English (en-CA) · EVENING EDITION · IMMIGRATION

IRCC is pausing new applications and new interest-to-sponsor forms for the Parents and Grandparents Program until further notice.

Updated July 15, 2026 at 9:10 p.m. ET · About 3 minutes

The facts

• Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada is pausing the intake of new applications under the Parents and Grandparents Program.
• IRCC will not accept new interest-to-sponsor forms or issue new invitations to apply until further notice.
• Applications already received will continue to be processed.
• The department plans to approve up to 15,000 people for permanent residence through the program in 2026.

The context

IRCC says interest in the program exceeds the spaces available under the 2026–2028 Immigration Levels Plan. The government describes the pause as a way to reduce processing times and improve predictability. This is an administrative decision announced by IRCC, not a closure of every family-visit option.

Why it matters

People who have already submitted an application do not need to restart solely because of this announcement: IRCC says existing files will continue to be processed. For families that have not applied, no new round of interest forms or invitations is currently planned.

The super visa remains a separate visiting option. IRCC says it may allow parents and grandparents to stay for up to five years at a time and make multiple entries for up to 10 years, subject to eligibility.

Immigration rules can change. Always verify your situation on Canada.ca or with an authorized representative; this article is not legal advice.

Primary source

• Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, notice dated July 15, 2026.

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