Canada Pauses New Parents and Grandparents Sponsorship Applications

Following a brief reopening on July 28, 2025, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has once again announced a pause on accepting new applications under the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) as of July 15, 2026, until further notice.

Understandably so, this news has raised concern for many Canadian citizens and permanent residents who were planning to sponsor their parents or grandparents for permanent residence.

According to IRCC, the pause aligns with Canada’s 2026–2028 Immigration Levels Plan, as more applications to the program were submitted than the spaces allocated to it under the levels plan. By temporarily pausing new applications, the Government of Canada says it “aims to maintain a sustainable and efficient immigration system” by reducing processing backlogs and creating a more predictable immigration process for applicants.

What Does This Mean for Families?

If you were hoping to sponsor your parents or grandparents through the PGP this year, you will need to wait until IRCC announces the reopening of the PGP program.

It is important to note that if you have already submitted an application to the PGP, your application will continue to be processed. According to IRCC, they will continue processing applications already in the system and will approve up to 15,000 permanent residents through the PGP Program in 2026.

Despite this temporary pause on new applications to the PGP program, there are still other Canadian immigration pathways available to families hoping to sponsor their loved ones.

Alternative Pathways

The Super Visa is a great solution while waiting for the PGP Program to reopen. The Super Visa allows eligible parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens and permanent residents to stay in Canada for up to five years at a time without needing to renew their status. A super visa is a multiple entry visitor visa and IRCC has also recently introduced changes that make the Super Visa more accessible by updating certain income and health insurance requirements, making it easier for more families to qualify.

Although the Super Visa does not provide permanent resident status like the PGP, it is an alternative option that gives families the option to remain together while awaiting future sponsorship opportunities when the PGP reopens.

Preparation is Key

Canada’s immigration policies and application processes are constantly evolving. Keeping up with these changes and determining the best pathway for you and your family’s circumstances can be difficult.

Taking the time now to understand the immigration options currently available to you can help you make informed decisions for your family while also ensuring you are prepared to apply when the Parents and Grandparents Program reopens.

Contact Us Today

At Canadim, we understand that every situation is unique. Choosing the right immigration pathway and submitting a complete, accurate application can make a huge difference in minimizing delays and ensure the highest chances of approval.

Whether you have questions about your eligibility for when the Parents and Grandparents Program reopens or would like to apply for the Super Visa as an alternative, our immigration lawyers are here to assist you through every step of the process.