Parents and Grandparents Program 2026: what IRCC has announced

By Deepika Minhas, Class L3 RCIC-IRB (CICC licence R706527) · Published November 5, 2026 · Last reviewed November 5, 2026

Quick answer: On July 15, 2026, IRCC paused intake of new applications under the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP). It is not accepting new interest to sponsor forms or inviting sponsors to apply until further notice. Applications already submitted are still being processed. If you want your parents or grandparents to visit for long stays now, the Super Visa is the main option.

Is the Parents and Grandparents Program open in 2026?

No. IRCC’s notice of July 15, 2026 says it is pausing the intake of new PGP applications and will not receive new interest to sponsor forms or invite potential sponsors to apply until further notice. The main PGP page lists the program as paused and says: “We’re not currently accepting applications.”

IRCC has not published a date for a new intake. The same notice says IRCC plans to approve up to 15,000 people for permanent residence through the PGP in 2026, in line with the 2026–2028 Immigration Levels Plan.

Who can sponsor a parent or grandparent?

When intake is open, IRCC’s eligibility page says you can sponsor if:

you are invited to apply;
you are at least 18 years old;
your primary residential address is in Canada when you apply, and stays there until a decision is made;
you are a Canadian citizen, a permanent resident, or a person registered in Canada as an Indian;
you meet the income requirement and sign an undertaking.

You may not be able to sponsor if, for example, you are in prison, receive social assistance for a reason other than a disability, have certain criminal convictions, must leave Canada, or have unpaid immigration loans, performance bonds or court-ordered support. Other reasons may apply.

How much income do you need to sponsor parents?

IRCC’s income page says you must prove you meet the minimum necessary income for each of the 3 tax years before the date you apply. Your spouse or common-law partner can co-sign to combine incomes; if they do, include them for all 3 years.

Proof is a CRA notice of assessment for each of the 3 years. You can let IRCC get it from CRA (form IMM 5768) or send paper copies with form IMM 5748. Sponsors in Quebec must meet Quebec’s income rules.

The income table now on IRCC’s page is for the 2025 intake (tax years 2022, 2023 and 2024). That page shows no figures for a 2026 intake, so we don’t repeat the older numbers here.

How long is the sponsorship undertaking?

IRCC’s What it means to be a sponsor page says the undertaking to sponsor parents and grandparents is 20 years, or 10 years if you live in Quebec. During that time you are financially responsible for the people you sponsor. If they receive social assistance, you have to repay it, and you can’t sponsor anyone else until you do.

What is the alternative while PGP intake is paused?

The Super Visa lets an eligible parent or grandparent stay in Canada for up to 5 years per entry. It is a visitor visa, not permanent residence. The host’s income test is different from the PGP: it can be met in either of the 2 tax years before applying. The applicant also needs private medical insurance.

How UW can help

In a paid consultation we look at your family’s situation, explain whether a Super Visa may suit you now, and help you prepare documents. When IRCC announces a new PGP intake, we can review your income and eligibility against the published rules. IRCC decides all applications and no outcome is guaranteed.

Deepika Minhas is a Class L3 RCIC-IRB, CICC licence R706527. You can check her licence on the College’s public register before you book. Paid consultations are available in English, Punjabi and Hindi, in person in Greater Vancouver or online. Request a consultation.

Frequently asked questions

Can I submit an interest to sponsor form in 2026?

No. IRCC said on July 15, 2026 that it will not receive new interest to sponsor forms or invite potential sponsors to apply until further notice.

Will my PGP application already submitted still be processed?

Yes. IRCC says existing applications will continue to be processed.

How many tax years of income do I need to sponsor my parents?

Three. You must meet the minimum necessary income for each of the 3 tax years before the date you apply.

How long am I responsible for my sponsored parents?

20 years, or 10 years if you live in Quebec.

Is the Super Visa the same as sponsoring my parents?

No. The Super Visa is a visitor visa for stays of up to 5 years per entry. It does not give permanent residence.

Sources (checked November 5, 2026)

IRCC notice, Canada takes steps to responsibly manage the Parents and Grandparents Program (July 15, 2026)
IRCC, Sponsor your parents and grandparents (date modified 2026-08-18)
IRCC, Sponsor your parents and grandparents: Check if you’re eligible (date modified 2026-06-23)
IRCC, Income requirements for the sponsor (date modified 2025-07-28)
IRCC, What it means to be a sponsor (date modified 2025-07-28)

General information only, not legal advice. Immigration rules change; check IRCC’s website or speak with a licensed professional about your situation. IRCC decides all applications. United World Immigration Services Inc. does not guarantee any application outcome.