Canada: Thousands of Indian families, particularly from Punjab, have been affected after the Canadian government paused new applications under the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP), significantly limiting opportunities for permanent family reunification.
The suspension, which came into effect on July 15, 2026, means Canadian permanent residents and citizens can no longer submit fresh sponsorship requests to bring their parents or grandparents to Canada as permanent residents. Immigration authorities have clarified that the restriction applies only to new applications, while files already submitted before the deadline will continue to be processed.
The decision is expected to have the greatest impact on Punjab, where a large number of families have relatives settled in Canada. For many immigrants, sponsoring parents after securing permanent residency has long been considered an important milestone in establishing their families abroad.
Government cites application backlog
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) attributed the move to an overwhelming backlog and growing demand for the program. Officials noted that tens of thousands of sponsorship applications remain pending, making it necessary to halt fresh intake while existing cases are cleared.
The government said prioritising the current inventory would help improve processing timelines and ensure the immigration system remains manageable.
Existing applicants unaffected
Authorities have assured applicants whose files were submitted before July 15 that their applications remain valid and will continue through the normal assessment process. The temporary pause affects only new sponsorship registrations and invitations.
Canada has also maintained its target of granting permanent residence to thousands of parents and grandparents under its existing immigration plan, using the applications already in the processing pipeline.
Super Visa remains available
Although the permanent sponsorship route has been temporarily closed, families can still use Canada’s Super Visa programme.
The visa allows parents and grandparents to stay in Canada for extended periods, with multiple entries over a 10-year validity. However, unlike the PGP, it does not provide permanent resident status, making it a temporary alternative rather than a long-term settlement solution.
Punjabi families among the worst affected
Immigration consultants believe the suspension will disproportionately affect Punjabi families because of the province’s deep migration links with Canada. Many young immigrants had planned to sponsor their parents after obtaining permanent residency, but those plans have now been put on hold.
Families from Punjab’s Doaba and Malwa regions, where overseas migration is especially common, are expected to feel the impact most strongly.
Programme may return in future
Experts believe the suspension is not necessarily permanent. They suggest the Canadian government could reopen the Parents and Grandparents Program once the backlog is reduced and future immigration targets are revised.
Until then, prospective sponsors will have to wait for further announcements, while the Super Visa remains the primary legal pathway for parents and grandparents wishing to spend extended time with their families in Canada.
