Canada will not accept new applications for its Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) in 2026, extending the pause that began last year as the federal government continues to address a significant application backlog.
The decision means Canadian citizens and permanent residents will again be unable to sponsor their parents or grandparents for permanent residency through the program this year. Immigration officials have encouraged families to consider the super visa as an alternative. The visa allows parents and grandparents to stay in Canada for extended periods on a temporary basis and can be renewed.
The PGP was designed to reunite families by allowing parents and grandparents to become permanent residents, with sponsors committing to provide financial support for 20 years. However, demand has consistently outpaced capacity, resulting in tens of thousands of pending applications.
To reduce the backlog, immigration authorities have been prioritizing applications submitted in earlier years. In 2025, invitations were issued to a limited group of potential sponsors who had previously expressed interest, with only a capped number of applications accepted for processing.
The continued pause comes as Canada adjusts its broader immigration strategy. Federal plans call for a modest reduction in the number of new permanent residents admitted in 2026, as the government balances population growth with housing availability, health-care capacity and infrastructure pressures.
While the PGP remains closed, the super visa continues to offer families a pathway to long-term visits. The visa allows parents and grandparents to stay in Canada for up to five years at a time, with the option to extend their stay, provided they meet medical insurance and eligibility requirements.
Immigration officials have not indicated when the Parents and Grandparents Program will reopen to new applicants, leaving many families waiting for a long-term solution to permanent reunification.