On July 15, 2026, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) confirmed the suspension of new applications under the Parents and Grandparents Sponsorship Program (PGP). This decision, already announced in the ministerial instructions published in the Canada Gazette on December 27, 2025, has real consequences for every family hoping to bring their parents or grandparents to Canada. The good news, though: the Super Visa remains available, and it is — more than ever — the best gateway for a long family stay.
What the Canada Gazette reveals
The ministerial instructions published on December 27, 2025 (signed by the Honourable Lena Metlege Diab, Minister of Citizenship and Immigration) state that as of January 1, 2026, no new application for a permanent resident visa submitted by a parent or grandparent, and no related sponsorship application, will be accepted for processing unless a new process is announced.
For the 2026 calendar year, only sponsorship applications received in 2025 — and meeting the conditions set out back in March 2024 (interest-to-sponsor form, invitation to sponsor, electronic submission, complete documents) — may be processed, up to a maximum of 10,000 sponsorship applications.
The official confirmation on July 15, 2026
A few months later, IRCC confirmed and clarified this direction in an official news release. The government indicated that it is suspending intake of new applications under the PGP program, but will continue to process applications already in the system, with the goal of granting permanent residence to a maximum of 15,000 people under this program in 2026, in line with the 2026–2028 Immigration Levels Plan.
IRCC also specifies that no new interest-to-sponsor form will be accepted and no new invitation to sponsor will be issued "until further notice". In plain terms: demand far outstrips the available spots, and Ottawa is freezing the program to reduce processing times and improve predictability for families already waiting.
The Super Visa: a path that stays wide open
This is where the good news kicks in. The government itself reminds us: "Parents and grandparents can still visit their children and grandchildren in Canada thanks to the Super Visa". Unlike the PGP program, the Super Visa is not subject to a lottery or an annual cap: you can apply at any time, without waiting for an invitation.
Concretely, the Super Visa allows a parent or grandparent to:
- stay in Canada up to 5 consecutive years per visit, without having to renew their status while here;
- benefit from a multiple-entry visa valid for up to 10 years, allowing round trips between the home country and Canada;
- avoid the wait times specific to permanent sponsorship, since the application is processed as a temporary residence request.
IRCC also highlights that it has recently eased the Super Visa eligibility criteria, in particular around the host's required income and medical insurance, to make it more accessible. For families who were hoping for permanent sponsorship but are now stuck behind the PGP freeze, the Super Visa is a fast and concrete alternative to bring the family together this year.
Super Visa medical insurance: a non-negotiable requirement
Every Super Visa application must be accompanied by proof of private medical insurance, since visiting parents and grandparents don't have access to provincial public health plans. The policy must meet specific criteria set by IRCC:
- minimum coverage of $100,000 for emergency medical care;
- validity of at least one year from the date of entry into Canada, renewable for the entire duration of the stay;
- coverage for health care, hospitalization and repatriation;
- a policy paid in full (or with a deposit accepted by the insurer) — a simple quote or estimate is not enough;
- issued by a Canadian insurance company, or since January 28, 2025, by a foreign insurer approved by the Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions (OSFI).
Note: since authorized stays can extend up to 5 consecutive years, it's essential that the policy stays active continuously — any interruption in coverage can jeopardize the visitor's status and expose the family to significant medical costs in the event of an emergency.
Ehcover.ca helps you every step of the way
At Ehcover.ca, we help many Québec and Canadian families every year choose their Super Visa insurance. Our role is to help you:
- compare options from several well-known Canadian insurers to get coverage that meets IRCC's requirements ($100,000 minimum, health care, hospitalization, repatriation);
- choose a coverage amount matched to the age and health of the invited parent or grandparent — many families opt for $150,000 to $300,000 to better guard against Canadian hospital costs;
- quickly obtain the paid policy proof required to accompany the visa application;
- follow up on policy renewals throughout the entire stay to avoid any interruption in coverage.
With the PGP program suspension announced by IRCC, the Super Visa becomes, for many families, the most realistic route to reunite grandparents, parents, children and grandchildren this year. Our team is available to guide you in choosing the Super Visa insurance policy best suited to your family situation, in full compliance with federal requirements.
Discover our Super Visa insurance and get a quote →
Sources
- Canada Gazette, Part I, Volume 159, Number 52 — Government notices (December 27, 2025).
- Canada takes steps to responsibly manage the Parents and Grandparents Program — Canada.ca (July 15, 2026).
- Super visa for parents and grandparents — Forms and documents — Canada.ca.
FAQ – PGP suspended and the Super Visa
Is the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) closed for good?
No. IRCC has paused the intake of new applications and new interest-to-sponsor forms until further notice. Applications already in the system continue to be processed, with a target of 15,000 permanent residences granted in 2026.
Can I still bring my parents to Canada in 2026?
Yes. The Super Visa is still open and is not subject to a lottery. It allows a stay of up to 5 consecutive years per visit, with a multiple-entry visa valid for up to 10 years.
What are the medical insurance requirements for the Super Visa?
The policy must provide minimum coverage of $100,000, be valid for at least one year, cover health care, hospitalization and repatriation, be paid in full (or with a deposit accepted), and be issued by a Canadian company — or, since January 28, 2025, by a foreign insurer approved by OSFI.
What coverage amount is recommended?
Many families choose $150,000 to $300,000 to better protect against Canadian hospital costs, which are often high — especially for an older parent or one with a medical history.
What happens if the insurance policy lapses during the stay?
Any interruption in coverage can jeopardize the visitor's status and expose the family to significant medical costs in the event of an emergency. Renewals must be planned for the entire duration of the stay, which can extend up to 5 years.