The Parents and Grandparents Program closed for 2026 has left many families in Canada searching for alternatives to sponsor their parents or grandparents. In response, some applicants are being advised—often incorrectly—to apply under Humanitarian and Compassionate (H&C) grounds as a replacement pathway.
This is a serious misconception.
H&C applications are not designed to replace the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP), and filing one solely because the PGP is closed can lead to refusal, wasted time, and significant emotional and financial stress.
In this article, our Ottawa immigration lawyers at Venko Law Firm explain why H&C is not the right solution, what IRCC looks for in genuine H&C cases, and what realistic options families should consider while the PGP remains closed for 2026.
👉 Learn more about our firm at Venko Law Firm.
Understanding the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP)
The Parents and Grandparents Program is Canada’s primary family reunification pathway for sponsoring parents and grandparents for permanent residence.
Key Features of the PGP
- Requires meeting Minimum Necessary Income (MNI)
- Uses a lottery-based intake system
- Leads directly to permanent residence
- Designed specifically for family reunification
IRCC Update for 2026
According to IRCC, the Parents and Grandparents Program is closed for 2026, with no new interest-to-sponsor invitations being issued. IRCC continues to prioritize processing applications from previous intake years.
⚠️ Immigration programs, timelines, and policies may change. Always consult an immigration lawyer in Ottawa before making decisions.
Why Humanitarian & Compassionate (H&C) Is Not a PGP Alternative
What Is an H&C Application?
A Humanitarian and Compassionate (H&C) application allows certain applicants to request permanent residence from within Canada when they do not meet standard immigration requirements due to exceptional hardship.
Learn more about humanitarian & compassionate immigration applications.
What H&C Is NOT Meant For
H&C applications are not intended to:
- Bypass closed immigration programs
- Replace family sponsorship categories
- Fast-track parents or grandparents to PR
- Serve as a “backup” when PGP is unavailable
IRCC officers assess H&C applications very strictly.
Why Most PGP-Based H&C Applications Get Refused
1. No Exceptional Hardship
IRCC has consistently ruled that:
“Family separation alone does not constitute sufficient H&C grounds.”
If parents are healthy, financially stable, and living safely abroad, an H&C application will almost certainly fail.
2. Parents Outside Canada Are Ineligible
H&C applications are generally meant for applicants already in Canada. Parents or grandparents living overseas do not qualify unless exceptional circumstances exist.
3. Financial Inconvenience Is Not Enough
Inability to meet PGP income requirements or frustration with program closures does not meet the legal threshold for H&C approval.
4. High Refusal Rates
H&C applications based solely on PGP closure face:
- Long processing times (often 2–3 years)
- High refusal risk
- Limited appeal options
H&C Eligibility vs PGP: A Comparison Table
| Criteria | PGP Sponsorship | H&C Application |
| Purpose | Family reunification permanent residency | Relief due to exceptional hardship |
| Applicant location requirement | Parents/grandparents can be inside Canada or abroad; Sponsor must reside in Canada during process | Applicant must usually be inside Canada |
| Income requirement | Yes — Minimum Necessary Income (MNI) required | No formal MNI (but financial necessity may be part of hardship argument) |
| Approval standard | Objective legislative eligibility criteria | Highly discretionary based on hardship evidence |
| Success likelihood if used incorrectly | Low refusal risk if eligible | High refusal risk when misused |
Realistic Alternatives While PGP Is Closed for 2026
1. Super Visa for Parents and Grandparents
The Super Visa allows parents and grandparents to:
- Stay in Canada up to 5 years per entry
- Enjoy multiple entries for up to 10 years
While it does not lead to PR, it is the most practical temporary solution.
2. Strategic Long-Term Planning
An experienced family sponsorship lawyer in Ottawa can:
- Assess future PGP eligibility
- Prepare financial documentation early
- Monitor IRCC intake announcements
3. Avoid High-Risk Applications
Filing a weak H&C application can negatively affect future immigration options and credibility with IRCC.
⚖️Need help with your Canadian immigration process?
If you are considering an H&C application because the Parents and Grandparents Program closed for 2026, do not proceed without legal advice.
👉 Book your first free assessment call with our experienced immigration lawyers in Ottawa to evaluate your family’s options properly.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Yes. IRCC has confirmed that the Parents and Grandparents Program is closed for 2026, with no new invitations planned.
Source: IRCC – canada.ca
In most cases, “No”. Program closure alone does not meet H&C requirements and often results in refusal.
Generally no. H&C applications are intended for applicants already in Canada facing exceptional hardship.
The Super Visa is currently the most reliable option for long-term parental visits.