OTTAWA – For thousands of Pakistani families dreaming of reuniting with their parents and grandparents in Canada, that dream has been put on hold.
Canadian authorities suspended new applications under its Parent and Grandparent Sponsorship Program, leaving many hopeful sponsors waiting while the government focuses on clearing a growing backlog.
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) placed immediate pause on accepting new Interest to Sponsor forms and issuing invitations to prospective sponsors until further notice. Authorities said the suspension is aimed at tackling mounting demand for the program and easing pressure on a growing backlog of applications. Officials emphasized that previously submitted applications will continue to be processed and will not be affected by the temporary freeze.
As part of its backlog reduction strategy, Canadian government has set target of granting 15,000 permanent residence approvals through the Parent and Grandparent Program in 2026, focusing exclusively on applications already in the system.
Parent and Grandparent Program has long been one of Canada’s most sought-after family reunification pathways, allowing Canadian citizens and permanent residents to sponsor their parents and grandparents for permanent residency.
While suspension closed the door on new sponsorship applications for now, the government has reassured families that the Super Visa remains available as an alternative. Although it does not provide permanent resident status, the Super Visa allows parents and grandparents to stay in Canada for extended periods, enabling families to spend significant time together.
Immigration experts believe the latest move shows Canada’s broader effort to tighten immigration policies amid increasing pressure on housing, public services, and infrastructure. The temporary suspension is being viewed as part of a wider strategy to better manage immigration levels while clearing existing application backlogs.
For thousands of Pakistani families and other immigrant communities who were preparing to sponsor their parents or grandparents, the announcement represents a significant setback, leaving many to wait for the government to reopen one of Canada’s most important family reunification programs.
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