Update, July 15, 2026: IRCC has now formally paused all new Parents and Grandparents Program intake, including invitations from the 2020 pool, until further notice. Read our full breakdown: IRCC pauses parent and grandparent sponsorship.
If you were hoping to sponsor your parents or grandparents for permanent residence in Canada in 2026, that option is not available this year. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) confirmed that there will be no new Parent and Grandparent Program (PGP) intake for 2026.
As of April 12, 2026.
IRCC is only processing applications already submitted. Its most recent round, the 2025 intake, invited sponsors from the 2020 interest-to-sponsor pool, and IRCC received 10,636 applications. No new lottery, no new expressions of interest, and no new invitations are planned for 2026.
Why Is the PGP Frozen?
Short answer: The 2026 PGP freeze is part of Canada's 2026-2028 Immigration Levels Plan, which cut overall permanent resident targets significantly across most immigration categories. The government paused all new PGP expressions of interest and invitations, and has signalled that the Super Visa is the preferred near-term family reunification pathway for parents and grandparents while the freeze is in effect.
The freeze is part of Canada's broader strategy to reduce temporary and permanent resident volumes. The 2026-2028 Immigration Levels Plan cut overall immigration targets significantly, and the PGP was one of the programs affected.
The government has signaled that the Super Visa is the preferred pathway for family reunification with parents and grandparents in the near term.
What About Applications from 2025?
Short answer: If you received an invitation to apply in the 2025 intake and submitted your application by the October 9, 2025 deadline, your application is being processed. The 2026 freeze does not affect applications already in the system. Sponsors from the 2020 pool who were not invited must wait for a future intake.
If you received an invitation to apply in the 2025 intake and submitted your application by the October 9, 2025 deadline, your application is being processed. The 2026 freeze does not affect applications already in the system.
If you submitted an interest form in 2020 but were not invited to apply, you will need to wait for a future intake.
What Are Your Alternatives for Bringing Parents to Canada in 2026?
Short answer: Three alternatives exist while the PGP is frozen. The Super Visa is the best option, allowing stays of up to 5 years per entry on a 10-year multi-entry visa with no lottery and new March 2026 income flexibility. A regular visitor visa permits stays of up to 6 months with fewer insurance requirements. The third option is to wait for a possible 2027 PGP intake, which IRCC has not confirmed.
1. Super Visa (Best Option)
The Super Visa allows your parents or grandparents to visit Canada for up to 5 years per entry, with a visa valid for up to 10 years. Key advantages:
- No lottery – apply anytime
- Long stays – up to 5 years per visit without extensions
- Multiple entries – come and go freely
- New income flexibility (as of March 31, 2026): hosts can qualify using either of the two most recent tax years, and the visitor's own income can supplement the host's
The Super Visa requires private medical insurance from a Canadian insurer or, since January 28, 2025, a foreign insurer authorized by the Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions (OSFI), and proof that the host meets the minimum income threshold.
2. Regular Visitor Visa
A standard visitor visa allows stays of up to 6 months. Less ideal for long-term family reunification, but simpler to obtain and does not require medical insurance.
3. Wait for 2027
IRCC has not confirmed whether a PGP intake will open in 2027. On July 15, 2026, IRCC paused the program until further notice. The 2026 to 2028 Immigration Levels Plan keeps a target of 15,000 PGP admissions for 2027, but an admissions target is not an intake: IRCC would first have to announce new interest to sponsor forms or invitations, and it has not. A 2027 intake is possible but not guaranteed. Any reopening will be announced on IRCC's parents and grandparents page. If you are not sure which route fits your family, start with our free immigration assessment.
How Much Income Do I Need for a Super Visa for My Parents in 2026?
Short answer: IRCC's current minimum income table, updated July 29, 2025, is: 2 persons $38,002, 3 persons $46,720, 4 persons $56,724, 5 persons $64,336, 6 persons $72,560 and 7 persons $80,784, plus $8,224 for each additional person. As of March 31, 2026, you can meet the threshold using income from either of the two most recent tax years, and your parent or grandparent's own income can count toward the total if you and your co-signer fall short.
The income threshold for hosting parents or grandparents on a Super Visa depends on your family size. See the full income requirements on canada.ca:
| Family Size | Minimum Income Required |
|---|
| 2 persons | $38,002 |
| 3 persons | $46,720 |
| 4 persons | $56,724 |
| 5 persons | $64,336 |
| 6 persons | $72,560 |
| 7 persons | $80,784 |
| Each additional person | $8,224 |
New for 2026: You can now qualify by meeting the threshold in either of the two most recent tax years (not just the most recent). If you and your co-signer fall short, your parent's or grandparent's own income can also count toward the total.
What Should Iranian and Middle Eastern Families Know About the 2026 PGP Freeze?
Short answer: Iranian and Middle Eastern families planning PGP sponsorship should pivot to the Super Visa given the 2026 freeze. The new March 2026 income flexibility helps families with year-to-year income variation or parents holding home-country pension income. Apply 2 to 3 months before your parents' intended travel date, as Super Visa processing times vary by visa office.
Many of our clients planned to bring their parents to Canada through the PGP. With the 2026 freeze, the Super Visa is the most practical path forward. The new income flexibility rules announced in March 2026 make it easier to qualify, especially for families where income varies year to year or where parents have pension income from their home country.
If your parents are in Iran, UAE, or another Middle Eastern country, processing times for Super Visa applications vary by visa office. Apply at least 2-3 months before your parents' intended travel date.
Need Help With a Super Visa Application?
Short answer: Go Far Global, a licensed Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC) firm, has helped hundreds of families reunite through the Super Visa process. If you need assistance with Super Visa requirements, income documentation, or sourcing Canadian medical insurance that meets IRCC standards, our team can guide you through each step.
If you want to bring your parents to Canada and need help navigating the Super Visa requirements, income documentation, or medical insurance, book a consultation with our team. We have helped hundreds of families reunite through the Super Visa process.
Published April 12, 2026. Sources: IRCC Supplementary Immigration Levels Plan 2026-2028
Sources
This article draws exclusively on official Government of Canada publications. All policy details about the 2026 PGP freeze, Super Visa income requirements, and Canada's Immigration Levels Plan are sourced from IRCC and canada.ca. Visit the links below for the most current information, as immigration program rules can change.
Disclaimer
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute immigration or legal advice. Immigration laws and policies change frequently. Each case is unique and outcomes depend on individual circumstances. Consult a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC) before making immigration decisions.
