Canada has suspended new applications for the Parents and Grandparents Programme (PGP), a major change affecting families seeking permanent residency sponsorship. The Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) announced that no new applications will be accepted until further notice, citing a substantial backlog.
Existing Applications Continue Processing
Immigration authorities clarified that applications already in the system will still be processed. The government targets approving 15,000 permanent residency applications under the PGP in 2026. This suspension extends a policy that has effectively limited program access since 2020, when the PGP shifted to a lottery system with invitations drawn only from applicants who registered during a brief intake period that year.
Backlog Numbers and Processing Times
The IRCC currently has about 50,900 parent and grandparent sponsorship applications awaiting processing. Of these, 40,400 involve applicants planning to settle outside Quebec, while 10,500 are destined for Quebec, where provincial immigration limits contribute to longer delays. To reduce the backlog, Canada has maintained a flat admissions target of 15,000 parent and grandparent permanent residents annually for 2026, 2027, and 2028.
Applicants who submitted files in July 2025 still face lengthy processing times. Average wait times are 18 months for applicants outside Quebec and up to 54 months for those intending to settle in Quebec.
Super Visa as an Alternative
The Canadian government is encouraging families to consider the Super Visa as an alternative to the PGP. Unlike the permanent residency pathway, the Super Visa provides temporary resident status for extended family visits. It is valid for up to 10 years and allows parents and grandparents to remain in Canada for up to five years per visit, significantly longer than the standard six-month stay under a regular visitor visa.
Requirements for the Super Visa
Applicants must meet several conditions, including obtaining a formal invitation letter from their child or grandchild in Canada, purchasing valid Canadian medical insurance, and proving that the host meets the government's minimum income requirements. They must also satisfy Canada's standard immigration and admissibility requirements, including demonstrating intent to leave after their authorized stay expires.
For thousands of families hoping to reunite permanently, the Super Visa now remains the primary option while Canada focuses on clearing its existing sponsorship backlog.
