Canada to stop accepting new Parents and Grandparents Program applications
Canada is pausing new applications for its Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) to manage immigration system sustainability. While new intake is halted, the government will continue processing existing applications with a target of 15,000 permanent residence approvals in 2026.
Why it matters
This policy shift reflects Canada's ongoing efforts to balance family reunification goals with the administrative capacity of its immigration system.
The Government of Canada announced that it is pausing new applications under the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) as part of efforts to maintain a sustainable immigration system. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) confirmed that while new applications will not be accepted, existing files will continue to be processed, with plans to approve up to approve up to 15,000 people for permanent residence in 2026 in line with the 2026–2028 Immigration Levels Plan. “Canada is taking steps to maintain a well‑managed, sustainable immigration system that works for newcomers and Canadians alike. As part of these efforts, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) is pausing the intake of new applications under the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP Program).
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