Canada’s New Update on Parents and Grandparents Sponsorship
Canada Pauses New Parents & Grandparents Sponsorship Applications
If you were planning to sponsor your parents or grandparents for Canadian permanent residence, there is an important update. The Canadian government has announced that it is pausing new applications under the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) until further notice.
Canada Has Stopped Accepting New PGP Applications
As of July 15, 2026, Canada will not accept any new Interest to Sponsor forms under the Parents and Grandparents Program.
In addition, the government will not send new invitations to potential sponsors until further notice.
This means that, for now, Canadian citizens and permanent residents cannot start a new PGP sponsorship application.
What Happens to Existing Applications?
The good news is that applications already submitted will continue to be processed.
In fact, the Canadian government plans to approve 15,000 Parents and Grandparents Program applications in 2026.
At the moment, there are around 50,900 applications already waiting to be processed.
PGP Immigration Targets (2026–2028)
The government has kept the same admission target for the next three years:
| Year | Admission Target |
|---|---|
| 2026 | 15,000 |
| 2027 | 15,000 |
| 2028 | 15,000 |
How Long Will Existing Applications Take?
Processing times depend on where your parents or grandparents plan to live.
- Outside Quebec: Around 18 months
- Within Quebec: Around 54 months
Therefore, applicants planning to settle in Quebec should expect a much longer wait.
What Is the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP)?
The PGP allows Canadian citizens, permanent residents, and registered Indians to sponsor their parents or grandparents for Canadian permanent residence.
However, because demand is much higher than the number of available spots, the program works through a lottery system.
Why Is It So Difficult to Apply?
The last time Canada accepted new Interest to Sponsor forms was 2020.
During that intake, more than 203,000 people applied to sponsor their parents or grandparents.
Since then, from 2020 to 2025, the government only invited people who had already submitted forms during the 2020 intake.
As a result, no new sponsors have been able to enter the lottery since 2020.
Now, with the latest announcement, that situation continues until further notice.
What Can Families Do Instead?
Although the PGP is currently paused, the Canadian government is encouraging families to consider the Super Visa.
Unlike the PGP, the Super Visa allows parents and grandparents to visit Canada for extended periods, but it does not provide permanent residence.
What Is the Super Visa?
The Super Visa allows eligible parents and grandparents to:
- Stay in Canada for up to 5 years per visit
- Hold a visa that can remain valid for up to 10 years
- Visit family much longer than a regular visitor visa, which usually allows a stay of only 6 months
Therefore, it is a good option for families who want to spend more time together while the PGP remains closed.
Who Can Apply for a Super Visa?
To qualify, applicants must:
- Receive an invitation letter from their child or grandchild in Canada.
- Buy valid Canadian health insurance.
- Have a host who meets the minimum income requirement.
- Show they will leave Canada when their authorized stay ends.
Meeting these conditions is necessary before the visa can be approved.
Final Thoughts
Overall, Canada has paused new applications under the Parents and Grandparents Program, meaning no new sponsors can join the program for now.
However, the government will continue processing existing applications and aims to approve 15,000 permanent residence applications each year through 2028.
Meanwhile, families who want to reunite with their loved ones can consider the Super Visa, which remains available and offers long-term visits to Canada while the PGP remains on hold.
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).
