Parents & Grandparents Sponsorship Pause: Practical Planning for Employers and Employees

A Parents & Grandparents Sponsorship Pause Is Also a Workforce Issue.

The federal government's pause on new Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) applications is more than an immigration announcement.

For some employees, delayed family reunification may affect:

• Workplace flexibility

• Childcare and family support

• Relocation decisions

• Employee well-being

• Long-term retention

As employers continue competing for talent, understanding the personal realities behind workforce participation matters.

What practical steps can employers and employees take to plan through this period of uncertainty?

For Employers

Understand That Family Stability Affects Workforce Stability

The Parents and Grandparents Program pause may affect employees who were planning for long-term family reunification. While not every employee will be impacted, changes to family support arrangements can influence attendance, flexibility, relocation decisions and overall well-being.

Create Opportunities for Open Conversations

Managers don't need to ask about an employee's immigration status or personal circumstances. Instead, foster a workplace culture where employees feel comfortable discussing changes that may affect their work schedule, availability or support needs.

Early conversations often lead to better planning for both the employee and the employer.

Review Workplace Flexibility

Where operationally possible, consider practical measures such as:

• Flexible scheduling

• Temporary adjustments to working hours

• Vacation planning

• Personal leave options

• Remote or hybrid work arrangements where appropriate

Small adjustments may help employees manage unexpected family responsibilities while maintaining productivity.

Recognize the Impact on Employee Retention

When family plans change unexpectedly, employees may experience additional financial pressures, increased travel, childcare challenges or emotional stress.

Organizations that acknowledge these realities and provide practical support are often better positioned to retain valuable employees over the long term.

Connect Employees to Trusted Resources

Employers are not expected to provide immigration advice.

However, they can support employees by directing them to reliable government information and reputable community organizations that can assist with settlement planning, family support, financial planning and related services.

Helping employees find the right resources can reduce uncertainty and allow them to focus on work with greater confidence.

Build Family Considerations into Workforce Planning

As organizations continue recruiting and retaining international talent, family circumstances increasingly influence workforce outcomes.

Considering family support as part of workforce planning can strengthen employee engagement, improve retention and contribute to a more resilient workforce.

For Employees

Stay Informed Through Official Sources

Immigration programs can change over time. Rely on official Government of Canada updates and avoid making important decisions based on rumours or social media speculation.

Understanding what has changed—and what has not—can help you make informed decisions for your family.

Review Your Family Support Plan

If your long-term plans included sponsoring your parents or grandparents, take time to review how this pause may affect your family's short- and medium-term plans.

Consider questions such as:

• Will childcare arrangements change?

• Will family members need to travel more frequently?

• Will housing plans need to be adjusted?

• Are there alternative ways to maintain family support while you wait?

Planning ahead can reduce stress and create greater stability.

Speak With Your Employer Early

If changes to your family situation may affect your work schedule, travel plans or availability, consider discussing them with your employer before they become urgent.

Many employers are willing to explore practical solutions when they understand the situation early.

Open communication helps both employees and employers plan more effectively.

Review Your Financial Plan

Changes to immigration timelines may affect household expenses.

Take time to review:

• Family travel costs

• Childcare expenses

• Household budgeting

• Insurance requirements

• Emergency savings

Understanding the financial impact now can help you prepare for future decisions with greater confidence.

Explore Alternative Options

Although new applications under the Parents and Grandparents Program are currently paused, other pathways, such as the Super Visa, may still be available for some families.

Before making decisions, seek information from official government sources and, where appropriate, qualified immigration professionals.

Focus on Long-Term Stability

Policy changes can be frustrating, but they do not necessarily mean your long-term goals have changed.

Continue building your career, strengthening your financial position and creating stability for your family while monitoring future government announcements.

Being prepared today will help you respond more confidently when new opportunities become available.

Need Workforce Support?

Workforce challenges don't always begin in the workplace.

Changes to immigration policy, housing, family circumstances, workforce planning and funding can all affect employee stability and long-term retention.

CNAP Canada works with employers, organizations and community partners to help strengthen workforce participation through practical planning, workforce support and strategic guidance.

Whether you're supporting existing employees or preparing for future workforce needs, we're here to help.

Explore CNAP Workforce Support Services →

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