Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has confirmed that no new applications will be accepted under the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) in 2026.
The decision is intended to help manage the current application inventory and improve processing efficiency. While the intake of new applications is paused, IRCC will continue processing applications that are already in the system.
What This Means
No New PGP Intake in 2026
Canadians and permanent residents will not be able to submit new sponsorship applications under the Parents and Grandparents Program during 2026.
Existing Applications Will Continue
Applications already submitted will continue to be processed by IRCC.
Current Inventory
IRCC currently has approximately 60,500 PGP applications in its inventory. Reducing this backlog is one of the reasons for pausing new intake.
Processing Target
The Government of Canada plans to grant permanent residence to up to 15,000 parents and grandparents from existing applications during 2026 and 2027.
Super Visa Remains Available
Families wishing to reunite with their parents or grandparents can still consider the Super Visa, which allows eligible parents and grandparents to visit Canada for extended periods.
Final Thoughts
Although there will be no new PGP intake in 2026, families with existing applications should continue monitoring their IRCC accounts for updates. Those hoping to bring their parents or grandparents to Canada may wish to explore the Super Visa as an alternative while awaiting future announcements.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal or immigration advice. Always refer to official IRCC announcements before making immigration decisions.