Parents and Grandparents Program

Overview

Parents and Grandparents Program

IRCC paused new Parents and Grandparents Program intake on July 15, 2026. It is not accepting new interest forms or issuing new invitations until further notice, while existing applications continue to be processed.

Do not pay anyone for an invitation

The program is paused. Earlier rounds used invitations connected to the 2020 interest-to-sponsor pool; an agent cannot create a place or sell access to an invitation.

Monitor IRCC’s program page for a formal reopening announcement.

Existing applicants still need to qualify

A sponsor must meet residence, status, income and undertaking requirements for the applicable years. Family size and co-signer information must be calculated consistently.

Changes such as birth, divorce, death or loss of income should be disclosed when required.

The undertaking is long-term

Sponsors and co-signers can remain responsible for repaying social assistance during the undertaking even after relationship, employment or financial circumstances change. Quebec has its own undertaking process.

Review the commitment before signing rather than treating it as a formality.

Consider temporary family visits

A parent or grandparent may separately qualify for a super visa or ordinary visitor visa. Those are temporary routes and require evidence of admissibility and departure at the end of authorized stay.

A pending or paused sponsorship option does not guarantee visitor approval.