Canada has made an important change that could affect millions of Indian workers living in the country.
Many Indians who become permanent residents (PR) in Canada hope to bring their parents and grandparents to live with them permanently.
Until now, this was possible through the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP).
However, the Canadian government has now decided to temporarily stop accepting new applications under this program.
No New PR Sponsorship Applications for Now
According to a Canadian government press release issued on July 15, 2026, new applications under the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) have been suspended until further notice.
This means permanent residents will not be able to submit new sponsorship applications for their parents or grandparents until the government lifts the suspension.
However, there is some relief for those who have already applied.
The government has confirmed that existing PGP applications will continue to be processed.
At present, Canada’s Immigration Department has around 50,900 pending applications under the program.
Canada Sets PR Target for the Next Three Years
Even though new applications have been paused, Canada has announced its target for granting permanent residency under the Parents and Grandparents Program.
| Year | PR Target Under PGP |
|---|---|
| 2026 | 15,000 |
| 2027 | 15,000 |
| 2028 | 15,000 |
The current estimated processing time is:
18 months for applicants planning to settle outside Quebec.
54 months for applicants planning to settle in Quebec.
The PGP is one of Canada’s key family reunification programs. Since demand is much higher than the number of available spots, the government selects applicants through a lottery system.
The program was last opened for new eligible sponsors in 2020.
Why This Is a Big Concern for Indian Workers
The decision is expected to have the biggest impact on Indian families.
Millions of Indians are living and working in Canada, and many have already obtained permanent residency.
For them, the Parents and Grandparents Program has been one of the main ways to reunite with their families.
With new applications now on hold, many Indian permanent residents will have to wait before they can sponsor their parents or grandparents for PR.
For many families, this delays their dream of living together in Canada.
There Is Still One Option
Although the PR sponsorship route has been temporarily suspended, parents and grandparents can still visit Canada on a visitor visa.
While this does not provide permanent resident status, it allows families to spend time together until the government decides whether to reopen the Parents and Grandparents Program.
