Family reunification has always been one of the cornerstones of Canada’s immigration system. For many Canadian citizens and permanent residents, sponsoring their parents or grandparents through the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) has been the preferred pathway to bringing loved ones to Canada permanently.
However, as of July 15, 2026, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) have paused new intake for the Parents and Grandparents Program. While this news is disappointing for many families, it does not mean family reunification has come to a halt.
At Ferron Immigration & Legal Services Inc., we understand how important it is to keep families together. This guide explains what the PGP pause means, who is affected, and what practical immigration options remain viable for parents grandparents.
What Is the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP)?
The Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) allows eligible Canadian citizens and permanent residents to sponsor their parents and grandparents for Canadian permanent residence (PR).
Once approved, sponsored family members can:
- Live permanently in Canada
- Access provincial healthcare (subject to provincial eligibility)
- Work without requiring a work permit
- Enjoy many of the same rights as other Canadian permanent residents
- Eventually become eligible to apply for Canadian citizenship if they meet the legal requirements
For thousands of Canadian families, the PGP has been one of the most meaningful immigration pathways available.
Current Status of the PGP in 2026
As of July 15, 2026, IRCC has announced that:
- No new Interest to Sponsor forms are being accepted.
- No new invitations to apply will be issued in 2026.
- IRCC continues processing applications submitted in previous years.
- Canada’s Immigration Levels Plan still includes approximately 15,000 permanent resident admissions for parents and grandparents during 2026.
- The temporary pause is intended to manage application inventories and reduce processing backlogs.
For families hoping to submit a new sponsorship application this year, there is currently no opportunity to do so until IRCC announces future program updates.
Why Was the PGP Paused?
Canada continues to experience high demand for family sponsorship programs.
Each year, significantly more Canadian families wish to sponsor their parents than the government can accommodate under annual immigration targets.
Pausing new applications allows IRCC to:
- Reduce existing processing backlogs
- Improve overall processing efficiency
- Better manage annual immigration levels
- Focus resources on applications already in the system
While this may be frustrating, it does not affect applications that have already been submitted.
What Are Your Options While the PGP Is Paused?
If your parents or grandparents are currently living outside Canada, there are still excellent temporary immigration options that allow families to reunite while waiting for future PGP announcements.
- Parent and Grandparent Super Visa
The Super Visa remains the most practical alternative for many families.
Unlike a regular visitor visa, the Super Visa allows parents and grandparents to stay in Canada for significantly longer periods without needing to renew their status every six months.
Key Benefits
- Stay in Canada for up to 5 years per visit
- Multiple entries
- Valid for up to 10 years (subject to passport validity and visa issuance)
- Faster and more flexible than permanent residence sponsorship
Super Visa Requirements
Applicants must generally demonstrate:
- A letter of invitation from their Canadian child or grandchild
- The host meets the required minimum income threshold
- Proof of paid private medical insurance with at least $100,000 in emergency health coverage
- Successful completion of any required medical examination
- Admissibility to Canada
Super Visa Insurance in Ontario
Families in Ontario have access to numerous insurance providers offering Super Visa-compliant medical coverage, including well-known insurers and licensed insurance brokers.
Choosing the appropriate insurance policy is an important part of preparing a complete application.
Advantages
- Long-term family visits
- Multiple entries
- Lower overall cost than permanent residence sponsorship
- Faster processing in many situations
Limitations
- Temporary resident status only
- Does not automatically lead to permanent residence
- Cannot work or study without obtaining separate authorization
- Visitor Visa (Temporary Resident Visa)
A regular Visitor Visa may also be appropriate for parents and grandparents planning shorter visits.
Typical Features
- Stay for up to six months per visit (subject to border officer discretion)
- Visitor Record extensions may be available
- Lower application costs
- Less documentation compared to the Super Visa
Best For
- Family visits
- Holidays
- Birth of grandchildren
- Special family occasions
- Exploring Canada before considering longer-term options
Although shorter than the Super Visa, the Visitor Visa remains an effective option for many families.
Can Parents or Grandparents Still Become Permanent Residents?
The pause only affects new PGP sponsorship applications.
Depending on individual circumstances, parents or grandparents may qualify for permanent residence through other immigration pathways.
In limited situations, Humanitarian and Compassionate (H&C) applications may be considered.
These applications are highly discretionary and require careful legal assessment. Every case is unique, and approval depends on multiple statutory factors established under Canada’s immigration legislation.
Professional guidance is strongly recommended before pursuing this option.
Frequently Asked Questions
When will the Parents and Grandparents Program reopen?
At this time, IRCC has not announced when new Interest to Sponsor forms will be accepted.
Families should monitor future government announcements while considering temporary alternatives such as the Super Visa.
Can my parents work in Canada with a Super Visa?
No. The Super Visa is designed for visiting family members. It does not authorize employment in Canada.
Separate work authorization would be required if eligible.
Is private medical insurance mandatory?
Yes. Applicants must purchase private Canadian medical insurance providing at least $100,000 in emergency healthcare coverage before submitting a Super Visa application.
Can dependent children be included in a future PGP application?
Generally, yes. If the Parents and Grandparents Program reopens, eligible dependent children under the applicable immigration rules may be included where permitted by IRCC.
Can parents apply for permanent residence on Humanitarian and Compassionate grounds?
Possibly. However, H&C applications are not an alternative sponsorship program. They require compelling humanitarian circumstances and are assessed on a case-by-case basis under Canadian immigration law.
Legal assessment is essential before filing this type of application.
How Ferron Immigration & Legal Services Inc. Can Help
Every family’s immigration journey is different.
At Ferron Immigration & Legal Services Inc., we provide personalized immigration guidance based on your family’s unique circumstances—not generic solutions.
Our services include:
- Super Visa eligibility assessments
- Visitor Visa (Temporary Resident Visa) applications
- Humanitarian and Compassionate (H&C) assessments
- Document review and application preparation
- Immigration strategy consultations
- Ongoing support throughout your application process
Whether you are located in Ontario, elsewhere in Canada, or abroad, we are committed to helping families navigate Canada’s immigration system with professionalism, integrity, and practical legal guidance.
Bringing Families Together Starts with the Right Advice
The temporary pause of the Parents and Grandparents Program has created uncertainty for many Canadian families. Fortunately, there are still effective pathways that allow parents and grandparents to spend meaningful time with their loved ones in Canada.
Understanding your available options—and preparing a strong, well-documented application—can make a significant difference.
If you are considering a Super Visa, Visitor Visa, or wish to explore Humanitarian and Compassionate options, Ferron Immigration & Legal Services Inc. is here to help you make informed decisions every step of the way.
Contact Ferron Immigration & Legal Services Inc. today to schedule a consultation and discover the best immigration pathway for your family.
