Canada Pauses Parent and Grandparent Sponsorship

Canada Pauses New Parent and Grandparent Sponsorship Applications

The Government of Canada has announced an important update to the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP). This change will affect families who want to sponsor their parents or grandparents for permanent residence in Canada.

Starting July 15, 2026, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has paused new applications under the PGP until further notice.

What Has Changed?

IRCC has temporarily stopped accepting new applications under the Parents and Grandparents Program.

As a result:

• IRCC will not accept new Interest to Sponsor forms.
• IRCC will not send new invitations to apply.
• IRCC will continue processing applications that families already submitted.
• Canada plans to welcome up to 15,000 permanent residents through the PGP in 2026.

Therefore, families who have already submitted their applications do not need to submit a new one because of this announcement.

Why Has Canada Paused the PGP?

The Parents and Grandparents Program receives a very high number of applications every year. However, the number of available spaces remains limited.

Because of this demand, IRCC wants to focus on applications already in its system. The temporary pause can also help the department manage applications more efficiently and improve processing times.

In addition, this decision supports Canada’s goal of maintaining a more balanced and sustainable immigration system.

Does This Mean the PGP Is Cancelled?

No. The government has not permanently cancelled the Parents and Grandparents Program.

Instead, IRCC has paused new intake until further notice. At this time, the department has not announced when it will start accepting new Interest to Sponsor forms or issue new invitations.

Therefore, families should continue to follow official IRCC updates for information about the program’s reopening.

What Options Do Families Have?

Although the PGP is currently paused, families still have another option to spend more time together in Canada: the Super Visa.

The Super Visa can help eligible parents and grandparents stay with their children or grandchildren in Canada for extended periods.

For example, eligible applicants may:

• Stay in Canada for up to five years per visit.
• Enter Canada multiple times during the visa’s validity.
• Spend longer periods with their family without applying for a new visa for every visit.

Furthermore, IRCC has introduced changes to make the Super Visa more accessible. These changes include updates to income requirements and the health insurance options available to applicants.

PGP or Super Visa: Which One Is Different?

The biggest difference is the purpose of each program.

The Parents and Grandparents Program provides a pathway to permanent residence. In contrast, the Super Visa allows parents and grandparents to visit and stay in Canada temporarily for longer periods.

Therefore, families who want permanent residence will need to wait for further PGP updates. However, families who want their parents or grandparents to stay in Canada sooner can explore the Super Visa.

What Should Families Do Now?

If you planned to sponsor your parents or grandparents through the PGP, keep an eye on future IRCC announcements.

Meanwhile, you can explore whether the Super Visa suits your family.

Before choosing an option, consider your long-term immigration plans, financial situation and eligibility. Each family has different circumstances, so the best pathway may also differ.

Final Thoughts

The temporary pause on new PGP applications may disappoint many families. However, IRCC will continue processing applications that families have already submitted.

At the same time, the Super Visa provides another way for eligible parents and grandparents to spend more time with their families in Canada.

Therefore, if you planned to sponsor your parents or grandparents, do not assume that you have no options. Instead, review the available pathways and stay updated on future IRCC announcements.

If you are unsure about your options, professional immigration advice can help you understand the requirements and choose a suitable strategy for your family.

Need guidance with Parent and Grandparent Sponsorship or a Super Visa application? Contact SPS Canada Immigration Inc. to discuss your eligibility and the best immigration strategy for your family.

Get in touch with SPS Global

Receive advice on any of your questions regarding immigration. Get in touch with us, experienced immigration consultants from SPS Global. For additional information, contact support@spscanada.com (Canada) or support.amd@spscanada.com (Ahmedabad), or by phone at (1) 905-362-9393 (Canada) or +919586226232 (Ahmedabad).