Canada’s Parents & Grandparents Program (often called “PGP”) is the route by which Canadian citizens or permanent residents can sponsor their parents and grandparents for permanent residence. In 2026, there are several key updates and details you should know, whether you are a potential sponsor, a parent or grandparent hoping to come, or seeking legal help.
Key Highlights of PGP 2026
Here are the most important facts about the current position:
Intake status
IRCC (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada) is not opening a new Parents & Grandparents Program intake in 2026.
Instead, IRCC continues processing applications already received from previous intake periods.
No new Invitations to Apply (ITAs) are currently being issued under a new interest-to-sponsor round.
Existing application processing
Applications already submitted under previous PGP intake rounds continue to move through processing.
Applicants should continue monitoring their IRCC accounts and responding promptly to document requests.
Eligibility criteria for sponsors
To be eligible to sponsor parents or grandparents under PGP when intake resumes, the sponsor must:
- Be at least 18 years old.
- Be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or registered under the Indian Act.
- Live in Canada at their primary residential address when applying and until a decision is made.
- Meet minimum income requirements (for the past three taxation years) based on family size; a spouse/common-law partner can co-sign if needed.
- Meet all sponsorship eligibility and undertaking obligations.
Who you can sponsor
You may sponsor:
- Your biological or adopted parents and/or grandparents
- Their spouse, common-law or conjugal partner (if applicable)
- Dependent children of the parents/grandparents (e.g. siblings, or children of dependent children) if those dependents satisfy dependency requirements
Financial obligations and the undertaking
Some financial and responsibility requirements remain important:
Undertaking commitment:
The sponsor must sign an undertaking to financially support the sponsored persons for a specified number of years. Outside Quebec this remains 20 years; in Quebec it remains 10 years.
Repayment of social assistance:
If a sponsored parent or grandparent (or accompanying family members) receives social assistance during the undertaking period, the sponsor remains responsible for repayment.
Eligibility restriction for sponsors:
A person cannot sponsor while receiving social assistance themselves, unless specifically related to disability.
Minimum Necessary Income (MNI)
The income you report for the most recent required taxation years must meet the Minimum Necessary Income threshold based on family size.
Applicants should review current IRCC requirements at the time a future intake opens because thresholds continue changing annually.
Co-signers (spouse/common-law partner) may still assist in meeting income requirements.
How to apply once future intake resumes
When a future intake opens:
- Sponsors will need to submit both the sponsorship application and permanent residence application through the designated IRCC portal.
- Required documents, biometrics, medical exams, police certificates, and supporting materials must be completed fully.
- Missing or incomplete submissions may result in delays or returned applications.
For those who did NOT previously participate
If you did not submit an interest-to-sponsor form in earlier intake rounds, you cannot enter a new PGP sponsorship intake in 2026, as no new interest pool has been opened.
However, the Super Visa remains available.
The Super Visa is a long-term multiple-entry visitor visa allowing parents and grandparents to stay in Canada for up to 5 years at a time, making it a practical alternative while waiting for future PGP opportunities.
What’s Different or New in 2026
Compared with previous PGP intakes, 2026 has several notable differences:
No new intake round:
Unlike previous years, IRCC is currently prioritizing processing existing applications instead of opening new sponsorship intake.
Continued focus on inventory management:
Family reunification remains a priority, but application volumes continue being managed carefully.
Income and document preparation remain important:
Sponsors should continue maintaining eligibility documentation in anticipation of future intake announcements.
Common Pitfalls & Important Considerations
When preparing for future PGP opportunities, applicants should watch out for:
- Losing access to previous contact information used with IRCC
- Failing to maintain required income across taxation years
- Incorrectly listing dependents or family relationships
- Underestimating undertaking obligations
- Delays related to medical, police, or admissibility requirements
What to Do If You Want to Sponsor
Here are practical steps for future preparation:
Check your eligibility now
Ensure your status (PR or citizenship), residence, age, and income continue meeting sponsorship requirements.
Maintain your tax records and income documentation
Having complete Notices of Assessment remains important.
Keep your contact information current
Ensure IRCC can contact you when future updates become available.
Prepare documents in advance
Keep relationship documents, identity records, and supporting paperwork ready.
Explore alternative pathways
If sponsorship remains unavailable, consider the Super Visa as a temporary family reunification option.
Consider getting professional help
An immigration lawyer or accredited consultant can help ensure readiness for future rounds and reduce application risks.
Final Thoughts
The 2026 Canadian Parents & Grandparents Sponsorship Program continues supporting family reunification, although the current focus remains on processing existing applications rather than launching a broad new intake.
If you already have an application in process, stay prepared and monitor IRCC updates closely.
If you are not yet eligible or have not previously entered the process, staying informed and preparing early can position you strongly for future opportunities.
If you wish to know more about the PGP or are facing delays, get in touch with Kurzfeld Law Firm.
