July was a busy month in Canadian immigration. Some changes created new opportunities, while others raised important questions for applicants already in the system.
If you’re planning your pathway to permanent residence or simply trying to maintain your status in Canada, here are the biggest developments from July and what they could mean for you.
Parent and Grandparent Program: The Pause Is Now Official
The federal government has officially paused the Parent and Grandparent Program (PGP).
At this time:
- No new Interest to Sponsor forms are being accepted.
- No additional Invitations to Apply (ITAs) will be issued until further notice.
For families hoping to bring parents or grandparents to Canada, this means the Super Visa is currently the primary available option.
While a Super Visa is not permanent residence, it allows eligible parents and grandparents to stay in Canada for extended periods as visitors and can be a viable solution while the PGP remains paused.
If your long-term goal is family reunification, it’s still worth preparing your documents and staying informed in case the program reopens in the future.
PGWP Refusals Raise Questions About Program Eligibility
One of the most discussed immigration stories this month involves approximately 1,500 Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) applications that were reportedly refused because applicants completed non-credit programs.
IRCC has stated that this eligibility requirement has always existed. However, some immigration professionals and stakeholders have questioned whether these refusals reflect a retroactive interpretation of policy or a lack of fairness. It also encompasses a bigger discussion about the importance of being able to rely on a government as an essential part of trusting that government.
At this stage, that discussion is still evolving.
Regardless of how that debate develops, there is an important lesson for current and future international students and PGWP applicants.
Document the Eligibility Rules That Apply to You
Policies and website content change over time. If you are beginning a program that you hope will qualify for a PGWP:
- Take screenshots of the PGWP eligibility requirements when you enroll.
- Save screenshots again when you submit your PGWP application.
- Keep copies of any official information your school provides regarding your program.
IRCC has made it increasingly difficult to access older versions of some webpages, making it harder to verify what information was available at a particular point in time.
Most importantly, if there is any uncertainty about whether your program qualifies, seek advice from a licensed immigration professional. Do not rely only on what the educational institution says.
Alberta Continues Strong Provincial Nominee Activity
For applicants living and working in Alberta, July brought encouraging news.
Between July 1 and July 17, the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP) held six invitation rounds.
Overall, Alberta has now issued more than 10,000 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) in 2026.
The most active streams continue to be:
- Alberta Opportunity Stream
- Accelerated Tech Pathway
If you currently have a qualifying job offer in Alberta, now is an excellent time to review whether you may be eligible under one of the AAIP streams.
Express Entry Remains Active Across Multiple Categories
Express Entry also remained busy throughout July.
The month included six invitation rounds, bringing the total number of ITAs issued in 2026 to more than 104,000.
Several trends stand out.
Francophone Category Continues to Lead
French-speaking candidates have received approximately 38% of all Express Entry invitations issued in 2026, showing that category-based selection continues to play a major role.
Healthcare and Social Services Stay Strong
The Healthcare and Social Services category held its second draw of the year, issuing 4,000 invitations with a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 475.
Senior Management Appears to Be Gaining Momentum
The Senior Management category also held its second draw.
Although they are still relatively new, seeing multiple rounds suggests these categories may become a more regular part of Express Entry selection.
If your work experience fits one of the category-based selection groups, it’s worth reviewing your eligibility carefully.
What Should You Do Next?
Immigration policies continue to evolve, but there are a few practical steps that can help you stay prepared:
- Keep your Express Entry profile active and up to date.
- Review whether you qualify for any category-based draws.
- If you work in Alberta, check your eligibility for AAIP.
- If you’re studying in Canada, document PGWP eligibility requirements throughout your studies.
- If you’re hoping to sponsor parents or grandparents, explore whether the Super Visa may meet your family’s needs while the PGP remains paused.
If you’re unsure which pathway fits your situation, getting personalized advice early can help you avoid costly mistakes and make informed decisions with confidence. Enjoy your summer!
