Canada Slams the Door on the Family Sponsorship Program…For Now.
July 15, 2026: Canada is officially pausing the intake of new applications under the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP), according to a government news release published on Wednesday. This decision effectively halts the process for citizens and permanent residents who wish to sponsor their parents or grandparents for permanent residency in Canada.
The PGP, a family reunification pathway to permanent residence, last opened in 2020 for eligible Canadian citizens, permanent residents, and registered Indians. Following the program’s reopening, there was a significant rush from immigrants eager to take advantage of this opportunity. In response to the overwhelming demand, the government transitioned the PGP into a lottery system.
Each year from 2020 to 2025, the federal government held a period during which it randomly sent invitations to applicants who had submitted interest-to-sponsor forms during the 2020 intake. Those who received invitations could then submit applications to sponsor their parents or grandparents for permanent residency.
However, since the 2020 intake, there has been no opportunity for Canadian citizens or permanent residents to submit interest-to-sponsor forms for consideration in the PGP lottery.
In the recent press release, the immigration department emphasized that it “will not receive new interest to sponsor forms or invite potential sponsors to apply until further notice.”
It is important to note that this pause does not apply to PGP applications already submitted; however, the government will process only a small selection of these applications. For instance, of the 50,900 PGP applications received so far, only 15,000 will be approved for permanent residence in 2026, with the same number expected in 2027 and 2028.
For those who have been refused or not invited to apply for the PGP, the government encourages potential sponsors to consider the super visa program, which allows parents and grandparents to obtain extended visitor status.
The super visa enables holders to visit their family members in Canada for up to five years at a time, with the visa valid for up to ten years. In contrast, typical visitor status is limited to a maximum stay of six months.
How to Apply for the Super Visa:
To apply for a super visa, the parent or grandparent must have a letter of invitation from their sponsoring relative and must purchase health insurance for the duration of their stay.
The host relative must agree to support the super visa applicant financially throughout their stay and meet minimum income requirements.
To be admitted on a super visa, the applicant must meet Canada’s entry requirements for foreign nationals seeking temporary residence, including demonstrating to the immigration officer that they will leave Canada at the end of their authorized stay.
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