Recent media reports suggesting that Canada’s Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) is closed in 2026 do not reflect the full picture.

While Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has issued Ministerial Instructions stating that no new PGP applications will be accepted as of January 1, 2026, this language follows a pattern seen in previous years. Similar instructions were issued at the beginning of 2022, 2023, 2024, and 2025—years in which the program later reopened through updated instructions. The PGP operates differently from most immigration programs, with intake occurring only once per year for a limited period. As a result, IRCC routinely pauses new applications early in the year while determining whether a new intake will take place.

Parents – Grandparents Program Application Cap 2022–2026

Here’s how IRCC has managed PGP application intake limits over recent years:

• 2022 – Targeted intake: 15,000 applications (invitations issued to 23,100 sponsors). 
• 2023 – Targeted intake: 15,000 applications (invitations issued to 24,200 sponsors). 
• 2024 – invitations issued 35,700
• 2025 – IRCC sent 17,860 invitations over approximately 2 weeks. With goal to accept 10,000 complete applications.
• 2026 – Ministerial Instructions authorize processing of up to 10,000 applications that are already submitted but no new applications will be accepted until further notice. 

In simple terns , just 10,000 applications submitted in pervious year planned to be processed —mean IRCC may meet its goals without opening a new intake this year. As such, a 2026 intake remains possible but is not guaranteed.

Families hoping to sponsor parents or grandparents should monitor IRCC updates closely and consider alternative options, such as the Super Visa, while awaiting further announcements.

For any questions or personalized guidance, we invite you to schedule a consultation with our immigration specialists. Doorstep Immigration is prepared to assist you at every stage of your application process.

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