Many Canadian citizens and permanent residents hope to reunite with their parents and grandparents in Canada. However, a new announcement from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada has created further uncertainty for families waiting to apply.
On July 15, 2026, IRCC announced that it would pause new intake under the Parents and Grandparents Program, also known as the PGP. Until further notice, IRCC will not accept new interest-to-sponsor forms or issue new invitations to apply. Applications that were properly submitted before the pause will continue to be processed.
For families who have been waiting years for another opportunity to sponsor their loved ones, this news may be deeply disappointing. It is important to understand what the pause means, who is affected and what other options may be available.
What Has Changed?
The Parents and Grandparents Program allows eligible Canadian citizens and permanent residents to sponsor their parents or grandparents for permanent residence.
Because demand for the program has consistently exceeded the number of available spaces, IRCC has used an invitation-based intake system.
Potential sponsors must first submit an interest-to-sponsor form. IRCC then selects potential sponsors and sends invitations to apply. Only those who receive an invitation may submit a complete sponsorship application.
IRCC has continued selecting sponsors from the pool of interest forms submitted in 2020. The department did not open a new interest-to-sponsor form for the 2025 intake.
Under the latest announcement:
No new interest-to-sponsor forms will be accepted.
No new invitations to apply will be issued.
Existing applications will continue to be processed.
Applications submitted without an invitation will be returned.
The pause does not mean that the PGP has been permanently closed. However, IRCC has not announced when a new intake will open.
Why Has IRCC Paused the Program?
IRCC says the pause is intended to help manage the number of applications already in its inventory, improve processing times and create greater predictability across Canada’s immigration programs.
Under the current 2026–2028 Immigration Levels Plan, the government is targeting 15,000 parent and grandparent admissions in 2026. This figure refers to the number of people who may become permanent residents, not the number of applications or families.
The target is lower than what had previously been planned for 2026.
Although managing processing backlogs is an important concern, the pause has a significant impact on families. People who did not submit an interest form in 2020 currently have no way to enter a new PGP pool.
For many families, this means continuing to wait without knowing when another sponsorship opportunity will become available.
What Happens to Existing PGP Applications?
Families who have already submitted a complete application should not assume that it has been cancelled. IRCC has confirmed that existing applications will continue to be processed. Applicants and sponsors should continue monitoring their email, online IRCC account and regular mail.
During processing, IRCC may request updated forms, medical examinations, police certificates, financial information or other supporting documents.
It is important to respond to all requests by the stated deadline and notify IRCC of any relevant changes, including changes to contact information or family composition.
Sponsors should also continue keeping their financial and family records organized. IRCC may reassess eligibility or request updated evidence during processing.
Can Families Still Apply for a Super Visa?
For families who cannot currently apply under the PGP, the Parent and Grandparent Super Visa may be an alternative. The Super Visa allows eligible parents and grandparents to visit their children or grandchildren in Canada for up to five years at a time. It can provide multiple entries to Canada for a period of up to 10 years.
Unlike the PGP, the Super Visa does not provide permanent residence. The parent or grandparent remains a temporary resident and must comply with the conditions of their stay.
A parent or grandparent may also apply for a Super Visa while a permanent residence sponsorship application is still being processed. The family does not need to withdraw the PGP application in order to pursue a Super Visa.
Who May Qualify for a Super Visa
The host in Canada must generally:
Be the applicant’s child or grandchild
Be at least 18 years old
Live in Canada
Be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident or registered Indian
Meet the applicable minimum income requirement
Provide a signed invitation lette
The parent or grandparent must generally:
Apply from outside Canada
Be admissible to Canada
Complete an immigration medical examination
Obtain qualifying private health insurance
Demonstrate that they are a genuine temporary visitor
The insurance policy must generally be valid for at least one year and provide at least $100,000 in emergency medical coverage, including hospitalization and repatriation.
IRCC also changed the Super Visa income rules effective March 31, 2026. Depending on the family’s circumstances, the host may now be able to rely on income from either of the two taxation years before the application. In some cases, the visiting parent or grandparent’s income may also be considered.
These changes may make the Super Visa available to some families that did not qualify under the previous rules.
A Super Visa Is Not Automatically Approved
Although the Super Visa can be an important family reunification option, meeting the income and insurance requirements does not guarantee approval.
An immigration officer may also consider
The purpose and expected length of the visi
The applicant’s financial situation
Their immigration and travel history
Their ties to their home country
Their family connections in Canada and abroad
Whether they are likely to leave Canada when required
The application should clearly explain why the parent or grandparent wants to visit, where they will stay, how they will be supported and why they will comply with the conditions of temporary residence.
Incomplete documents, inconsistent information or concerns about the applicant’s temporary intentions may lead to a refusal.
What Should Families Do Now?
Families who have an existing PGP application should continue monitoring it carefully and respond promptly to any IRCC requests.
Those who were not invited to apply should not submit a PGP application without an invitation or rely on anyone claiming that they can secure a place in the program.
Families considering a Super Visa should review the host’s income, family size, insurance options and the applicant’s temporary residence evidence before submitting an application.
It may also be helpful to begin organizing documents for a future PGP intake, including proof of relationship, civil-status documents, income records and information about previous sponsorship undertakings.
How Ackah Business Immigration Law Can Help
The pause to the Parents and Grandparents Program may leave families feeling uncertain about how and when they can reunite with their loved ones.
Ackah Business Immigration Law can help families:
Review an existing PGP application
Respond to IRCC document requests
Assess eligibility for a Parent and Grandparent Super Visa
Review income and family-size calculations
Confirm whether an insurance policy meets IRCC requirements
Prepare a complete and well-supported application
Address previous visitor visa or Super Visa refusals
Explore other immigration and temporary residence options
Family reunification applications require careful preparation, accurate documentation and a strategy that reflects each family’s circumstances.
Contact Ackah Business Immigration Law to discuss the most practical option for bringing your parents or grandparents to Canada and helping your family grow beyond borders.
This article provides general information only and does not constitute legal advice. Immigration programs, eligibility requirements and government policies may change. Obtain legal advice based on your individual circumstances before submitting an application.
