Migration Overseas
Since 1998
Family Reunification in Canada
IRCC announced on 15 July 2026 that it has paused intake of new applications under the Parents and Grandparents Program until further notice.
IRCC will not accept new "Interest to Sponsor" forms and will not invite potential sponsors to apply. Its stated reason is that interest in the program exceeds the available spaces. There is no lottery or invitation round open at present.
Existing applications continue to be processed. IRCC plans to approve up to 15,000 people for permanent residence through the PGP in 2026, and the 2027 to 2029 Immigration Levels Plan keeps the PGP target at 15,000 admissions a year. IRCC has not announced when, or whether, intake will reopen. Status checked on 6 November 2026 against the IRCC notice.
The Super Visa is not affected by the pause and is the route open now for parents and grandparents who want to spend extended time in Canada.
The PGP allows Canadian citizens and permanent residents to sponsor their parents and grandparents to come to Canada as permanent residents.
You must meet the Minimum Necessary Income (MNI) plus 30% for your family size. The income must be met for each of the 3 taxation years preceding the date of application. A spouse or common-law partner can co-sign so that your two incomes are combined. IRCC's last published table, for the 2025 intake, is on its income requirements page. A new table will apply if intake reopens.
You must be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or registered Indian under the Canadian Indian Act, and be at least 18 years old.
You must sign an undertaking to financially support your parents or grandparents for 20 years (10 years in Quebec).
While PGP intake is paused, you may be eligible to host your parents or grandparents on the Super Visa. This is a multi-entry visitor visa valid for up to 10 years, allowing stays of up to 5 years at a time. It does not lead to permanent residence. The host must meet a minimum income for the family size, and the visitor needs Canadian or OSFI-authorised private health insurance of at least CAD 100,000 valid for 1 year from entry. See our Super Visa guide for the current income table and the rules that changed on 31 March 2026.
Whether PGP or Super Visa, our experts will help you find the best pathway to reunite with your parents.
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