Canada has paused the intake of new applications under the Parents and Grandparents Program, commonly known as the PGP.

Effective July 15, 2026, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada will not accept new interest to sponsor forms or issue new invitations to apply until further notice. Existing sponsorship applications will continue to be processed.

For Canadian citizens and permanent residents hoping to bring their parents or grandparents to Canada, the announcement raises an important question: what options remain 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.

However, demand for the program has consistently exceeded the number of spaces available. IRCC has now confirmed that it will:

• Stop accepting new interest to sponsor forms
• Stop issuing new invitations to apply
• Continue processing applications already submitted
• Plan to approve up to 15,000 people through the program in 2026

IRCC has not provided a date for reopening the program. The pause will remain in place until further notice.

Does the pause affect existing applications?

The pause does not cancel applications that have already been submitted.

IRCC has stated that it will continue processing existing PGP applications. Applicants should continue monitoring their email and online accounts for document requests, medical instructions, biometric requests or other updates.

Families with applications in progress should also ensure that IRCC has their current contact information and that any requested documents are submitted by the stated deadline.

Can Canadians still submit an interest to sponsor form?

No new interest to sponsor forms are currently being accepted.

Submitting an interest to sponsor form is normally the first step in the PGP process. It does not itself create a sponsorship application. Potential sponsors must first be selected and invited by IRCC before they can submit a complete application.

Until the program reopens, there is no new PGP application process available for families who have not already received an invitation.

Is the Super Visa an alternative?

For many families, the Parent and Grandparent Super Visa may now be the most practical alternative.

A Super Visa can allow an eligible parent or grandparent to remain in Canada for up to five years at a time. It is a multiple entry visa that may remain valid for up to ten years. A person already visiting Canada under a Super Visa may also be eligible to request an extension of up to two additional years.

Unlike the PGP, the Super Visa does not provide permanent residence. It is a temporary resident visa and applicants must still satisfy an immigration officer that they meet Canada’s visitor requirements.

Basic Super Visa requirements

The parent or grandparent must generally apply from outside Canada.

Their child or grandchild in Canada must:

• Be at least 18 years old
• Live in Canada
• Be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident or registered Indian
• Meet the applicable income requirement
• Provide a signed invitation letter

The applicant must generally:

• Complete an immigration medical examination
• Obtain qualifying private medical insurance for at least one year
• Demonstrate the purpose of the visit
• Show that they are a genuine temporary resident
• Satisfy the officer that they are admissible to Canada

IRCC may also examine the applicant’s finances, family circumstances, travel history and ties to their country of residence.

Super Visa income rules became more flexible in 2026

Changes introduced on March 31, 2026 made the Super Visa income assessment more flexible.

A host and eligible co-signer may now meet the income requirement using either of the two taxation years preceding the application. Previously, the assessment focused only on the immediately preceding year.

In certain circumstances, income earned by the visiting parent or grandparent may also be included to help meet the required amount. Supporting documentation must be provided with the application.

These changes may help some families who previously could not meet the Super Visa income requirement.

Should families apply for a regular visitor visa instead?

A regular visitor visa may be appropriate when the intended visit is shorter, particularly when the parent or grandparent expects to remain in Canada for six months or less.

A Super Visa may be more suitable for longer or repeated visits, but it includes additional requirements such as medical insurance, an immigration medical examination and proof of the host’s income.

The right option will depend on the family’s circumstances, finances, purpose of travel and long term plans.

What should families do now?

Families who hoped to apply through the PGP should not assume that the program will reopen within a particular timeframe. No reopening date has been announced.

Instead, families may wish to:

1. Determine whether the parent or grandparent qualifies for a Super Visa.
2. Review the host’s income for the two most recent taxation years.
3. Gather proof of the relationship between the applicant and the host.
4. Review medical insurance options carefully.
5. Prepare documents addressing the applicant’s temporary purpose and ties outside Canada.
6. Monitor future IRCC announcements regarding the PGP.

The pause does not end family reunification options, but it makes careful planning more important.

Need help assessing your options?

MyVisa can help you understand whether a Parent and Grandparent Super Visa, visitor visa or another immigration option may be appropriate for your family.

Complete an assessment to receive guidance based on your circumstances.

This article provides general information and does not constitute legal advice. Immigration requirements and government policies may change.