CanadaFamily

Canada Parents and Grandparents Program and family sponsorship

Parents and Grandparents Program and other relative sponsorship

In short

The Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP), which let citizens and permanent residents sponsor parents and grandparents for permanent residence, is paused: IRCC is not accepting new interest to sponsor forms or issuing invitations, but continues processing existing applications. The super visa remains available for stays of 5 years at a time.

Apply on IRCC – Sponsor your parents and grandparents checked 23 October 2026

Key facts

Fee
CA$1,260PGP fee per parent or grandparent including the right of permanent residence fee (CAD 660 without), for applications already invited; IRCC fee list
Processing time
Existing applications continue to be processed
Path to permanent residence
Sponsorship grants permanent residence; the super visa does not
Where to apply
Paused: no new interest to sponsor forms or invitations until further notice

Current status of the PGP

IRCC states that it has paused the program, will not accept new interest to sponsor forms or invite potential sponsors to apply until further notice, and will keep processing existing applications. People who were not invited are directed to the super visa, which allows parents and grandparents to stay for 5 years at a time and to apply in Canada for 2-year extensions.

Sponsor obligations when the program runs

Sponsors of parents and grandparents must meet a minimum income requirement for several years and sign an undertaking to support the sponsored family members for a set period. Details are published with each intake, so check the program page when it reopens.

Fees on the IRCC fee list

Sponsoring a parent or grandparent costs CAD 1,260 including the right of permanent residence fee (CAD 660 without), the same for an accompanying spouse or partner, and CAD 180 per dependent child. Sponsoring another eligible relative aged 22 or over also costs CAD 1,260, and a relative under 22 who is not your dependent child CAD 780.

Children and other relatives

Dependent children (generally under 22 and not married) are sponsored through the spouse, partner and children program, which remains open, with no income requirement in most cases. IRCC’s fee list also covers adopted children, orphaned relatives and other relatives in limited circumstances defined in the regulations.

Documents

Required documents

Identity

  • Passports and civil documents (birth, marriage, divorce) with certified translations

Family

  • Proof of relationship (birth certificates showing the parent or grandparent link)

Other

  • Police certificates and immigration medical exam

Supporting documents (where they apply)

Money

  • Sponsor’s income evidence (for invited PGP applications)

How to apply, step by step

  1. Check IRCC’s PGP page: it is paused and not accepting new interest forms.
  2. If you already applied, track the application and respond to any requests.
  3. For now, consider the super visa so parents or grandparents can stay up to 5 years at a time.
  4. Sponsor dependent children through the open spouse, partner and children program.

Frequently asked questions

Can I sponsor my parents to Canada in 2026?

Not through new PGP applications: the program is paused with no new interest forms or invitations. Existing applications continue, and the super visa is available.

What is the alternative to the PGP?

The super visa, which lets parents and grandparents stay up to 5 years at a time with multiple entries for up to 10 years.

Can I sponsor my brother or sister?

Only in limited circumstances defined for other relatives, such as orphaned siblings under 18; adult siblings generally cannot be sponsored.

Official sources

Summarised from the official sources above. Rules, fees and processing times change: confirm with the embassy or the official portal before you apply.

Other visa types for Canada

Visits and short stays

  • Tourist visa Maximum stay: Usually up to 6 months per entry, as decided by the border officer
  • Family and friends visit visa Maximum stay: Up to 5 years per entry (applications from 22 June 2023); 2-year extensions possible in Canada
  • Transit visa Maximum stay: Up to 48 hours in transit

Business and self-employment

  • Business visa Maximum stay: Usually up to 6 months per entry, as decided by the border officer
  • Entrepreneur and start-up visa Validity: Optional open work permit of up to 3 years, closed to new applicants since 19 December 2025; holders in Canada may extend
  • Self-employed and freelancer visa Processing time: More than 10 years for applications made after July 2022, according to IRCC’s tool cited in its 2026 evaluation

Study and training

  • Student visa Maximum stay: Length of the program plus 90 days

Work

  • Skilled worker visa Maximum stay: As stated on the permit, linked to the job offer and LMIA
  • Work visa Maximum stay: Depends on the basis; PGWP up to 3 years
  • Working holiday visa Validity: Port of entry letter valid 1 year; the permit cannot outlast the passport, biometrics or health insurance

Family

Residence

Online travel permits

Faster processing

Protection

Canada visa guide