The Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) allows Canadian citizens and permanent residents to sponsor their parents or grandparents for permanent residence. Because demand far exceeds available spots, the program operates through limited, invitation-only intakes announced by the federal government.
This page explains the current status of the PGP in 2026, how the program works when open, and how families can prepare while waiting for the next intake.
Is the Parents and Grandparents Program open in 2026?
No. As of 2026, the PGP is not accepting new applications. The most recent intake occurred in 2025, when Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada invited potential sponsors from the existing Interest-to-Sponsor pool submitted in 2020. That intake is now closed.
At this time:
- No new Interest-to-Sponsor forms can be submitted
- No new PGP sponsorship applications are being accepted
- Applications submitted during previous intakes continue to be processed
IRCC has not announced when the next intake will open or what eligibility criteria will apply.
How the Parents and Grandparents Program works (when open)
When the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) is open, it operates through a limited, invitation-only process administered by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada.
Potential sponsors must first submit an Interest-to-Sponsor (ITS) form during a short window announced by IRCC. From the pool of submitted forms, IRCC randomly selects individuals and issues invitations to apply. Only those who receive an invitation may submit a full sponsorship and permanent residence application. Submitting an Interest-to-Sponsor form does not guarantee selection.
Parent and grandparent sponsorship also involves significant financial and legal commitments. When applying, sponsors must meet the Minimum Necessary Income (MNI) for their family size, based on the three tax years preceding the application. Income can be combined with that of a spouse or common-law partner who co-signs the undertaking. Sponsors must also sign a long-term undertaking, committing to financially support their parent or grandparent and repay any social assistance they may receive during the undertaking period, which lasts 20 years in most provinces and 10 years in Quebec.
Because both the selection process and income requirements are intake-specific, eligibility criteria and required tax years may change when the program reopens. Families considering parent or grandparent sponsorship should focus on long-term financial preparation and closely monitor IRCC announcements for future intake details.
What families can do while the PGP is closed
Although permanent residence sponsorship is paused, families can take steps now to prepare:
- Monitor IRCC announcements for future intake details
- Review household income and tax filings
- Consider temporary options for family reunification
For parents and grandparents who wish to spend extended time in Canada while waiting, the Super Visa remains available.
👉 See our full Super Visa guide for details on eligibility and application requirements.
Need help planning for parent or grandparent sponsorship?
At Clivio Law, we help families understand how the PGP works, plan financially for future intakes, and evaluate alternative options while the program is closed. Our role is to provide clear, practical guidance so families are prepared when opportunities to apply become available.
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