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- Standard Immigration 16 July 2026
Canada Takes Steps to Responsibly Manage the Parents and Grandparents Program
The Government of Canada is taking steps to maintain a well-managed, sustainable immigration system that works for newcomers and Canadians alike. As part of these efforts, IRCC is pausing the intake of new applications under the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP Program).
Family reunification remains a core Canadian value — and alternatives like the Super Visa continue to ensure parents and grandparents can visit and stay connected with their families in Canada.
On July 15, 2026, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) announced that it is pausing the intake of new Interest to Sponsor forms under the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP Program). This decision is part of Canada's broader effort to maintain a well-managed and sustainable immigration system — ensuring that the program can continue to serve families effectively without creating unrealistic expectations or unmanageable processing backlogs.
The announcement comes as demand for the PGP Program continues to far exceed the spaces available under the immigration levels plan — making responsible management of intake an essential step to protect the fairness and integrity of the program for all families.
What Is Being Paused?
IRCC will not receive new Interest to Sponsor forms or invite potential sponsors to apply until further notice.
Existing applications will continue to be processed. Canada plans to approve up to 15,000 people for permanent residence through the PGP Program in 2026, in line with the 2026-2028 Immigration Levels Plan.
This approach will help reduce processing times and improve predictability for families already in the system.
Family Visits Still Possible
Parents and grandparents can continue to visit their children and grandchildren in Canada through the Super Visa.
The Super Visa allows visits for 5 years at a time with multiple entries to Canada for up to 10 years.
IRCC has recently made the Super Visa more accessible by implementing changes to the income and health insurance requirements.
Why This Decision Was Made
Interest in the PGP Program continues to significantly exceed the spaces available under the levels plan.
These measures will help ensure the sustainability and fairness of the program for all families — preventing a situation where false hope is created for applicants who may wait years only to not receive an invitation.
"Our goal is to build a balanced immigration system that supports families, strengthens communities, and welcomes newcomers for a stronger Canada."
What This Means — Four Key Points for Sponsors and Applicants
Four Key Things You Need to Know About the PGP Pause
IRCC will not accept new Interest to Sponsor forms or invite new sponsors to apply under the PGP Program until further notice — the pause applies to new intake only, not existing applications.
Existing applications already in the system will continue to be processed — this pause does not affect people who have already submitted their sponsorship applications.
Canada plans to approve up to 15,000 people for permanent residence through the PGP Program in 2026 — consistent with the 2026-2028 Immigration Levels Plan targets.
This approach is designed to reduce processing times and improve predictability for families — creating a more transparent, manageable, and fair process for everyone in the queue.
The Super Visa — A Powerful Alternative for Families
While the PGP Program pause may be disappointing for families hoping to bring parents and grandparents to Canada as permanent residents, the Super Visa remains a strong and accessible option to keep families connected. IRCC has recently enhanced the Super Visa to make it even more accessible:
Super Visa — Key Benefits for Families
Why Canada Is Taking This Responsible Step
The decision to pause PGP intake is not a withdrawal of Canada's commitment to family reunification — it is a recognition that a well-managed program serves families better than one overwhelmed by demand it cannot meet. When more people submit Interest to Sponsor forms than there are spots available, the result is years of uncertainty, false hope, and frustration for thousands of families.
By pausing new intake, IRCC can clear existing backlogs, improve processing times for those already in the system, and plan for future intake in a way that is honest, transparent, and manageable — so that when invitations are issued, families can have real confidence in the timeline ahead of them.
Canada's goal is to build a balanced immigration system that supports families, strengthens communities, and welcomes newcomers for a stronger Canada — and responsible management of the PGP Program is a critical part of achieving that goal.
What Should Families Do Now?
If You Have Already Applied
If you have already submitted a sponsorship application under the PGP Program, your application will continue to be processed. You do not need to take any action — IRCC will contact you as your application moves through the system.
It is strongly recommended to ensure all your documents are up to date and that you respond promptly to any IRCC requests for additional information.
If You Have Not Yet Applied
If you were planning to submit an Interest to Sponsor form, the pause means you will need to wait until IRCC announces the resumption of new intake — which will be communicated publicly.
In the meantime, consider the Super Visa as an immediate option to allow your parents or grandparents to visit and spend extended time with your family in Canada.
Be cautious of consultants or representatives who claim they can submit a PGP application despite the pause, or who promise guaranteed results. The intake is paused for all applicants — no exceptions. Always work with a registered CICC consultant and verify any claims through the official IRCC website.
The Government of Canada is taking steps to maintain a well-managed, sustainable immigration system that works for newcomers and Canadians alike — building a balanced system that supports families, strengthens communities, and welcomes newcomers for a stronger Canada.
— Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada | July 15, 2026How Stanstead Immigration Can Help Your Family
At Stanstead Immigration Services (SIS), we understand how deeply personal the desire to reunite with parents and grandparents in Canada can be. Our team of regulated professionals, led by CEO Humera Khan (CICC No. R711918), will help you understand exactly where you stand, what options are available to you right now — including the Super Visa — and how to best position your family for when PGP intake resumes.
With a 95% success rate and over 4,900 satisfied global clients, we are trusted by families across the world to navigate Canada's immigration system with honesty, expertise, and care. Reach out today for a free consultation.
Reuniting Families. Navigating Every Change.
Stanstead Immigration Services helps Canadian families understand their options — from PGP sponsorship to Super Visa applications — so no family is left without a path forward.
Want to bring your parents or grandparents to Canada?
Book your free consultation with Stanstead Immigration today — stansteadimmigration.com
