If you have been planning to bring your parents or grandparents to live with you in Canada, you have likely already heard the news. The Canadian government temporarily suspended the intake of new applications under the parents and grandparents sponsorship program, and this understandably raises concern among families who had been preparing to apply for some time. In this article we explain what is happening, what happens to applications already in process, and what alternatives you have while the program reopens.
What exactly happened with the program
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada decided to pause the intake of new applications under the Parents and Grandparents Program, known as the PGP. This pause specifically affects those who have not yet submitted an application, not those who already have an active file within the system. The measure responds to the need to better manage the volume of applications received in previous years relative to current processing capacity.
Why Canada made this decision
Family reunification programs in Canada operate under limited annual quotas, and the PGP in particular receives far more expressions of interest each year than it can process. Pausing new applications lets the government focus resources on resolving the existing inventory before adding more cases to the system. Although the measure is frustrating for those hoping to apply this year, it tends to be a temporary strategy aimed at stabilizing processing times.
What happens if you already have an application submitted
If your sponsorship application has already been accepted and is in process, the pause does not affect your case. These applications continue through normal processing under current timelines. At this stage, the important thing is to keep your contact information up to date, respond promptly to any additional document requests, and check in periodically through your account on the official immigration portal.
Alternatives while the program is paused
While intake for new applications remains closed, the Super Visa continues to be an available option for parents and grandparents who want to visit Canada for extended periods, up to five years per entry, without needing to renew their status constantly. This visa requires proof of valid private medical insurance in Canada and evidence that the sponsoring son or daughter meets a minimum income requirement. A regular visitor visa is also available and useful for shorter stays while the outlook for the sponsorship program becomes clearer.
How to prepare for when the program reopens
The sponsorship process usually works through a random draw of expressions of interest once it reopens, so the best strategy is to arrive prepared. This includes verifying that your income meets the required minimum for your family size, gathering tax returns from recent years, and organizing identity and relationship documents for your parents or grandparents. Having everything ready in advance lets you react quickly as soon as the government announces a new opening date.
General requirements for family sponsorship
To sponsor a parent or grandparent, the sponsor must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident of legal age, demonstrate a minimum continuous income over several consecutive years, and sign an undertaking of financial support for a set period. This undertaking carries real legal responsibility, so it is worth understanding its implications well before starting the process, even while the program remains paused.
How YoEmigro supports your family reunification process
At YoEmigro we understand what it means to wait to reunite with your family. We help you assess whether you meet the income requirements, prepare your documentation in advance, and choose the best temporary alternative, such as the Super Visa, while the sponsorship program reopens. Our support is close and transparent at every stage of the process.
Want to be ready when parents and grandparents sponsorship reopens? Book a consultation with our team and let us start preparing your case.
