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Family SponsorshipImportant

Parents and Grandparents Program 2026 Update: New Intake Paused and What Families Can Do

IRCC paused new Parents and Grandparents Program intake for 2026 while continuing to process existing applications. The super visa remains a separate option for eligible families.

Published
July 15, 2026
Last verified
August 30, 2026
Effective
July 15, 2026

GuideCAN impact rating

Important

Families cannot submit a new interest-to-sponsor form until further notice.

What happened?

IRCC announced that it is pausing new intake under the Parents and Grandparents Program while continuing to process existing applications.

The department plans to approve up to 15,000 people for permanent residence through the program in 2026, within the current levels plan.

What changed?

  1. IRCC will not accept new interest-to-sponsor forms or issue new invitations until further notice.
  2. Existing applications continue to be processed.
  3. The super visa remains available as a temporary-visit option for eligible parents and grandparents.

What changed since the previous position?

Previous position

Past intake periods invited people from an existing interest-to-sponsor pool.

Current position

No new interest forms or invitations are planned until IRCC announces another change.

Who is affected?

  1. People hoping to sponsor a parent or grandparent who do not already have an active application.
  2. Families with an existing application in processing.
  3. Families considering a super visa as a temporary alternative.

What this means for you

  1. There is no new PGP application step to complete unless IRCC announces a future intake.
  2. A super visa is not permanent residence and has separate income, insurance and eligibility requirements.

What should you do next?

  1. 1Do not pay anyone for access to a non-existent 2026 intake form.
  2. 2If you have an existing application, monitor your IRCC account and correspondence.
  3. 3Review official super visa requirements if a long temporary visit could meet your family’s needs.
  4. 4Keep financial and civil-status records organized for any future program reopening.

Does this affect me?

Start with your current status

Official sources

This GuideCAN summary was checked against the linked Government of Canada sources.

IRCC notice: Canada takes steps to responsibly manage the Parents and Grandparents Program

This article is general information, not legal advice or an eligibility decision. Immigration rules, dates and program instructions can change. Confirm your situation with IRCC or an authorized immigration professional.

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