2026 PGP Pause Leaves Super Visa as an Option for Canadian Families Seeking Longer Parent and Grandparent Visits
Toronto, Ontario – August 24, 2026 – Canadian families hoping to reunite with parents and grandparents are facing a different immigration landscape in 2026 after Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) paused new applications under the Parents and Grandparents Program.
The July 15 announcement means IRCC will not accept new interest-to-sponsor forms or issue new invitations under the program until further notice. However, the 2026 PGP pause does not mean the program has been permanently cancelled. Applications already accepted will continue to be processed.
IRCC has also stated that it plans to approve up to 15,000 people for permanent residence through the Parents and Grandparents Program in 2026, in line with Canada’s 2026–2028 Immigration Levels Plan.
For families who were hoping to submit a new sponsorship application, the pause creates an important distinction between permanent family sponsorship and temporary options for bringing parents or grandparents to Canada.
Super Visa Remains Available During PGP Pause
Parents and grandparents who meet the requirements can continue exploring options to visit their children or grandchildren in Canada through the Super Visa program.
Unlike the Parents and Grandparents Program, the Super Visa does not provide permanent resident status. It is a temporary resident option designed to allow eligible parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens and permanent residents to spend extended periods with their families in Canada.
Under current rules, a Super Visa can allow a parent or grandparent to remain in Canada for up to five years at a time and can provide multiple entries for up to 10 years, depending on the validity of the visa and travel documents.
This makes the Super Visa particularly relevant for families who want their parents or grandparents to spend substantial time in Canada while new PGP intake remains unavailable.
Super Visa Income Rules Changed in March 2026
The timing of the PGP pause is also significant because IRCC introduced changes to the Super Visa financial requirements earlier this year.
Effective March 31, 2026, the way family income can be demonstrated became more flexible.
A host and eligible co-signer may now meet the required income level in either of the two taxation years immediately before the application. Previously, the assessment focused on the preceding tax year.
IRCC also introduced circumstances in which income earned by the visiting parent or grandparent can be considered toward meeting the required family income threshold.
These changes may help some families who previously had difficulty meeting the Super Visa income requirement, although applicants must still satisfy all other eligibility requirements.
Super Visa Is Not a Replacement for Permanent Sponsorship
Families should understand that the two programs serve fundamentally different purposes.
The Parents and Grandparents Program is part of Canada Family Sponsorship and can lead to permanent residence when an eligible sponsor is invited to apply and the application is approved.
The Super Visa, by comparison, provides temporary resident status for extended family visits. It does not automatically lead to permanent residence and does not provide the same status or rights as an approved PGP sponsorship application.
Families should therefore consider their immediate objective before deciding how to proceed.
Those seeking permanent reunification may need to continue monitoring future IRCC announcements regarding the Parents and Grandparents Program. Families whose immediate priority is having parents or grandparents spend longer periods with them in Canada may consider whether a Super Visa is appropriate for their circumstances.
Families Still Need to Meet Super Visa Requirements
The availability of the Super Visa does not mean approval is automatic.
Applicants must meet Canada’s temporary resident requirements and generally need qualifying private medical insurance, an immigration medical examination and evidence of their relationship with the Canadian host.
The host must also meet the applicable minimum income requirement and provide the required invitation and supporting documentation.
Families planning a broader sponsorship strategy should also understand the potential cost of sponsoring a family member in Canada, including government fees and other application-related expenses that can vary depending on the immigration program.
Applicants are required to apply for a new Super Visa from outside Canada, and immigration officers can consider factors such as the purpose of the visit, financial circumstances and the applicant’s ties outside Canada when assessing an application.
Families should also use current IRCC requirements when calculating income or arranging insurance rather than relying on information prepared under earlier Super Visa rules.
What the PGP Pause Means Going Forward
The July announcement does not provide a guaranteed date for the Parents and Grandparents Program to reopen.
IRCC has said that it will not accept new interest-to-sponsor forms or invite potential sponsors to submit new applications until further notice.
For Canadian families, this means planning may now depend on whether the goal is permanent immigration at a later stage or an extended visit to Canada under the Super Visa program.
Families uncertain about which option may fit their circumstances can speak with an Immigration Consultant to better understand the applicable requirements, documentation and current immigration procedures.
About Immigration Consultants of Canada
Immigration Consultants of Canada provides Canadian immigration consultation and application assistance for individuals and families. The organization assists clients with Super Visa applications, family sponsorship, permanent residence and other Canadian immigration matters.
The firm’s Principal Consultant is Assad Bajwa, RCIC #R509021.
Media Contact
Company Name: Immigration Consultants of Canada
Contact Person: Assad B.
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Phone: 1 (888) 998-8894
Address:45 Sheppard Ave E Suite 500B
City: Toronto
State: Ontario M2N 5W9
Country: Canada
Website: https://canadianimmigrationservices.org/
