Canada Parents and Grandparents Program Paused: What Sponsors Can Do
On July 15, 2026 Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) paused new intake under the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) until further notice. IRCC will not accept new interest to sponsor forms or send new invitations, but it continues to process applications it already has, aiming for 15,000 approvals in 2026. The Super Visa, which lets parents and grandparents visit for up to five years at a time, remains open.
On this page
- Status
- New intake paused since July 15, 2026
- End date
- None announced ("until further notice")
- Applications already filed
- Still processed
- PGP admissions target
- 15,000 a year in 2026, 2027 and 2028
- Open alternative
- Parent and Grandparent Super Visa
- Super Visa stay
- Up to 5 years per entry; visa valid up to 10 years
Timeline
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| Late 2025 | Canada's 2026-2028 Immigration Levels Plan sets PGP admissions at 15,000 a year. |
| July 15, 2026 | IRCC announces it is pausing intake of new PGP applications. It will not receive new interest to sponsor forms or invite potential sponsors to apply until further notice. |
| July 15, 2026 onward | Processing continues for PGP applications already received. IRCC's goal is to approve 15,000 PGP permanent residence applications in 2026. |
| September 2026 | No reopening date has been announced. |
What exactly is paused?
The PGP has two stages. First, a Canadian citizen or permanent resident submits an interest to sponsor form. Then IRCC invites some of those people to submit a full sponsorship and permanent residence application.
The pause stops both new entry points:
- IRCC will not accept new interest to sponsor forms.
- IRCC will not issue new invitations to apply.
It does not cancel applications that IRCC has already received. Those continue through processing. For how the program normally works, see the Parents and Grandparents Program page.
What this means for families
- If you already applied: your application stays in the queue. Keep your contact details and documents current with IRCC and respond to any requests quickly.
- If you submitted an interest to sponsor form in an earlier year but were not invited: no new invitations are being sent during the pause.
- If you were hoping to apply in 2026: you cannot start a new PGP application right now.
- Other family classes are not affected. Sponsorship of a spouse or partner and dependent children continues.
What to do instead: the Super Visa
The Super Visa is the main option while the PGP is paused. It is a visitor visa, not permanent residence, but it allows long stays:
- Parents and grandparents can stay for up to 5 years per entry.
- The visa can be valid for up to 10 years.
- The child or grandchild in Canada must meet a minimum income and sign a letter of support.
- The parent or grandparent needs private medical insurance from an eligible insurer and a medical exam.
IRCC publishes the current income table and insurance rules on its Super Visa page. Check them before you apply, because the income figures change each year.
For shorter trips, a regular visitor visa or an eTA (for visa-exempt nationals) may be enough.
What to do now
- If you have a PGP application in process, link it to an online account so you see updates.
- If you have no application, review Super Visa eligibility and the current income table.
- Watch IRCC's news releases for any reopening. Do not pay anyone who claims they can secure a PGP invitation during the pause; see how to spot immigration scams.
- For complex family situations, talk to a lawyer or a licensed consultant (RCIC).
Frequently asked questions
Is the Parents and Grandparents Program open in 2026?
No. IRCC paused new intake on July 15, 2026 and is not accepting interest to sponsor forms or sending invitations until further notice.
What happens to my PGP application that is already in process?
It continues to be processed. IRCC said it still aims to approve 15,000 PGP applications in 2026.
When will the PGP reopen?
IRCC has not announced a date. Watch IRCC news releases for updates.
Can my parents still come to Canada?
Yes, as visitors. The Super Visa allows stays of up to 5 years per entry and can be valid for up to 10 years.
Does the pause affect spousal sponsorship?
No. The pause applies only to the Parents and Grandparents Program.
Official sources
General information, not legal advice. NorthAmericans.com is independent and not affiliated with any government.