Written by James Carter
A government update means families can’t submit new Parent and Grandparent Sponsorship Program (PGP) applications right now — but there are still legal ways to bring parents or grandparents to Canada for long stays.
What changed for 2026
Canada’s immigration department has put a pause on accepting new permanent residence applications under the Parent and Grandparent Sponsorship Program (PGP) for the 2026 calendar year. In practical terms, that means Canadian citizens and permanent residents who were hoping to sponsor their parents or grandparents for permanent residence may not be able to submit a fresh PGP application at this time.
The decision is set out in official government instructions for the program. These instructions are designed to manage the yearly intake and processing capacity, and they confirm that new PGP submissions won’t be received for processing unless and until the government issues further instructions.
If you want to read the government’s wording directly, see: Ministerial Instructions 89 (MI89): Parents and Grandparents .
What this means for families right now
The biggest takeaway: PGP is not open for new submissions in 2026. That can be frustrating because PGP is the main pathway that leads to permanent residence for parents and grandparents through family sponsorship.
However, this pause does not mean parents and grandparents are banned from coming to Canada. It also does not automatically cancel applications already in the system. The government has stated that it will continue processing existing applications, and the instructions authorize processing up to a defined number of applications that were already part of the previous intake.
Families should keep an eye on the official PGP information page for any future announcements about the next intake: Sponsor your parents and grandparents (IRCC) .
Why Canada paused new PGP applications
PGP demand has been extremely high for years, while processing capacity is limited. In recent cycles, Canada used an invitation system and drew from a pool of “Interest to Sponsor” submissions rather than opening an unlimited first-come, first-served intake. These limits are meant to help IRCC manage the number of files it can realistically process within targeted timeframes.
The 2026 pause is framed as an administrative step to allow the department to keep working through applications already submitted and accepted into processing, rather than creating a larger backlog by accepting new ones at the same time.
For readers who want the formal publication record, the Government of Canada also published the notice through the Canada Gazette: Canada Gazette (Dec. 27, 2025): Notice related to PGP instructions .
Your main alternative: the Super Visa
If your immediate goal is to reunite with parents or grandparents in Canada sooner (even temporarily), the government’s flagship option is the Super Visa. It’s a long-term visitor visa designed specifically for parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens and permanent residents.
- A Super Visa can allow parents/grandparents to stay in Canada for up to 5 years at a time (per entry) under current rules for eligible entries.
- It is typically a multiple-entry visa that can be valid for up to 10 years, depending on passport validity and officer discretion.
- It is a visitor pathway (not permanent residence), and it comes with extra requirements — including the need for medical insurance that meets IRCC’s criteria.
Start with the official guide here: What is a super visa (IRCC) .
If you’re comparing options, a regular visitor visa typically authorizes a much shorter stay, while the Super Visa is built for extended family visits. That’s why many families are now looking at the Super Visa as the practical way to spend meaningful time together while PGP is paused.
Who is most affected
This update affects families who planned to submit a brand-new sponsorship application in 2026 — including people who recently became permanent residents or citizens and were hoping this would be their first chance to apply.
It may also affect families who have been waiting for a new intake announcement (or expecting a yearly window) and are now trying to understand what “paused” means in real life: whether there will be an intake later, whether the selection pool will change, and how to prepare for when applications reopen.
What families should do next
- Follow official updates. Intake rules can change, and IRCC has said details about any future intake will be shared on its website and channels. Bookmark the official PGP page and check it periodically.
- Consider the Super Visa if timing matters. If your priority is to bring parents or grandparents to Canada soon for extended stays, review eligibility and plan for the insurance requirement early.
- Organize documents now. Even if you can’t apply for PGP today, it helps to keep key paperwork ready (identity documents, relationship proof, tax records and income documentation, and supporting letters), so you can move quickly if an intake reopens.
- Be careful with advice on social media. Only trust guidance that matches current IRCC rules and official instructions. Policies can be misunderstood, and small details (like entry dates and insurance standards) can determine whether a temporary option is approved.
FAQ
Is Canada cancelling parent sponsorship permanently?
Based on the official instructions, the program is paused for new submissions in 2026, with future changes dependent on further instructions. It’s best described as a pause, not a permanent cancellation.
Can parents or grandparents still come to Canada?
Yes. Parents and grandparents can still apply to visit Canada through visitor pathways, including the Super Visa, which is designed for longer stays than a standard visitor visa.
Will there be a new intake later?
The government has said details about the next intake will be shared when available. Because intakes are policy-driven and can change, the most reliable approach is monitoring IRCC’s official PGP page.
