Canada Suspends New Parent Sponsorship Applications, Indians in Canada Face Setback
Summarized by AI; it may make mistakes. Check important info
Summarized by AI; it may make mistakes. Check important info
The Canadian government has temporarily suspended accepting new applications under its Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP), a move expected to affect thousands of families, including a large number of Indians hoping to sponsor their parents for permanent residency.
The decision, announced by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) on July 15, is aimed at reducing a growing application backlog and improving processing times. Until further notice, Canadians and permanent residents will not be able to submit new Interest to Sponsor forms under the programme.
Why has Canada paused new applications?
According to IRCC, demand for the Parents and Grandparents Program has consistently exceeded the number of available spots.
When the government last accepted new Interest to Sponsor forms in 2020, it received more than 2,03,000 applications. Since then, invitations have been issued through a lottery system using that existing pool of applicants.
With nearly 50,900 applications still awaiting processing, the government has decided to pause new entries while it clears the backlog. The move also comes as Canada tightens immigration policies amid concerns over housing shortages, healthcare pressures and the rising cost of living.
Existing applicants unaffected
The suspension does not affect applicants already in the system.
The Canadian government said it plans to grant 15,000 permanent residency approvals under the Parents and Grandparents Program in 2026, with the same target of 15,000 admissions each in 2027 and 2028.
Year | PGP Permanent Residency Target |
2026 | 15,000 |
2027 | 15,000 |
2028 | 15,000 |
Super Visa remains the only alternative
Families hoping to bring parents or grandparents to Canada have been advised to consider the Super Visa, which allows extended visits but does not provide permanent resident status.
Super Visa: Key features
- Allows parents and grandparents to stay in Canada for up to five years per visit.
- Multiple-entry visa valid for up to 10 years.
- Applicants must purchase private medical insurance.
- Sponsors must meet minimum income requirements and take financial responsibility.
Unlike the Parents and Grandparents Program, Super Visa holders remain temporary visitors and are not eligible for provincial public healthcare or a pathway to Canadian citizenship.
Indian families likely to feel the impact
The suspension is expected to particularly affect Indo-Canadian families, as India remains Canada's largest source of permanent residents.
For many Indian immigrants, sponsoring parents is considered a key milestone after securing permanent residency. Beyond family reunification, parents and grandparents often play an important role in childcare, enabling working couples to remain in the workforce.
While the Super Visa provides an alternative, the high cost of mandatory private health insurance and the lack of permanent resident benefits make it a less attractive option for many families.
The latest decision forms part of Canada's broader efforts to manage immigration levels while addressing pressure on housing, healthcare and public infrastructure.
