Maple News reports that Canada’s federal government has temporarily paused new applications to the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) for 2026, altering the landscape for many families seeking long-term reunification. Under updated Ministerial Instructions effective January 1, 2026, no new sponsorship requests for permanent residence through the PGP will be accepted this year.
Only applications submitted in 2025 under invitations issued from the 2020 interest-to-sponsor pool—and within the annual cap of 10,000—are currently being processed. This decision puts a hold on future permanent residency opportunities under this pathway and leaves families with limited alternatives for bringing loved ones to Canada.
In the absence of the PGP, the Super Visa has now become the most viable option for parents and grandparents hoping to spend extended time with family in Canada. The Super Visa offers multi-entry access for up to 10 years, with stays of up to five years per entry. Unlike the PGP, there’s no lottery, annual intake cap, or permanent residency route attached to this visa—but it offers the predictability many families need.
Eligibility requirements for the Super Visa include being the parent or grandparent of a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, applying from outside Canada, and the Canadian host meeting minimum income thresholds based on the Low Income Cut-Off (LICO). Applicants must also have private medical insurance from a Canadian provider with coverage of at least $100,000, valid for one year or more.
For families unable to meet Super Visa requirements, the traditional visitor visa remains an alternative. This visa typically allows stays of up to six months but does not require proof of income or private health insurance. However, extensions are uncertain and frequent use may prompt concerns around temporary intent.
An electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) is another option for parents and grandparents from visa-exempt countries. The eTA allows multiple short visits over a five-year period (or until passport expiry), but each stay is limited to six months—making it less suitable for families looking to host loved ones for extended stays.
While there is currently no pathway under PGP for new permanent residence sponsorship in 2026, this may change depending on future policy directions. Until then, temporary residence options like the Super Visa are the most stable solution for long-term family visits.
Families are advised to plan immigration strategies based on temporary pathways while monitoring updates from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) as the situation evolves. Maple News will continue to provide timely updates on family immigration policies as they develop.