16775 Yonge St, Unit 216C, Newmarket, ON L3Y 8J4 CICC Verified RCIC #R526618
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Imani Immigration Elnaz Imani, RCIC #R526618
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Program Status: New Intake Currently Paused by IRCC

Parents & Grandparents Sponsorship (PGP)

If you already have a file in the PGP system, it is still being processed. If you are hoping to start a new application, understand what is currently happening with IRCC intake and how to bridge the gap with a Super Visa. Supervised by Elnaz Imani, RCIC #R526618.

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Explore Super Visa Alternatives

PGP Status At-A-Glance

New Intake Status: Paused by IRCC
Backlog Processing: Active Files Proceeding
Alternative Option: Super Visa (Open 5-Yr Stay)
Sponsor Income Benchmark: 3 Years 30% Above LICO
Undertaking Length: 20 Years Financial Commitment
IRCC Program Update

Current Status: What's Paused and What Isn't

IRCC announced a pause on new applications under the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP), as part of an effort to maintain a well-managed, sustainable immigration system. This is the third consecutive year that no new PGP intake round has opened, with IRCC instead focusing on processing the existing backlog.

What is Paused
  • • No new interest-to-sponsor forms accepted
  • • No new invitations to apply being issued
  • • No fresh queue or lottery to join
What is Still Moving
  • • Existing PGP applications continue processing
  • • Backlog reduction targets ongoing
  • • Super Visa applications fully operational

What Should Families Do Now?

1. Check Existing Queue Status: If you submitted an interest-to-sponsor form during the 2020 intake window, verify whether your file remains active in the pool.

2. Prepare Documentation in Advance: Gather CRA Notices of Assessment (NOAs) and relationship proof now so you are ready if IRCC unexpectedly reopens intake.

3. Consider the Super Visa: If your parents need to be in Canada right now, apply for a Super Visa to secure up to 5 consecutive years of stay per visit without status renewals.

View Super Visa Alternative Guide →

Explore Related Family & Visitor Pathways

Alternative legal services while PGP intake remains closed.

Super Visa (Parents)

Multi-entry 5-year stay visas for parents with Canadian medical insurance compliance.

Spousal Sponsorship

Inland and Outland spousal sponsorship applications with Spousal Open Work Permits.

Express Entry & CEC

Permanent Residence pathways under Canadian Experience Class, FSWP, and category draws.

Study Permits & PGWP

Navigating student caps, Provincial Attestation Letters (PAL), and Post-Grad Work Permits.

Notary & Commissioning

Commissioning invitation affidavits, support letters, and document true copies.

Newmarket Practice Hub

Visit our main office at 16775 Yonge St for in-person family consultations or book online.

Frequently Asked Questions — PGP Status & Alternatives

Regulatory facts compiled by Elnaz Imani, RCIC #R526618.

No. IRCC is not accepting new interest-to-sponsor forms while the intake pause remains in effect.
Some applicants from that original pool are still being invited and processed as part of the existing backlog. If you submitted during that window and haven't heard back, your file may still be active — we can help confirm its status.
Yes. Families who prepare sponsor and dependent documentation in advance will be ready to apply immediately if and when IRCC reopens PGP intake.
Quebec doesn't run a separate PGP intake independent of IRCC, though Quebec-resident sponsors go through an additional provincial step. Ask us for specifics if this applies to you.