The Government of Canada has confirmed that it will not accept any new applications under the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) until further notice.
In an update published on July 15, 2026, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) announced that no new interest to sponsor forms will be accepted and no new invitations to apply will be issued at this time.
The decision affects Canadian citizens and permanent residents who were hoping to sponsor their parents or grandparents for Permanent Residency through the Parents and Grandparents Program. According to IRCC, the pause is intended to support a well-managed and sustainable immigration system while allowing the department to focus on processing applications already in its inventory.
Key Details of the Update
- Program: Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP)
- Announcement Date: July 15, 2026
- New Applications: Paused until further notice
- New Invitations to Apply: None will be issued
- Existing Applications: Processing will continue
- 2026 Admission Target: Up to 15,000 permanent residents through the Parents and Grandparents Program
Why IRCC Paused the Program
IRCC said demand for the Parents and Grandparents Program continues to exceed the number of sponsorship spaces available each year.
Rather than opening a new intake, the department will continue processing existing applications while working toward its 2026 target of admitting up to 15,000 parents and grandparents as permanent residents under the program.
The department said this approach is intended to improve predictability for families already waiting in the system while supporting the government’s broader immigration planning.
What Happens to Existing Applications?
The latest announcement does not affect applications that have already been submitted.
IRCC will continue processing eligible Parents and Grandparents Program applications received through previous invitation rounds.
Applicants with existing files should continue monitoring their IRCC online accounts and respond promptly if additional documents or information are requested.
No New Interest to Sponsor Forms
The announcement also means Canadian citizens and permanent residents who have not previously entered the Parents and Grandparents Program pool will not be able to submit a new interest to sponsor form until further notice.
At the time of the announcement, IRCC had not indicated when a new intake would reopen.
The Super Visa Remains Available
Although new Parents and Grandparents Program applications are currently paused, eligible families can still consider the Super Visa as a temporary option for bringing parents and grandparents to Canada.
The Super Visa allows eligible parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens and permanent residents to visit Canada for extended periods without becoming permanent residents.
Under the current rules, Super Visa holders may stay in Canada for up to five years per entry, with the option to apply for an extension while in Canada if they remain eligible.
Recent changes introduced by IRCC have also made the Super Visa more accessible by updating the income assessment rules and expanding acceptable health insurance options for applicants.
Families considering this option may benefit from seeking professional immigration guidance to determine whether the Super Visa is the most suitable solution for their circumstances.
What This Means for Families
Families planning to sponsor their parents or grandparents through the Parents and Grandparents Program will need to wait until IRCC announces future program instructions.
In the meantime, the Super Visa remains an available temporary option for eligible parents and grandparents who wish to spend extended periods with their families in Canada.
Anyone planning for family reunification should continue monitoring official IRCC announcements while reviewing the immigration options currently available.
Conclusion
IRCC’s latest announcement confirms that no new Parents and Grandparents Program applications or invitations will be accepted until further notice.
While the department continues processing existing applications and plans to admit up to 15,000 parents and grandparents as permanent residents in 2026, prospective sponsors will need to wait for future instructions before submitting a new application.
Until then, eligible families may wish to consider the Super Visa as a temporary option for reuniting with parents and grandparents while monitoring future updates from IRCC.
Book a consultation with Sehli Global to prepare your Canada immigration application with confidence.
Leave a Comment