Archive · 11 Jan 2026
Canada Pauses Parent, Grandparent Sponsorships for 2026
Canada has decided to stop accepting new applications for a program that lets people bring their parents and grandparents to live in Canada permanently.
This pause starts on January 1, 2026.
The government says they need to focus on processing the applications they already have and to match the number of new applications with the spaces available.
They also mentioned that there are pressures on housing, infrastructure, and public services.
In 2025, they invited 17,860 people to apply, but only 10,000 applications were accepted.
It usually takes a long time to process these applications, about 2 years outside Quebec and up to 4 years in Quebec.
As an alternative, people can apply for a super visa, which allows parents and grandparents to visit Canada for up to 5 years at a time, with multiple entries over 10 years.
Canada pauses new sponsorship applications under the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) starting January 1, 2026.
The pause is due to adjustments in immigration targets and the need to clear existing backlogs.
In 2025, 17,860 invitations were issued, with 10,000 applications accepted.
Processing times for PGP applications are about 24 months outside Quebec and up to 48 months in Quebec.
The super visa is promoted as an alternative, allowing parents and grandparents to stay in Canada for up to 5 years per entry.
- Who
- Canadian citizens and permanent residents
- What
- Pausing new sponsorship applications under the PGP
- When
- Effective January 1, 2026
- Where
- Canada
- Why
- To adjust to immigration targets and clear existing backlogs
- Program
- Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP)
- Effective Date
- January 1, 2026
- Reason
- Adjustments to immigration targets and backlog clearance
- 2025 Intake
- 17,860 invitations issued, 10,000 applications accepted
- Processing Time
- 24 months (outside Quebec), 48 months (Quebec)
- Alternative
- Super visa for parents and grandparents
- Immigration Plan
- 2025–2027 Immigration Levels Plan
