If you’ve been planning to sponsor your parents or grandparents to come to Canada, you’ve probably seen some concerning headlines lately. The Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) is “closed” for 2026—or is it?
Here’s the thing: this isn’t the first time we’ve heard this, and it might not mean what you think it means.
The Real Story Behind the “Closure”
Look, I get it. When you read that a program is closed, your heart sinks a little. Especially when it’s about bringing your family to Canada. But before you lose hope, let’s talk about what’s actually happening here.
The Canadian government just issued new ministerial instructions that technically close new applications for the PGP in 2026. Sounds bad, right? Except they’ve done this exact same thing every single year since 2022—and the program still opened later in each of those years.
Think of it like this: the government is essentially saying “the door is closed for now, but we’re keeping the key handy.” The instructions specifically mention that applications won’t be accepted “until further instructions are issued.” That little phrase is doing a lot of heavy lifting.
Why Does Canada Keep Doing This?
The PGP isn’t like most immigration programs where you can apply anytime. It works more like a limited-time sale that happens once a year. The government opens the door for a brief window, accepts applications, then closes it to process everything.
Because of this unique setup, they start each year with instructions that basically say “we’re closed right now.” Then, later in the year, they issue new instructions opening things back up. It’s become an annual ritual at this point.
In fact, this has happened four years running:
- 2022: Started closed, opened later
- 2023: Started closed, opened later
- 2024: Started closed, opened later
- 2025: Started closed, opened later
See the pattern?
What’s Different This Time?
Now, I’m not going to sugarcoat everything. There are some changes worth paying attention to.
The Language Has Shifted (Slightly)
Previous years’ instructions used language like “Unless a new intake for the [year] is implemented…” That word “unless” made it feel conditional, like maybe it wouldn’t happen.
This year’s instructions are worded a bit differently. They simply state that applications won’t be accepted “until further instructions are issued”—treating the reopening more as a matter of when, not if.
Is that significant? Maybe. It could be just a drafting change, or it could signal more confidence in reopening the program. Hard to say for sure.
The Numbers Are Dropping—And That’s Important
Here’s where things get more concrete. The number of applications they’re planning to process has dropped significantly:
- 2024: Up to 37,000 applications
- 2025: Up to 15,000 applications
- 2026: Up to 10,000 applications
That’s a steep decline, and it mirrors the overall reduction in immigration levels. The government plans to admit just 15,000 new permanent residents through the PGP in 2026, down from 24,500 in 2025.
What does this mean practically? Well, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has a smaller backlog to work through. They could potentially hit their immigration targets just by processing applications already in the system, without opening a new intake at all.
That’s the real concern here—not the ministerial instructions themselves, but whether the math works out in favor of a new intake.
So Will There Be a 2026 Intake or Not?
Honestly? Nobody knows for certain yet, and anyone who tells you otherwise is guessing.
But here’s what we can reasonably expect: the government has maintained this program through various challenges, and the annual pattern has held steady for four consecutive years. The instructions still leave the door open for a new intake.
That said, the reduced processing numbers do mean there’s less urgency to open things up this year. The government has more breathing room to work through existing applications.
What Should You Do Right Now?
If you’re hoping to sponsor your parents or grandparents, here’s my practical advice:
Stay prepared. When the PGP opens, it typically doesn’t stay open long. Sometimes it’s just a matter of days or even minutes before capacity is reached. Have your documents ready, even if we’re in this waiting period.
Watch for updates. Follow official IRCC channels and trusted immigration news sources. The announcement could come at any time, and you’ll want to know immediately.
Don’t panic over headlines. The “closure” announced at the start of the year is standard procedure. It’s the subsequent announcement (or lack thereof) that really matters.
Consider alternatives. While you wait, look into other options like the Super Visa, which allows parents and grandparents to visit for extended periods. It’s not permanent residence, but it can keep families together while you wait for the PGP.
Get professional advice if needed. Every family’s situation is different. If your case has complexities, consulting with a licensed immigration consultant or lawyer can help you understand your best options.
The Bigger Picture
Immigration policies don’t exist in a vacuum. Canada is balancing multiple pressures right now: housing shortages, healthcare capacity, economic needs, and public opinion on immigration levels.
The PGP is particularly sensitive because it brings in individuals who typically aren’t entering the workforce, at a time when the government is focusing on economic immigration. That’s not a judgment—just the reality of the policy environment.
But family reunification remains a core pillar of Canada’s immigration system, and the PGP has survived previous challenges. The fact that the ministerial instructions preserve the ability to reopen the program is genuinely significant.
Bottom Line
Yes, the Parents and Grandparents Program is technically closed for new applications right now in 2026. But that’s exactly how it’s been every January for the past four years, and it reopened every single time.
The real question isn’t whether it’s closed now—it’s whether it will reopen later this year. The reduced processing numbers create some uncertainty, but the structure of the ministerial instructions suggests the government is keeping its options open.
For families hoping to reunite with their parents and grandparents in Canada, this is still very much a waiting game. Stay informed, stay prepared, and don’t let the January closure headlines discourage you completely.
The door might be closed right now, but nobody’s thrown away the key just yet.
Last updated: January 2026. Immigration policies and ministerial instructions can change. Always verify current information through official IRCC channels or a licensed immigration professional.
Related Articles You Might Find Helpful:
- Understanding Canada’s Super Visa: A Guide for Parents and Grandparents
- How to Prepare Your PGP Application (When the Program Opens)
- Canada’s 2026 Immigration Levels Plan: What Changed and Why
- Family Sponsorship in Canada: All Your Options Explained
Have questions about the PGP or your sponsorship options? Share them in the comments below—our community of readers often has valuable insights and experiences to share.
