Why closed-program information still matters
A closed or paused intake does not always mean IRCC has stopped processing files. In almost every case below, IRCC continues to process applications it received before the deadline. People with existing files must follow the instructions for the program they applied under. People hoping to apply now should not treat these names as current options.
Programs currently paused
| Program | Since | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| Parents and Grandparents Program | July 15, 2026 | No new interest-to-sponsor forms or invitations until further notice. IRCC plans to approve up to 15,000 people under the program in 2026 and continues processing existing applications. The super visa remains available. |
| Start-up Visa | June 30, 2026 | Final deadline for applicants with a valid 2025 commitment certificate. Closed to all other applications. Files received before the deadline are processed. |
| Self-Employed Persons (federal) | April 30, 2024 | Pause extended until further notice on December 19, 2025. |
See federal business programs and family sponsorship for details.
Programs and public policies currently closed
| Program | Closed | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Hong Kong residents in Canada (Streams A and B) | August 31, 2026 | Applications accepted on or before that date are processed. A separate open work permit for these applicants remains available until May 2029. |
| Home Care Worker Immigration pilots (caregivers) | Intake paused December 19, 2025 | IRCC lists the pilots as closed. Existing applications are processed. See caregiver pathways. |
| Families of flight PS752 victims | October 27, 2025 | Applications accepted before the closing date are processed. |
| Agri-Food Pilot | May 14, 2025 | Applications accepted before that date are processed. See Agri-Food Pilot. |
| People affected by the conflict in Sudan (family-based pathway) | April 17, 2025 | Capped at 1,700 applications, assessed in the order received. |
| Out-of-status construction workers in the Greater Toronto Area | December 31, 2024 | Applications submitted on or before that date are processed. |
| Ukrainian nationals with family in Canada | October 22, 2024 | Applications received on or before the closing date are processed. |
| Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot (RNIP) | August 31, 2024 | Applications received on or before that date are processed. Current community-based routes are the Rural and Francophone Community Immigration pilots. |
| Family-based pathway for Colombians, Haitians and Venezuelans | Closed | IRCC received enough applications to fill the available spaces. No closing date is given. |
| Resettled Yazidis and survivors of Daesh | Closed | The limit of 400 applications was reached. |
| Economic Mobility Pathways Pilot (EMPP) | Closed | Closed to new applications. |
| Temporary resident to permanent resident (TR to PR) pathway | November 5, 2021 | People still waiting for a decision on a 2021 application can apply for an open work permit until December 31, 2026. |
How to read a paused or closed status
- Confirm whether the program is paused or permanently closed.
- Check whether a narrow transition deadline or work-permit measure still applies to existing applicants.
- Keep proof of the date your application was submitted and accepted.
- Do not assume an old job offer, endorsement, commitment or support letter creates a current pathway.
- Assess alternatives under their own current eligibility rules.
If you find an old program online
- Check the official statusOpen the current IRCC page and find the exact pause or closure wording and date.
- Separate old files from new intakeDecide whether the question is about an existing application or about applying now.
- Keep existing-file evidenceKeep submission confirmations, application numbers and proof that you met the former deadline.
- Review current alternativesCompare open federal, provincial, regional, family or protection routes without carrying over the old program's criteria.
Important points
- Paused and closed programs must not be advertised as open pathways.
- Processing of an old application does not mean intake has reopened.
- A new program with a similar name may have different communities, occupations and requirements.
- Check the official page's latest status before signing a service or employment agreement.
Frequently asked questions
Can I still apply to the Parents and Grandparents Program?
Not at the moment. Since July 15, 2026, IRCC has accepted no new interest-to-sponsor forms and has issued no invitations, until further notice. Existing applications continue to be processed, and the super visa remains available.
Can I still apply to the Start-up Visa?
No. June 30, 2026 was the final deadline for applicants with a valid 2025 commitment certificate, and the program is closed to all other applications. Files received before the deadline are processed.
My application was filed before a program closed. What happens to it?
In almost every case above, IRCC continues to process applications it received or accepted before the closing date. Follow the instructions for the program you applied under, and keep your proof of submission.
Official sources
- IRCC: Immigrate to Canada (programs that are paused or closed)
- IRCC notice: Managing the Parents and Grandparents Program (July 15, 2026)
- IRCC: Start-up Visa
- IRCC: Self-Employed Persons, how to apply
- IRCC notice: Hong Kong permanent residence pathways closing (August 28, 2026)
- IRCC: Caregivers
- IRCC: Families of flight PS752 victims
- IRCC: Agri-Food Pilot
- IRCC: Sudan family-based pathway
- IRCC: Out-of-status construction workers
- IRCC: Ukrainian family reunification pathway
- IRCC: Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot
- IRCC: Family-based pathway for Colombians, Haitians and Venezuelans
- IRCC: Resettled Yazidis and survivors of Daesh
- IRCC: Economic Mobility Pathways Pilot
- IRCC: TR to PR pathway
This page is general information about Canadian immigration law and policy as of the date above. It is not legal advice for your situation. Programs, forms and fees change often; check the official sources before you apply.