Canada has officially paused new applications under the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP).

Effective July 15, 2026, Canadian citizens and permanent residents can no longer submit new Interest to Sponsor forms or receive new invitations to sponsor their parents or grandparents for Permanent Residence until further notice. Existing applications will continue to be processed, with the government planning to admit up to 15,000 parents and grandparents in 2026.

What does this mean?

No new PGP sponsorship applications will be accepted.
Applications already in the system will continue to be processed.
Parents and grandparents can still visit Canada through the Super Visa, which allows extended stays for eligible family members.

This decision is part of Canada’s effort to maintain a sustainable and well-managed immigration system, while reducing application backlogs and improving processing efficiency.

If you’re planning to reunite with your family in Canada, it’s more important than ever to understand the available pathways and plan ahead.

Follow Hodophiles Xplore Visas for verified immigration updates and expert guidance.