For many families in Brampton and across Canada, sponsoring parents for permanent residence is a long-held goal. In 2026, that door is temporarily closed to new applicants. Here is what IRCC has said, and what you can do instead.
What IRCC announced
In a July 2026 notice, IRCC confirmed it is pausing the intake of new applications under the Parents and Grandparents Program while it continues to process existing applications. IRCC last accepted new applications in fall 2025, when it invited 17,860 potential sponsors to apply. The levels plan allows up to 15,000 parent and grandparent admissions in each of 2026, 2027 and 2028 — which will come from files already in the queue.
IRCC says details about any future intake will be posted on its website and social channels. No reopening date has been announced.
If you already applied
Existing applications continue to be processed. Keep your contact details and documents current, respond quickly to any request, and make sure your income evidence for the required years stays consistent. If your situation changes — a move, a new job, a change in family size — get advice on whether IRCC needs to be told.
The super visa: the practical alternative
The super visa is a temporary resident visa for parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens and permanent residents. According to IRCC, it allows multiple entries over up to 10 years and stays of up to five years at a time. To qualify:
- The host child or grandchild must be a citizen, permanent resident or registered Indian, live in Canada, and meet a minimum income requirement
- The host writes a signed letter of invitation
- The parent or grandparent buys private health insurance valid for at least one year from entry, from a Canadian insurer or an approved foreign insurer
- The applicant completes an immigration medical exam and applies from outside Canada
A super visa doesn't give permanent residence, a right to work, or (in most provinces) public health coverage — but it does let parents be part of daily family life for long periods without repeated extension applications. Our comparison of the super visa and the visitor visa explains which suits your family.
Planning ahead
If you hope to sponsor parents when intake reopens, keep clean records of your income (notices of assessment) and stay eligible. Meanwhile, a well-prepared super visa lets the family be together now. IRCC has also recently changed the super visa's income and insurance requirements to make it more accessible, so it's worth checking whether you qualify even if you didn't before.
This article is general information, not legal advice. For help with a super visa or an existing PGP file, see our visitor and super visa services or ask about super visa insurance.
Frequently asked questions
Can I sponsor my parents to Canada in 2026?
Not through a new application. IRCC paused intake of new Parents and Grandparents Program applications in 2026 and is processing existing files. The super visa remains available for long visits.
How long can parents stay on a super visa?
IRCC says super visa holders can stay up to five years at a time, with multiple entries over a validity of up to 10 years.
What insurance does a super visa need?
Private health insurance valid for at least one year from the date of entry, from a Canadian insurance company or an approved company outside Canada.
Official sources
Written by Meena Sharma, RCIC-IRB
Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant licensed by the CICC and authorized to represent clients before the Immigration and Refugee Board. This article is general information, not legal advice.