Canada's PGP program is paused for 2026 with no new lottery. Here's what happened, when it might reopen, and the 3 alternatives for bringing your parents to Canada right now.
If you've been waiting for the 2026 PGP lottery announcement — it's not coming. IRCC confirmed that the Parents and Grandparents Program will not accept new sponsorship applications in 2026. No lottery, no intake, no exceptions.
Here's what's actually happening, why, and what your options are right now.
IRCC published a formal notice confirming the freeze continues indefinitely. The department will not accept new interest-to-sponsor forms or issue new invitations to apply "until further notice." That's a firmer line than the earlier "no 2026 lottery" framing — this isn't a one-year pause with an expected 2027 restart, it's open-ended.
The notice also gave the first concrete 2026 number: IRCC plans to approve up to 15,000 people for permanent residence through PGP in 2026, all of them from the backlog of applications already in the system (the 2025 intake described below). No new applicants will be added to that count this year.
IRCC's stated reasoning matches what we predicted in April: "interest in the PGP Program continues to exceed the spaces available under the levels plan," and pausing intake is meant to "reduce processing times and improve predictability" for the families already in the queue. The notice also pointed to two moves already made to make the Super Visa — the main alternative — easier to use: relaxed income-calculation rules and a loosened health insurance requirement (both covered below).
Starting January 1, 2026, Canada stopped accepting new PGP sponsorship or permanent residence applications. IRCC will only continue processing applications submitted by people who received invitations during the 2025 intake (17,860 invitations sent between July–October 2025, drawn from the 2020 pool).
The cap for completed 2025 applications is 10,000. Once those are processed, the program is effectively frozen until further notice.
IRCC hasn't given a single clear reason, but the context tells the story:
Backlog management. The PGP backlog had grown enormous — processing times exceeded 24 months for many applicants. IRCC wants to clear the existing queue before adding new cases.
Immigration levels reduction. The 2026 immigration levels plan reduced overall permanent residence targets. Family class allocations were cut, and PGP took the biggest hit.
Demand far exceeds supply. In previous years, hundreds of thousands of people entered the PGP lottery for fewer than 20,000 spots. The lottery system was widely criticized as unfair and stressful.
Policy redesign. IRCC hinted that an "updated, demand-managed model" could emerge once backlogs drop below 12-month processing times. This suggests the lottery may be replaced with something different when the program reopens.
As of the July 15, 2026 notice, IRCC has still not committed to a date — the pause is "until further notice," full stop. Based on current signals:
- Best case: Late 2026 or early 2027, if backlogs clear faster than expected
- Realistic case: 2027, with a redesigned intake system
- Worst case: 2028+, if immigration levels continue to be reduced
IRCC stated that details on the next intake will be shared on the official website and social media channels when available. There's nothing to sign up for or wait list to join.
The Super Visa lets your parents or grandparents stay in Canada for up to 5 years per visit without needing to leave and re-enter. It's a multiple-entry visa valid for up to 10 years.
What changed in March 2026: IRCC relaxed the income requirements:
- You can now meet the income threshold using either of the two most recent tax years (previously only the latest year counted)
- Your parents' own income can cover up to 25% of the requirement (new under Bill C-12)
2026 income requirements (LICO + 30%):
| Family size (including visiting parent) | Minimum income required |
|---|
| 2 people | $42,984 |
| 3 people | $51,553 |
| 4 people | $56,724 |
| 5 people | $63,835 |
| 6 people | $71,460 |
| 7+ people | Add ~$7,600 per additional person |
Requirements:
- You must be a Canadian citizen or PR
- Private medical insurance for your parent (minimum $100,000 coverage, valid for 1 year)
- Meet the minimum income threshold
- Parent/grandparent must pass medical exam and not be inadmissible
Processing time: 3–6 months (varies by country of application)
Cost: $100 application fee + $85 biometrics + medical insurance (~$1,500–$4,000/year depending on age)
The Super Visa doesn't give your parent PR status, but it lets them live with you in Canada for extended periods while you wait for PGP to reopen.
If your parent doesn't qualify for a Super Visa (income too low, medical insurance too expensive), a standard visitor visa allows stays of up to 6 months. You can apply to extend their stay from within Canada.
Pros: Lower income requirement, no mandatory insurance
Cons: 6-month stays instead of 5 years, extensions aren't guaranteed
If your parent has a serious medical condition, is elderly and dependent on your care, or has other compelling humanitarian circumstances, you can submit an H&C permanent residence application.
Reality check: H&C applications are slow (2+ years), have low approval rates, and require genuinely exceptional circumstances. This is not a backdoor to PGP — it's for people with serious hardship.
The new TR to PR pathway is for temporary workers in Canada, not visiting parents. Your parents cannot use this pathway unless they're already working in Canada on a valid work permit (which would be unusual for parents/grandparents).
Step 1: Apply for a Super Visa immediately. The March 2026 income changes make it easier to qualify. Your parents can be living with you within 3–6 months.
Step 2: Keep your income above the LICO + 30% threshold. When PGP reopens, you'll need to prove income anyway — start building that record now.
Step 3: Watch for announcements. IRCC will post on canada.ca and social media when the next intake is planned. We'll also cover it on ImmiNorth the moment it's announced.
Step 4: Maintain your parents' visitor status. If they're in Canada on a Super Visa, ensure their medical insurance stays current and their status doesn't lapse.
Tip
The Super Visa income requirement can now be met using EITHER of your two most recent tax years. If 2025 was a better income year than 2024, you can use that. This change alone makes thousands more Canadians eligible to bring their parents. Apply before demand increases processing times.
Can I sponsor my parent for PR at all in 2026?
Not through PGP. The only PR options for parents are H&C applications (exceptional cases only) or if your parent independently qualifies through Express Entry or a PNP (rare but possible for younger parents with skilled work experience).
I submitted my PGP application in 2025 — is it still being processed?
Yes. If you received an invitation during the 2025 intake and submitted a complete application, IRCC is still processing it. Check your account for updates.
Is there anything I can do to prepare for when PGP reopens?
Keep your taxes filed, maintain income above LICO thresholds, and keep your parents' documents (passport, medical records, police certificates) current. When it reopens, speed will matter.
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute immigration advice. Always verify information with official IRCC sources and consult a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC) or licensed immigration lawyer for advice specific to your situation.