Parents and Grandparents Sponsorship Program: Family reunification is a cornerstone of Canadian immigration policy. Many Canadian citizens and permanent residents aspire to bring their parents or grandparents to Canada to live together and strengthen family bonds. However, for those hoping to sponsor parents or grandparents in 2026, there is an important update: the Parents and Grandparents Sponsorship Program (PGP) will remain paused throughout 2026. In this article, we explain why the program is paused, explore alternative solutions like the Super Visa, and provide guidance on how families can plan ahead to reunite with their loved ones in Canada.
Why the Parents and Grandparents Sponsorship Program Is Paused
The Parents and Grandparents Sponsorship Program has always been highly competitive, operating under annual quotas. These quotas allow the government to process applications efficiently while balancing family sponsorship with broader immigration priorities.
For the 2025 intake, the Canadian government limited applications to 10,000 spots, reflecting administrative capacity and overall immigration strategy. Following the closure of the 2025 intake on October 9, 2025, the government confirmed that no new applications will be accepted in 2026.
This is an administrative pause, not a permanent cancellation. While families cannot submit new sponsorship applications this year, planning ahead can make a significant difference once the program reopens.
Impact on Canadian Families
The suspension of the program affects all Canadians and permanent residents who were planning to sponsor parents or grandparents. This includes sponsorship for:
- Mothers and fathers
- Grandmothers and grandfathers
During the pause, families cannot submit new sponsorship applications, making it essential to explore temporary alternatives and prepare for future opportunities.
What Families Can Do While the Program Is Paused
Although the traditional sponsorship pathway is not available in 2026, families have practical alternatives to maintain connections. The most effective option is the Super Visa.
The Super Visa: A Long-Term Solution
The Super Visa is a long-term visitor visa designed specifically for parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens or permanent residents. Unlike a standard tourist visa, which usually allows a stay of six months, the Super Visa provides:
- Up to five consecutive years per visit
- Possibility to extend the stay, allowing up to seven years in Canada without permanent residency
- Multiple entries over the visa’s validity
- A stable solution for families who want their loved ones close while waiting for the sponsorship program to reopen
The Super Visa is ideal for grandparents who wish to participate in family life, assist with childcare, or spend extended periods with their children and grandchildren in Canada.
Requirements for the Super Visa
Successful Super Visa applications require meeting criteria for both the applicant in Canada and the beneficiary (parent or grandparent).
Applicant (Child or Grandchild in Canada)
- Must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident and at least 18 years old
- Must demonstrate financial solvency, meeting the minimum income threshold based on household size
- Must provide supporting documents such as employment letters, pay stubs, and tax returns
Beneficiary (Parent or Grandparent)
- Must be admissible to Canada, with no criminal record
- Must pass a medical examination
- Must have medical insurance coverage of at least CAD 100,000, valid for the duration of the stay. IRCC is now allowing certain international medical insurance providers to be used (previously only Canadian providers were accepted), which can be a cost-saving option for families.
- Must have a passport valid for the intended stay
By meeting these requirements, families can ensure a smoother process and minimize delays or refusals while the Parents and Grandparents Sponsorship Program is paused.
Super Visa vs. Visitor Visa
Understanding the differences between the Super Visa and a standard tourist visa is essential for families considering temporary stays:
| Feature | Tourist Visa | Super Visa |
| Maximum stay per visit | 6 months (can sometimes extend to 1 year) | Up to 5 years per entry (can sometimes extend to 7 years) |
| Proof of ties to home country required | Yes | Yes |
| Ideal for extended stays | No | Yes |
| Multiple entries | Usually allowed | Yes |
| Bureaucracy | Moderate | Requires medical insurance and proof of financial support, but longer-term benefits |
For families wishing to spend extended time together, the Super Visa is often the most practical solution during the Parents and Grandparents Sponsorship Program pause.
Planning Ahead While the Parents and Grandparents Sponsorship Program Is Paused
Even though new sponsorship applications cannot be submitted in 2026 through the Parents and Grandparents Sponsorship Program, families can use this time to prepare for future applications. Proactive planning can significantly improve the chances of success when the program reopens.
Some steps families can take include:
- Gather financial documents and confirm eligibility for sponsorship once the program reopens
- Collect proof of family relationships, such as birth and marriage certificates, and maintain records of ongoing communication
- Maintain strong family ties through visits, calls, or letters
- Explore temporary pathways, including the Super Visa, visitor visas, or other legal avenues
- Stay informed on updates to the Parents and Grandparents Sponsorship Program and Canadian immigration regulations
How Global Bridge Immigration Can Help
Navigating Canadian immigration can be complex, especially when programs are paused or alternative pathways are being considered. At Global Bridge Immigration, our licensed consultants and immigration experts provide guidance every step of the way:
- Evaluate eligibility for the Super Visa or other temporary options
- Assist with document preparation to meet Canadian immigration standards
- Submit complete and accurate applications to minimize delays or refusals
- Keep families informed of updates and timelines for sponsorship opportunities
With professional guidance, families can stay closely connected and be ready to act quickly once the Parents and Grandparents Sponsorship Program reopens. If you’re ready to explore your eligibility, you can begin with a quick assessment: EB-3 Assessment Form This helps determine whether you meet key requirements before moving forward.
Final Thoughts
The Parents and Grandparents Sponsorship Program remains closed in 2026, continuing the suspension announced in 2025. While this may be disappointing, families still have reliable ways to stay connected. The Super Visa is a practical solution for extended stays, allowing parents and grandparents to live with their loved ones in Canada temporarily.
By planning ahead, gathering documents, and exploring temporary alternatives, families can remain close and prepared for future sponsorship opportunities. At Global Bridge Immigration, we are committed to helping families navigate these changes, ensuring that no opportunity is missed to reunite loved ones in Canada.
