Canada has suspended new applications for the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) until further notice, the immigration department announced on July 15, 2026. The move aims to manage existing backlogs, as officials continue processing 15,000 applications this year to balance immigration levels while leaving thousands of families seeking reunification in limbo.
Suspension of the Parents and Grandparents Program
The federal government’s decision to halt new intakes marks a significant shift for the Parents and Grandparents Program, a pathway that has relied on a lottery-like system since 2020. According to a statement from the immigration department, the pause is intended to allow the government to “responsibly manage” the program. Officials noted that they are currently focused on clearing existing files, with a stated objective of approving 15,000 permanent residence applications throughout 2026.
This suspension follows years of high demand that consistently outpaced available spots. In 2020, the last time the intake window for expressions of interest was open, the government received 203,213 unique submissions. Since then, the system has operated by drawing from that initial pool. As of mid-July 2026, the government reports a total inventory of 50,900 applications in progress, with 40,400 of those originating from outside Quebec and 10,500 from within the province.
Policy Rationales and Immigration Targets
The government frames the current pause as a necessary step to restore balance to the broader immigration system. Taous Ait, a spokesperson for immigration minister Lena Metlege Diab, stated that the decision follows annual assessments of the department’s inventory. The goal, according to the department, is to support timely processing, while maintaining public confidence in Canada’s immigration system.
However, the reduction in available spots has been gradual. While the 2025–2027 plan targeted 21,500 admissions for this year, the current 2026–2028 plan has lowered that annual target to 15,000.
| Year | PGP Admissions Target |
|---|---|
| 2026 | 15,000 |
| 2027 | 15,000 |
| 2028 | 15,000 |
Criticism From Opposition and Legal Experts
The announcement has drawn sharp rebukes from critics who argue the system is failing families. NDP immigration critic Jenny Kwan described the government’s actions as a slap in the face of families who has waited so long to reunite with their loved ones.
Kwan emphasized that the ongoing closure of the application system continues to prevent thousands from sponsoring their family members, warning that at the current pace, it could take decades to clear the existing backlog.
“It has remained closed since 2020, shattering dreams of family reunification for thousands of Canadians and permanent residents. Families who have been eagerly waiting for the application system to reopen, are once again being told by the Liberals that they are out of luck.”
Jenny Kwan, NDP immigration critic
Alternatives for Families
For those currently unable to pursue permanent residence for their relatives, the government suggests utilizing the Super Visa program. Unlike the permanent residency pathway, the Super Visa is a temporary measure that allows parents and grandparents to visit Canada for up to five years at a time. The visa remains valid for up to 10 years, though it requires the host relative to meet specific income requirements and maintain health insurance for the visiting family members. As of July 2026, there is no indication from the government regarding when the permanent sponsorship intake will reopen, leaving families to rely on these temporary arrangements indefinitely.
Find more reporting in our News section.
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