Quick answer
On July 15, 2026, IRCC paused intake of new Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) applications until further notice. Applications already in the system are still being processed, with up to 15,000 people to be approved in 2026. For most families, the Super Visa is now the practical way to bring parents to Canada: stays of up to 5 years at a time, multiple entries over up to 10 years.
What IRCC actually announced
- Paused: new PGP applications, new interest-to-sponsor forms, and new invitations to apply, all "until further notice".
- Still going: processing of PGP applications already submitted.
- 2026 target: up to 15,000 parents and grandparents approved for permanent residence, in line with the 2026–2028 Immigration Levels Plan.
- Reopening: no date given.
IRCC's own notice points families to the Super Visa, and it notes the visa recently became easier to get through changes to the income and health insurance rules.
If your PGP application is already in
You keep your place, and nothing about your file changes because of the pause. Many families in this position bring their parents on a Super Visa while they wait, so they're together now instead of in a few years. A Super Visa doesn't affect a PGP file that's already in the queue, but if you're unsure about your own situation, check with a licensed immigration consultant or lawyer.
If you were hoping to apply
There's no way to start a PGP application right now. The Super Visa is open year-round, with no lottery and no annual cap:
| Super Visa | PGP sponsorship | |
|---|---|---|
| Status | Visitor (temporary) | Permanent resident |
| Open in 2026? | Yes, apply any time | New intake paused |
| Length of stay | Up to 5 years per entry, visa valid up to 10 years | Permanent |
| Provincial health coverage | No — private insurance required | Yes, once eligible |
| Medical insurance | Mandatory, $100,000+ | Not required for the application |
| Host income test | Minimum necessary income (now more flexible) | Higher threshold over several tax years |
The insurance piece families underestimate
Under PGP, parents eventually join the provincial health plan. On a Super Visa they never do. They're visitors for the whole stay, so private medical insurance has to stay in place every day they're here, through renewals and extensions. For parents with health history, the details matter: stability periods, deductibles and refund rules. That's where a licensed advisor saves you money and stress.
Next steps
- Check the 2026 income requirement. The new 75% rule helps many families qualify.
- Work through the application checklist.
- Get Super Visa insurance quotes and your confirmation letter.
Sources
- IRCC notice — Canada takes steps to responsibly manage the Parents and Grandparents Program (July 15, 2026)
- IRCC — Super visa for parents and grandparents
- IRCC notice — Changes to how the super visa income requirement is calculated (March 20, 2026)
We check these pages regularly, but government rules change. Always confirm on canada.ca before you apply. Pankaj Bhatia is a licensed insurance advisor, not an immigration consultant or lawyer.
Common questions
Is the Parents and Grandparents Program cancelled?
No. IRCC paused new intake on July 15, 2026 until further notice. It's still processing applications already submitted and plans to approve up to 15,000 people in 2026.
When will PGP reopen?
IRCC hasn't given a date. Watch IRCC's notices; we'll update this page when anything changes.
Can my parents come on a Super Visa while my PGP application is processing?
Many families do this. The Super Visa is a separate visitor application. Ask a licensed immigration professional about your specific file.
Do Super Visa parents get OHIP or provincial health care?
No. Super Visa holders are visitors and must keep private medical insurance for their whole stay. See what Super Visa parents can and can't do.
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