Parents and Grandparents Program Canada 2026: IRCC Pauses New Sponsorship Applications
Canada has announced a significant change to one of its most popular family reunification programs. Canada pauses Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) sponsorship applications for new applicants, leaving many Canadian citizens and permanent residents wondering what this means for their families.
On July 15, 2026, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) confirmed that it is pausing the intake of new applications under the IRCC Parents and Grandparents Program until further notice. While existing applications will continue to be processed, no new Interest to Sponsor forms or invitations will be issued during the pause.
If you were hoping to sponsor your parents or grandparents for permanent residence, understanding what has changed—and what alternatives remain available—is essential. Here's what you need to know.
What Is the Parents and Grandparents Program?
The Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) is one of Canada's family sponsorship pathways that allows eligible Canadian citizens, permanent residents, and registered Indians to sponsor their parents or grandparents for Canadian permanent residence.
Unlike many immigration programs, the PGP does not accept applications continuously. Instead, it operates through an invitation system because demand consistently exceeds the number of available spots.
The last opportunity for Canadians to submit an Interest to Sponsor form occurred in 2020. Since then, IRCC has continued inviting eligible sponsors from that original pool.
During the 2020 intake:
| PGP Statistics | Details |
|---|---|
| Interest to Sponsor submissions | 203,213 |
| Interest to Sponsor submissions | Random lottery |
| New intake after 2020 | None |
Canada Pauses Parents and Grandparents Program: Why Has IRCC Suspended New Applications?
On July 15, 2026, IRCC announced that it is pausing the intake of new applications under the Parents and Grandparents Program.
Specifically, IRCC confirmed that it will:
- Stop accepting new Interest to Sponsor forms.
- Stop issuing invitations to apply.
- Continue processing applications already received.
The government stated that the pause is intended to help responsibly manage the program while continuing to process existing applications.
At this time, IRCC has not announced when or if a new intake will open. Families should rely only on official IRCC updates rather than unofficial rumours or speculation.
Who Is Affected?
The Parents and Grandparents Program paused announcement affects several groups differently.
Individuals affected include:
- Canadian citizens hoping to submit a new sponsorship application.
- Permanent residents waiting for a future Interest to Sponsor intake.
- Families expecting a new PGP lottery.
- Parents and grandparents outside Canada hoping to obtain permanent residence through family sponsorship.
If you never submitted an Interest to Sponsor form during the 2020 intake, you currently cannot enter the PGP selection process.
However, families with applications already submitted are not affected by the intake pause.
What Happens to Existing Applications?
Although PGP in Canada 2026 is closed to new applicants, IRCC continues processing applications already in its inventory.
Current figures include:
| Existing PGP Inventory | Applications |
|---|---|
| Outside Quebec | 40,400 |
| Quebec | 10,500 |
| Total | 50,900 |
IRCC's annual Parents and Grandparents Program admissions targets are:
- 2026: 15,000 permanent residence admissions
- 2027: 15,000 permanent residence admissions
- 2028: 15,000 permanent residence admissions
Current estimated processing times for applications submitted in July 2025 are:
- Outside Quebec: Approximately 18 months
- Quebec: Approximately 54 months
These timelines may change depending on application volumes and processing capacity.
Can Canadians Still Sponsor Parents and Grandparents?
At present, Canadians cannot submit new sponsorship applications through the Parents and Grandparents Program because IRCC is not accepting new Interest to Sponsor forms.
However, this does not mean family reunification options have completely disappeared.
Families may still have alternative pathways depending on their circumstances, with the Super Visa remaining the primary option for parents and grandparents who wish to spend extended time with family in Canada.
Super Visa: The Primary Alternative
For many families, the Super Visa offers the most practical solution while the Canada parents sponsorship intake remains paused.
Unlike the PGP, the Super Visa grants temporary resident status rather than permanent residence.
Key Super Visa benefits
- Stay in Canada for up to five years per visit.
- Visa validity of up to 10 years.
- Multiple entries during the visa's validity period.
Applicants must meet several eligibility requirements, including:
- A letter of invitation from their child or grandchild in Canada.
- Proof that the host meets the minimum income requirement.
- Valid private medical insurance.
- Compliance with Canada's temporary resident entry requirements.
Applicants must also satisfy immigration officers that they will leave Canada when their authorized stay ends.
Although the Super Visa is not permanent residence, it allows families to spend significant time together while longer-term immigration opportunities are explored.
What Families Should Do Next
The recent announcement may feel discouraging, but there are still practical steps families can take.
1. Monitor official IRCC announcements
Only rely on updates published by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada regarding future changes to the Parents and Grandparents Program.
2. Explore the Super Visa
Families wishing to reunite sooner should determine whether they meet the eligibility requirements for a Super Visa.
3. Prepare your documents
Keeping financial records, proof of income, and supporting documents current can help if new sponsorship opportunities become available in the future.
4. Seek professional immigration guidance
Every family's situation is unique. Understanding eligibility requirements and choosing the most suitable pathway can help avoid unnecessary delays or application errors.
Future Outlook for the Parents and Grandparents Program
At the time of writing, IRCC has not announced any future intake dates for new Parents and Grandparents Program sponsorship applications.
While the government continues processing existing files and has established admission targets through 2028, there is no official confirmation regarding when new Interest to Sponsor forms may be accepted again.
Families should avoid making plans based on unofficial reports or social media speculation. Instead, monitor official government announcements and ensure you are prepared should the program reopen.
Seek Professional Help for Super Visa and Family Sponsorship Applications
The pause in the Parents and Grandparents Program has left many families with important questions about their immigration options. Whether you're exploring a Super Visa, waiting for future sponsorship opportunities, or considering other pathways to reunite with your loved ones in Canada, understanding the latest immigration rules is essential.
At Foothills Immigration, our experienced team can assess your unique situation, explain your available options, and guide you through the application process with personalized support. If you're unsure about your next steps after the PGP pause, we're here to help you make informed decisions with confidence.
Contact Foothills Immigration today to discuss your family sponsorship goals and explore the immigration pathway that's right for you.
Key Takeaways
- IRCC paused new Parents and Grandparents Program sponsorship applications on July 15, 2026.
- No new Interest to Sponsor forms or invitations are being accepted.
- Existing applications continue to be processed.
- Canada plans to admit 15,000 PGP applicants annually from 2026 through 2028.
- Current inventory includes 50,900 applications.
- The Super Visa remains the primary alternative for eligible parents and grandparents.
- No future PGP intake date has been announced.
