Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) announced on July 15, 2026 a pause on accepting new applications under the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP), the family reunification pathway that leads to permanent residence. According to the official notice published on canada.ca, the department will not accept new interest to sponsor forms or invite new sponsors to apply until further notice.
What was paused and what continues
The pause affects only the entry of new applicants. IRCC will continue processing applications already submitted and maintains its plan to approve up to 15,000 people for permanent residence through the PGP during 2026, in line with the 2026 to 2028 Immigration Levels Plan. The official rationale is that interest in the program continues to exceed available spots; the measure aims to reduce processing times and improve predictability for families. IRCC reiterated that family reunification remains a pillar of the system.
Context: a program closed for years
The PGP never worked as a direct application. Access operates through an interest to sponsor form, followed by a random selection and an invitation to apply. The 2026 pause marks the third consecutive year without a new intake: in 2025 no new forms were accepted either, and the system has been processing files from previous years. In fact, no new interest to sponsor window has opened since 2020, so anyone who did not enter at that time remains outside the system for now.
Who is affected by the pause
The impact depends on where each family stands in the process:
- Those who already received an invitation and submitted a complete application: their file remains active and in process. The pause does not change their situation.
- Those who were waiting for an invitation or never managed to submit an interest to sponsor form: they are the most affected, because there is currently no pathway to enter a new round.
- A key point: an invitation is not reusable. If IRCC opens a future intake, it will apply whatever process it defines at that time, which may not draw on the 2020 pool.
The two pathways to bring parents and grandparents
For families who want to bring their parents or grandparents to Canada there are two main pathways, and they serve different goals. The PGP leads to permanent residence, meaning the relative settles in the country permanently. The Super Visa, by contrast, is a multiple entry visitor visa: it allows extended stays but keeps the relative on temporary status. Understanding this difference is the starting point for deciding which route fits each family’s situation.
The PGP is the route to permanent residence, but as of July 15, 2026 it is paused. Access to the program was never direct: it works through an interest to sponsor form, followed by a random selection and an invitation to apply. For those who are eventually invited, the requirements are demanding. The sponsor must demonstrate a minimum necessary income equal to LICO plus 30%, met over the three consecutive prior tax years, and sign a 20 year financial undertaking (10 in Quebec) to provide for the relative’s needs. In return, the parent or grandparent obtains all the rights of a permanent resident, including provincial health coverage and a path to citizenship.
The Super Visa is the alternative available immediately, and in 2026 it became more accessible. It is applied for directly, without a lottery, and since March 31, 2026 IRCC relaxed the host’s income calculation: you can now use either of the two prior tax years, combine years, and even add the income the parent or grandparent has earned in Canada. The host must meet LICO according to family size, without the 30% surcharge required by the PGP, and there is no 20 year undertaking. The trade off is that the relative keeps visitor status: they cannot work, cannot access the public health system, and must purchase private medical insurance of at least $100,000 CAD. The stay is up to five years per entry, with a visa valid for up to ten years.
In short, the PGP offers permanence but is currently closed to new applicants and depends on a lottery, while the Super Visa offers an extended presence on a temporary basis, is open, and has just been simplified. The table below summarizes the key differences between the two pathways.
| Criterion | Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) | Super Visa |
|---|---|---|
| Status type | Permanent residence | Multiple entry visitor visa (temporary) |
| Current status (Jul 2026) | Paused: no new forms or invitations until further notice | Open and operating |
| Who submits the application | The sponsor (citizen/PR) sponsors the parent or grandparent | The parent or grandparent applies; the host must be a citizen/PR |
| How access works | Interest to sponsor form, random selection and invitation to apply | Direct application, no lottery |
| Income requirement | LICO + 30%, over the 3 consecutive prior tax years | LICO (no surcharge); you can use either of the 2 prior years, combine years and add the relative’s income |
| Financial undertaking | 20 years (10 in Quebec), legally binding | Not applicable |
| Health coverage | Eligible for the provincial plan (as a PR) | Not eligible; private insurance minimum $100,000 CAD |
| Right to work | Yes, full permanent resident rights | No (visitor status) |
| Length of stay | Permanent | 5 years per entry; visa valid up to 10 years |
| Processing time | Approx. 20 to 24 months (outside Quebec) | Approx. 132 days on average (varies by country) |
| Approximate costs | ~$1,315 CAD per person + biometrics $85 | $100 per person + biometrics $85 |
| Path to citizenship | Yes | No |
What families can do now
For those who already have a file in process, the recommendation is to keep documentation up to date and respond quickly to any request from IRCC. For those who were waiting for an invitation or did not manage to enter the system, the Super Visa is the most immediate practical alternative to have parents or grandparents in Canada for extended periods while awaiting a possible reopening of the program.
What to watch in the coming months
There is a case pending before the Federal Court related to the January 2026 invitation round and its random selection process. Its outcome could influence how future PGP intakes are structured. IRCC has not announced a reopening date, so it is advisable to follow official notices.
At Megrez Immigration Consultants we assess each situation individually to determine the most suitable pathway based on the status of the file, the host’s income, and the family’s goals. If you have questions about sponsoring parents and grandparents or about the Super Visa, request an assessment with our RCIC.
Sources: IRCC official notice, “Canada takes steps to responsibly manage the Parents and Grandparents Program” (canada.ca, July 15, 2026); IRCC notices on the changes to the Super Visa income and medical insurance requirements.
PGP requirements (income, undertaking and tax years assessed) are specific to each intake and may change when the program reopens. Monetary figures are approximate and depend on family unit size; always verify against IRCC’s current tables. This article is for informational purposes and does not constitute legal advice.