The Government of Canada announced that it is pausing new applications under the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) as part of efforts to maintain a sustainable immigration system. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) confirmed that while new applications will not be accepted, existing files will continue to be processed, with plans to approve up to approve up to 15,000 people for permanent residence in 2026 in line with the 2026–2028 Immigration Levels Plan. “Canada is taking steps to maintain a well‑managed, sustainable immigration system that works for newcomers and Canadians alike. As part of these efforts, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) is pausing the intake of new applications under the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP Program). We will continue to process existing applications and plan to approve up to 15,000 people for permanent residence through the PGP Program in 2026, in line with the 2026–2028 Immigration Levels Plan. This approach will help reduce processing times and improve predictability for families,” reads the press release.
Family reunification still a priority
IRCC also stressed on the point that family reunification is still a central pillar of Canada’s Immigration framework. Parents and grandparents can continue to visit their families through the super visa, which allows stays of up to five years at a time and multiple entries for up to ten years. Recent changes have made the super visa more accessible by easing income and health insurance requirements. “Parents and grandparents continue to be able to visit their children and grandchildren in Canada through the super visa, which allows them to visit their children or grandchildren for 5 years at a time and provides multiple entries to Canada for up to 10 years,” added the government.
Managing Demand
Interest in the PGP Program continues to exceed available spaces under the immigration levels plan. To manage this demand responsibly, IRCC stated it will not accept new interest-to-sponsor forms or invite potential sponsors to apply until further notice. By pausing intake, Canada aims to reduce processing times and improve predictability for families, ensuring the immigration system remains well-managed and sustainable for newcomers and Canadians alike.
Canada warns citizens of Immigration marriage fraud
Recently, Canada’s immigration authority has issued a fresh advisory urging citizens to be cautious about marriage fraud when sponsoring a spouse or partner for immigration.The warning, shared on X by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), highlights red flags that could indicate fraudulent intent. Canada’s federal immigration authority is urging citizens and permanent residents to slow down before walking down the aisle with someone they plan to sponsor for immigration, warning that marriage fraud remains a serious and growing problem that can have lasting legal and financial consequences for the person being deceived. “Think carefully before marrying someone and sponsoring them to come to Canada, especially if: you’ve just met they want to get married quickly they’ve been married or in a common-law relationship many times before they haven’t shared much information about their background or family,” reads the post shared by IRCC.IRCC advised Canadians to think carefully before marrying someone and sponsoring them to come to Canada, especially if:* Quick marriage: The person wants to marry soon after meeting.* Multiple past relationships: They have been married or in common‑law partnerships many times before.* Lack of background details: They avoid sharing information about their family or personal history.* Recent acquaintance: You have only just met them.