Is Canada’s Parents and Grandparents Program Really Closed in 2026?

Is PGP Really Closed in 2026?

Many news reports claim that Canada has closed the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) in 2026. However, this claim does not show the full picture. The government has paused new applications for now, but it has not permanently ended the program.

What the Government Clearly Says

The Canadian government states that it will not accept new PGP applications at the start of 2026.
At the same time, it also says that it can reopen the program later by issuing new instructions.

This Is a Regular Pattern

This situation is not new.
The government followed the same approach in 2022, 2023, 2024, and 2025.
Every year, it pauses the PGP early and then decides later whether to reopen it.

What Are Ministerial Instructions?

Ministerial Instructions are official rules issued by the government.
They explain how immigration programs will operate, including when applications will open or close.

How PGP Works Differently

PGP does not work like other immigration programs.
It:

• Opens only once a year
• Accepts applications for a limited time
• Sends invitations during that short window

Because of this structure, the government usually starts the year by closing intake and reviews reopening later.

What Has Stayed the Same

First, the government continues to use similar wording every year.
It clearly says:

• It will not accept new applications until further notice
• It will continue processing applications from the previous year

This confirms that IRCC follows a yearly open-and-close cycle.

What Has Changed This Year

Next, the wording about reopening looks slightly different.
Earlier instructions clearly mentioned the possibility of a new intake.
This year, the government talks about reopening as a future step, but it gives no promise.

In short, reopening can happen—but nothing is confirmed.

Big Update: Lower Application Numbers

Most importantly, the government has reduced the number of applications it will process:

• 2024: 37,000 applications
• 2025: 15,000 applications
• 2026: 10,000 applications

At the same time, Canada plans to admit fewer parents and grandparents in 2026 than last year.

What This Means for Applicants

Because IRCC already has many pending applications, it can reach its targets without opening a new intake.
As a result, the government may delay or skip reopening PGP in 2026.

Final Takeaway

To sum up, the government has paused the Parents and Grandparents Program, but it has not cancelled it.
The program may reopen later in 2026, but officials have not confirmed this yet.
Meanwhile, families can explore Super Visa options to reunite sooner.

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).