. It is designed for extended family visits.
Super Visa Income Rules Changed in 2026
Starting March 31, 2026, IRCC changed how family income can be assessed for Super Visa applications.
The updated approach may allow hosts and their co-signers, where applicable, to demonstrate the required income using either one of the two taxation years before the application.
In certain cases, income belonging to the visiting parent or grandparent may also be considered toward the requirement when the host satisfies the applicable conditions.
Families should review the latest official requirements before applying, as the income threshold depends on family size and the evidence submitted.
Parents and Grandparents Program vs. Super Visa
| Feature | Parents and Grandparents Program | Super Visa |
|---|---|---|
| Immigration status | Permanent residence if approved | Temporary resident status |
| Current availability | New intake paused until further notice | Applications remain available |
| Invitation required | Yes, under the applicable PGP intake system | No PGP lottery invitation required |
| Length of stay | Permanent after becoming a permanent resident | Up to five years per visit |
| Visa validity | Not applicable in the same manner | Multiple entries for up to 10 years |
| Medical insurance | Not the same mandatory Super Visa insurance requirement | Qualifying private medical insurance is required |
| Final outcome | Canadian permanent residence | Extended temporary family visits |
The appropriate option depends on the family’s immigration goal, financial circumstances, eligibility and supporting evidence.
What Should Families Do Next?
If you already submitted a PGP application
Continue monitoring the application and respond promptly to IRCC requests. Confirm that all information remains accurate and that any requested documents are submitted before the deadline.
If you submitted an Interest to Sponsor form in the past
A previous submission or confirmation number does not guarantee a future invitation. Monitor official IRCC updates and keep your contact details current where possible.
If you were never included in a PGP intake
You cannot currently submit a new Interest to Sponsor form. Consider reviewing whether your parent or grandparent may qualify for a Super Visa or another lawful temporary residence option.
If your family is considering a Super Visa
Review the host’s income, family size, insurance requirements, medical examination requirements and the applicant’s temporary residence history before submitting an application.
Families can also review relevant Canadian immigration document checklists before preparing an application.
How Always Canada Group Can Help
Always Canada Group is a CICC-regulated Canadian immigration consultancy led by licensed Canadian immigration professionals.
Our team can help families understand how the PGP pause affects their situation and whether another option may be available.
Support may include:
- Reviewing an existing PGP sponsorship file;
- Assessing sponsor and applicant eligibility;
- Reviewing IRCC document requests;
- Evaluating Parent and Grandparent Super Visa eligibility;
- Reviewing host income and family-size calculations;
- Preparing invitation letters and supporting documents;
- Reviewing previous refusals or application concerns; and
- Preparing a complete temporary residence application.
Every case is assessed individually. A consultation or application does not guarantee approval, and final decisions remain with IRCC.
Book a consultation with Always Canada Group to review your family sponsorship or Super Visa options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Canada accepting new parent and grandparent sponsorship applications?
No. IRCC has paused new intake and will not accept new Interest to Sponsor forms or issue new invitations until further notice.
Have existing PGP applications been cancelled?
No. IRCC has stated that applications already received will continue to be processed.
How many people does Canada plan to approve through the PGP in 2026?
IRCC plans to approve up to 15,000 people for permanent residence through the Parents and Grandparents Program in 2026.
Is the Parents and Grandparents Program permanently closed?
IRCC has described the measure as a pause until further notice. It has not announced that the program has been permanently abolished.
Can I submit a new Interest to Sponsor form in 2026?
No. IRCC is not currently accepting new Interest to Sponsor forms.
Can parents and grandparents still apply for a Super Visa?
Yes. Eligible parents and grandparents may still apply for a Super Visa, subject to the current income, insurance, medical and temporary residence requirements.
How long can a parent stay in Canada with a Super Visa?
An eligible Super Visa holder may be allowed to visit Canada for up to five years at a time.
Does a Super Visa give permanent residence?
No. A Super Visa provides temporary resident status for extended visits and does not grant Canadian permanent residence.
Final Takeaway
Canada is not currently accepting new applications or Interest to Sponsor forms under the Parents and Grandparents Program.
Existing applications will continue to be processed, and IRCC plans to approve up to 15,000 people through the program in 2026. No date has been announced for a future PGP intake.
Families who cannot access the PGP may consider the Parent and Grandparent Super Visa, which can allow eligible parents and grandparents to visit Canada for up to five years at a time.
Review the Parents and Grandparents Program or book a consultation with Always Canada Group to discuss your family’s options.
