Canada Pauses New Parents and Grandparents (PGP) Sponsorship Applications: What Families Need to Know
- 5 minutes ago
- 2 min read
Families hoping to sponsor their parents or grandparents to Canada will have to wait a little longer.
The Government of Canada has announced that it is pausing the intake of new applications under the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) until further notice. The decision is part of the government's broader effort to maintain a sustainable and well-managed immigration system while reducing application backlogs and improving processing times.
What Does This Mean?
At this time, IRCC will not accept new PGP sponsorship applications.
Instead, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will continue processing applications that are already in its inventory. According to the government, the goal is to welcome up to 15,000 new permanent residents through the Parents and Grandparents Program in 2026, consistent with the 2026–2028 Immigration Levels Plan.
This announcement does not affect applicants whose sponsorship applications have already been submitted and are currently being processed.
Why Has the Program Been Paused?
Over the past several years, demand for the Parents and Grandparents Program has significantly exceeded the number of available spaces.
By pausing new applications, the government aims to:
Reduce the existing application inventory;
Improve processing times for current applicants;
Better align immigration admissions with Canada's annual immigration targets; and
Maintain a sustainable immigration system that balances family reunification with economic and humanitarian priorities.
While the pause may be disappointing for many families, it reflects the government's current focus on managing immigration levels and existing inventories.
Can Parents and Grandparents Still Come to Canada?
Yes.
Although new PGP sponsorship applications are on hold, families can still reunite through the Super Visa program.
The Super Visa allows eligible parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens and permanent residents to:
Stay in Canada for up to five years per visit;
Enter Canada multiple times;
Hold a visa that can remain valid for up to ten years, depending on passport validity and visa issuance.
For many families, the Super Visa provides an excellent alternative while waiting for the Parents and Grandparents Program to reopen.
Will the PGP Program Reopen?
At this time, IRCC has not announced when new applications will resume.
Historically, IRCC has periodically paused and reopened the Parents and Grandparents Program based on processing capacity and immigration targets. While another intake may occur in the future, no timeline has been confirmed. Families interested in sponsoring their parents or grandparents should continue monitoring IRCC announcements for future updates.
How Gateway to Canada Can Help
If you were planning to sponsor your parents or grandparents, this pause does not necessarily mean your family reunification plans must be put on hold.
Our team can help you:
Determine whether your parents or grandparents qualify for a Super Visa;
Prepare a strong Super Visa application;
Review your long-term sponsorship strategy; and
Keep you informed when the Parents and Grandparents Program reopens.
Every family's situation is different, and obtaining professional guidance can help you choose the best option while immigration policies continue to evolve.
Need assistance with a Super Visa or future parent sponsorship? Contact Gateway to Canada today to discuss your options with our experienced immigration professionals.
