Canada Suspends New Parent and Grandparent Sponsorship Applications
Canada has suspended new applications under its Parents and Grandparents Program as Prime Minister Mark Carney’s government continues tightening immigration levels.
The programme was officially paused on July 15, 2026. Canadian immigration authorities will not accept new expressions of interest or invite additional prospective sponsors to apply until further notice.
Existing Applications Will Still Be Processed
The suspension does not cancel applications already submitted under the programme. Authorities will continue processing the existing backlog and plan to admit up to 15,000 parents and grandparents as permanent residents across 2026 and 2027.
Demand for family sponsorship has consistently exceeded the number of places available under Canada’s immigration targets. The government said the pause was necessary to control the backlog and reduce prolonged waiting periods.
Applicants who were previously invited to apply will remain subject to the existing processing system.
Super Visa Remains Available
Parents and grandparents who cannot enter through the permanent residence sponsorship programme may still apply for Canada’s Super Visa.
The visa allows eligible parents and grandparents to remain in Canada for up to five years during each visit and permits multiple entries over a ten-year period. Eligible visitors may also seek extensions while inside Canada.
However, the Super Visa does not provide permanent residence and requires applicants to satisfy financial, medical insurance and other eligibility conditions.
Immigration Restrictions Affect Indian Families
The decision is expected to affect Indian-origin families significantly because Indians form one of Canada’s largest immigrant communities.
Canada has reduced both permanent and temporary immigration targets amid concerns over housing shortages, pressure on healthcare and infrastructure, and rapid population growth.
The Carney government is also seeking to lower the proportion of temporary residents by tightening rules for international students and foreign workers while prioritising selected economic immigration categories.
