Family Sponsorship Update — August 27, 2026

What You Should Do

• -If you were planning to sponsor your parents or grandparents, check the official PGP page at canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/immigrate-canada/family-sponsorship/sponsor-parents-grandparents.html regularly for updates on when the program will reopen.
• -If you are sponsoring a spouse or partner and they are outside Canada, advise them to apply for a visitor visa now so they can join you while the PR application is processed. If approved, they can apply for an Open Work Permit (OWP) upon arrival. Visit canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/immigrate-canada/family-sponsorship/spouse-partner-children/track-update-application.html for instructions.
• -If your sponsored family member's last country of residence was the Democratic Republic of the Congo, South Sudan, or Uganda, check the special measures notice at canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/application/check-processing-times.html and expect extended processing times beyond the standard estimates.
• -If you have an active sponsorship application, update any changes to your contact information or application details using the IRCC web form (not by mail) to avoid processing delays. Find the web form linked from your IRCC portal.
• -If you are sponsoring a spouse or partner, ensure they complete biometrics within 30 days of receiving IRCC's biometrics request letter. They must bring the letter and their passport to a biometric collection site.