Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has confirmed that it will not reopen the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) in 2026, extending a pause first imposed last year. Under new ministerial instructions released on January 10, officers will process a maximum of 10,000 applications already in the queue and issue no new invitations to apply this year. ([visahq.com](https://www.visahq.com/news/2026-01-10/ca/canada-freezes-new-parent-grandparent-sponsorships-for-2026-pushes-families-toward-super-visa/))
The department says the freeze is necessary to control a backlog that swelled during the pandemic and to align with lower admissions targets set out in the 2026-28 Immigration Levels Plan. While the move frees up capacity in other streams, it leaves many Canadian citizens and permanent residents without a pathway to secure permanent residence for parents or grandparents in the near term. ([visahq.com](https://www.visahq.com/news/2026-01-10/ca/canada-freezes-new-parent-grandparent-sponsorships-for-2026-pushes-families-toward-super-visa/))
![Canada Extends Freeze on Parent & Grandparent Sponsorships, Promotes Super Visa Alternative]()
Attention is now shifting to the Super Visa, a long-stay, multiple-entry visitor visa that allows eligible relatives to stay in Canada for up to five years per entry and renew status in-country. Immigration consultants report a surge in inquiries about medical-insurance requirements, minimum income thresholds and renewal rules for Super Visa holders. Employers that rely on global talent warn that limited family-reunification options can deter prospective hires concerned about elder-care responsibilities. ([visahq.com](https://www.visahq.com/news/2026-01-10/ca/canada-freezes-new-parent-grandparent-sponsorships-for-2026-pushes-families-toward-super-visa/))
At this transition point, families considering a Super Visa or any other Canadian entry option may benefit from third-party assistance. VisaHQ’s dedicated Canada team can quickly check eligibility, assemble documents, arrange biometrics appointments and even help secure the mandatory medical insurance—streamlining what can otherwise be a daunting process. To explore how the service works or start an application, visit https://www.visahq.com/canada/.
Mobility managers are already updating relocation policies: some are offering supplemental private health insurance for super-visa relatives, while others provide sponsored return flights so employees can care for family abroad. Analysts expect IRCC to review the PGP mid-year once it gauges progress on clearing the current inventory, but officials have given no timeline for reopening. In the interim, HR teams should communicate the new reality to candidates and consider flexible work arrangements for staff affected by the freeze.
The department says the freeze is necessary to control a backlog that swelled during the pandemic and to align with lower admissions targets set out in the 2026-28 Immigration Levels Plan. While the move frees up capacity in other streams, it leaves many Canadian citizens and permanent residents without a pathway to secure permanent residence for parents or grandparents in the near term. ([visahq.com](https://www.visahq.com/news/2026-01-10/ca/canada-freezes-new-parent-grandparent-sponsorships-for-2026-pushes-families-toward-super-visa/))
Attention is now shifting to the Super Visa, a long-stay, multiple-entry visitor visa that allows eligible relatives to stay in Canada for up to five years per entry and renew status in-country. Immigration consultants report a surge in inquiries about medical-insurance requirements, minimum income thresholds and renewal rules for Super Visa holders. Employers that rely on global talent warn that limited family-reunification options can deter prospective hires concerned about elder-care responsibilities. ([visahq.com](https://www.visahq.com/news/2026-01-10/ca/canada-freezes-new-parent-grandparent-sponsorships-for-2026-pushes-families-toward-super-visa/))
At this transition point, families considering a Super Visa or any other Canadian entry option may benefit from third-party assistance. VisaHQ’s dedicated Canada team can quickly check eligibility, assemble documents, arrange biometrics appointments and even help secure the mandatory medical insurance—streamlining what can otherwise be a daunting process. To explore how the service works or start an application, visit https://www.visahq.com/canada/.
Mobility managers are already updating relocation policies: some are offering supplemental private health insurance for super-visa relatives, while others provide sponsored return flights so employees can care for family abroad. Analysts expect IRCC to review the PGP mid-year once it gauges progress on clearing the current inventory, but officials have given no timeline for reopening. In the interim, HR teams should communicate the new reality to candidates and consider flexible work arrangements for staff affected by the freeze.
