Canada has announced a pause on new Parents and Grandparents Program applications, closing off fresh sponsorship opportunities for many families unless Ottawa changes direction. IRCC says it will keep processing files already in the system and points affected families toward the super visa, while many Canadians now look to other immigration pathways and long-term planning options.
Canada pauses new parent and grandparent sponsorship applications
In a major update for family reunification, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has said it is stopping the intake of new applications under the Parents and Grandparents Program, often called the PGP. This means Canadian citizens and permanent residents will not be able to submit new interest to sponsor forms, and IRCC will not send new invitations to apply until further notice.
For many families, this is a difficult development. The PGP has long been one of the main ways to bring parents and grandparents to Canada as permanent residents. With this pause, that route is effectively closed to new applicants for now, unless the federal government later decides to reopen it.
The change does not affect applications already in the system. IRCC says it will continue working on existing PGP files and aims to approve 15,000 permanent resident applications in 2026. According to the government’s published figures, there are still tens of thousands of applications in inventory, which helps explain why Ottawa says it is trying to manage the programme more carefully.
What this means in practical terms
If you never submitted an interest to sponsor form during the last intake window, you currently have no way to enter the PGP selection process. Since the last intake happened in 2020, many families have already spent years waiting for another opportunity. This latest announcement confirms that no new intake is planned at the moment.
Families who already received an invitation in earlier rounds and submitted a complete application are in a different position. Their files remain active and will continue through IRCC processing.
For readers trying to explore Canadian immigration pathways, this is an important reminder that family immigration rules can shift quickly, and long-term planning matters.
Why the PGP has become so difficult to access
The parent and grandparent sponsorship stream has been oversubscribed for years. Demand has greatly exceeded the number of spaces available under Canada’s annual immigration levels plan. Because of that, IRCC has been using a lottery-style system rather than allowing open, first-come applications.
The last time Canada accepted new interest to sponsor forms was in 2020. During that short intake period, more than 203,000 unique submissions were received. From 2020 through 2025, IRCC continued drawing from that same pool and issued invitations randomly to selected potential sponsors.
That system left many people waiting year after year without any new chance to register. Now, with the new pause, even that possibility has been put on hold.
Admissions targets remain limited
Under the current immigration levels plan, Canada has set the same PGP admissions target for each of the next three years:
| Year | PGP admissions target |
|---|---|
| 2026 | 15,000 |
| 2027 | 15,000 |
| 2028 | 15,000 |
These numbers are modest when compared with the size of the backlog and the level of public demand. In other words, the pause is not happening in isolation. It fits into a broader federal approach that is trying to control intake and keep permanent residence targets within planned limits.
Processing times still vary sharply
IRCC’s posted timelines also show that wait times remain significant, especially for Quebec-bound cases. For applicants who filed in mid-2025, the remaining processing time was reported as much shorter outside Quebec than inside Quebec. That reflects Quebec’s distinct role in immigration selection and admissions planning.
For families, this creates both emotional and practical stress. Parents may age during the process, health needs can change, and family support arrangements may become harder to manage. That is why many people affected by the PGP pause are now reviewing other legal ways to stay connected in Canada while they wait.
The super visa is now the main alternative for many families
IRCC is encouraging families shut out of the PGP to consider the super visa. While it does not grant permanent residence, it can still be a useful option for parents and grandparents who want to spend extended time in Canada with their children or grandchildren.
The super visa allows eligible parents and grandparents to visit Canada for up to five years at a time, and the visa itself may be issued for up to 10 years. That is much more generous than regular visitor status, which often allows a stay of up to six months.
Basic super visa requirements
To qualify, the applicant generally needs a letter of invitation from their child or grandchild in Canada. The host family member must promise financial support during the visit and must meet a minimum income threshold. The visiting parent or grandparent must also buy qualifying medical insurance for the period of stay.
In addition, the applicant must still satisfy an officer that they meet Canada’s temporary resident requirements. That includes showing they will leave Canada at the end of their authorised stay if required.
- A qualifying host in Canada who is a citizen, permanent resident, or otherwise eligible under the rules
- Proof the host meets the minimum necessary income requirement
- Private medical insurance that meets IRCC standards
- Evidence the applicant is a genuine temporary resident
Families considering this route may also want to review broader options for a visitor visa to Canada and understand how temporary entry rules are assessed.
What affected families can do next
For many Canadians, this news is frustrating because family sponsorship is not simply an immigration file. It is about care, childcare support, ageing parents, and the desire to keep loved ones close. Even so, there are still constructive steps families can take.
Keep monitoring policy changes
IRCC has paused the intake, but “paused” does not always mean permanent closure. Governments can revise ministerial instructions, change targets, or reopen programmes in future years. Families should keep records ready and stay alert for official announcements.
Consider the wider immigration picture
In some households, the parent or grandparent issue is only one part of a larger immigration plan. Adult children may still be working toward permanent residence through economic streams such as Express Entry immigration to Canada, a Provincial Nominee Program, or regional options like the Atlantic Immigration Program. Building strong status in Canada can make future family planning easier if sponsorship windows reopen.
Applicants in economic streams should also pay close attention to language testing and document preparation. IELTS or CELPIP for English, and TEF or TCF for French, can affect eligibility and ranking. Educational Credential Assessments, or ECAs, are also essential in many skilled worker cases. Those trying to improve their profile may benefit from learning how the Comprehensive Ranking System works or how to improve a CRS score.
Get professional guidance before acting
When one family route becomes limited, it is tempting to rush into another option. But every case is different. A super visa strategy may work well for one family, while another may need to focus on permanent residence first, temporary entry planning, or a province-specific pathway. If you are unsure where to begin, it can help to assess your immigration options with experienced support.
Families can also use this period to better understand the full immigration to Canada process and map out both short-term and long-term goals. In many cases, a careful plan reduces stress and prevents costly mistakes.
Immigration rules and requirements change often, so readers should always confirm current details directly with IRCC or speak with a licensed immigration consultant before making decisions. EverNorth Immigration is here to help with knowledgeable, compassionate support at every stage of your journey toward a new life in Canada, and you are welcome to book your free immigration assessment for a professional review of your options.
