Canada Suspends New Applications for the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) | Processing of Existing Applications to Be Prioritized in 2026
Date Posted:July 16, 2026
Last Updated:September 24, 2026
On July 15, 2026, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) announced that it will temporarily suspend accepting new applications under the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP).
Instead, the department will focus on processing existing applications as part of its efforts to maintain a sustainable immigration system.
No New PGP Applications for the Time Being
According to the announcement, IRCC will not accept new sponsorship applications under the PGP until further notice.
IRCC explained that this decision is intended to:
- Maintain a sustainable immigration system;
- Reduce the application backlog; and
- Shorten processing times while providing greater predictability for applicants.
Applications that have already been submitted will continue to be processed.
Up to 15,000 Permanent Residents Through the PGP in 2026
IRCC plans to welcome up to 15,000 new permanent residents through the Parents and Grandparents Program in 2026.
This approach aligns with Canada’s 2026–2028 Immigration Levels Plan. By pausing new intake and focusing on existing applications, IRCC aims to improve overall processing efficiency and reduce wait times.
Family Reunification Remains a Priority
Although new PGP applications are being suspended, IRCC emphasized that family reunification remains a core pillar of Canada’s immigration system.
For those wishing to bring their parents or grandparents to Canada for an extended stay, the Super Visa remains available. The Super Visa allows parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens and permanent residents to stay in Canada for extended periods, with authorization for stays of up to 10 consecutive years, making it a popular alternative for many families.
Shiraishi Visa JP Canada Comment
This announcement formally confirms what had been widely anticipated—that no new PGP intake would likely take place in 2026.
The Parents and Grandparents Program has consistently attracted far more applicants than available spaces, and invitations have been issued through a lottery system in recent years. At present, IRCC’s priority is to reduce the existing inventory of applications and improve processing times.
Individuals hoping to sponsor their parents or grandparents for permanent residence in the future should continue to monitor announcements from IRCC. In the meantime, the Super Visa remains a practical alternative for families wishing to reunite in Canada.
Shiraishi Visa JP Canada will continue to provide updates as soon as any changes are announced regarding the reopening of the PGP or other policy developments.
This article is a summary prepared by Visa JP Canada based on official information from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), organized for clarity and ease of understanding.
Source (Published: July 15, 2026): Canada takes steps to responsibly manage the Parents and Grandparents Program (English)
Free Consultations and Inquiries
Feel free to get in touch!
Immigration Consultant
Yuki Shiraishi
Born in Japan. After earning a Bachelor's degree from the University of Michigan, she worked for six years in New York as a marketing consultant at a major travel agency, while also studying in an MBA program at the City University of New York. After returning to Japan, she managed the visa center of the same travel company, handling various international visa applications for foreign clients.
Related Columns
Date Posted:September 24, 2026
How to Check Processing Times and Status for Canadian Visa and PR Applications
Date Posted:September 24, 2026
Canada Immigration Policy Trends 2025 | What Fewer Newcomers Mean for PR
Related News
Looking to obtain permanent residence or a visa?
Consult with us now!
Applying for permanent residence or a visa to Canada on your own can be overwhelming due to the large number of required documents, and you may feel uncertain about whether everything is correct. However, if you're serious about immigrating to Canada, we strongly recommend seeking the support of an immigration consultant. There are many pathways to obtaining permanent residence, depending on factors such as your age, occupation, and family status. With the help of an expert, you can ensure that you plan the right approach tailored to your specific situation.
A professional immigration consultant will help solve your concerns
Get a free Counseling now
From immigration planning to application submission,
everything is completed with shiraishi Visa JP Canada
Consulting with an immigration consultant makes the process clearer and much smoother. You’ll feel more confident with document submissions and procedures, significantly reducing the risk of mistakes. Take the first step toward your Canadian dream with the guidance of an expert.
