The Government of Canada has announced a temporary pause on accepting new applications under the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP).
The announcement was made by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) on July 15, 2026, as part of the government’s efforts to responsibly manage application inventories and maintain a sustainable immigration system. Existing sponsorship applications already in the system will continue to be processed.
What Has Changed?
- Not accept new Interest to Sponsor forms.
- Not issue new invitations to apply under the Parents and Grandparents Program.
- Continue processing existing sponsorship applications already received.
- Continue working toward its target of admitting up to 15,000 people through the Parents and Grandparents Program in 2026, in line with Canada’s Immigration Levels Plan.
The pause will remain in effect until further notice, and IRCC has not announced when new applications will reopen.
Why Has Canada Paused the Program?
According to IRCC, the temporary pause is intended to:
- Better manage existing application inventories.
- Improve processing efficiency.
- Reduce application backlogs.
- Provide more predictable processing times.
- Support Canada’s Immigration Levels Plan while maintaining a sustainable immigration system.
IRCC emphasized that family reunification remains a key priority, despite the temporary pause on new applications. Existing sponsorship applications will continue to be processed according to normal procedures.
Who Is Affected?
The temporary pause affects:
- Canadian citizens wishing to sponsor their parents or grandparents.
- Permanent residents planning to submit a new Parents and Grandparents Program application.
- Individuals who have not yet received an invitation to apply under the PGP.
Anyone hoping to submit a new sponsorship application will need to wait until IRCC announces that the program has reopened.
Who Is Not Affected?
The announcement does not affect:
- Sponsorship applications that have already been submitted.
- Applicants who have already received an invitation to apply.
- Applications currently being processed by IRCC.
These applications will continue through the existing assessment and decision-making process.
Can Parents and Grandparents Still Visit Canada?
Yes. Although new permanent residence sponsorship applications are temporarily paused, eligible parents and grandparents may still apply for a Super Visa. The Super Visa allows parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens and permanent residents to:
- Stay in Canada for up to five years per visit.
- Apply for extensions while remaining in Canada.
- Make multiple entries during the validity of the visa, subject to program requirements.
For many families, the Super Visa remains the most practical option for extended visits while the Parents and Grandparents Program is temporarily paused.
What Applicants Should Do Next
If you were planning to sponsor your parents or grandparents, consider taking the following steps:
- Monitor future IRCC announcements regarding the reopening of the Parents and Grandparents Program.
- Keep your financial and supporting documents up to date.
- Explore the Super Visa as an alternative for long-term family visits.
- Seek professional immigration advice to determine the best available option for your family’s circumstances.
Remaining informed about future IRCC updates will help you prepare when the Parents and Grandparents Program begins accepting new applications again.
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Disclaimer
This article is provided for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute legal or immigration advice. Immigration programs, processing times, eligibility requirements, and application procedures may change without notice. Readers should consult official Government of Canada resources or seek professional immigration advice before making any immigration decisions.
