Canada Imposes Restrictions on Family Reunification from 12 Arab Countries

The Canadian government has announced new changes to its immigration policies, suspending the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) for 2026, making the Super Visa the only option for long-term visits and family stays.

This decision imposes strict restrictions on family reunification for more than 12 Arab countries in the Middle East.

The affected countries include: United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Jordan, Oman, Egypt, Iraq, Lebanon, Palestine, Syria, Turkey, and Cyprus.

Applicants from these countries must undergo a medical examination, provide proof of income from the host in Canada, and have health insurance covering the duration of the stay.

This measure comes after the PGP program was suspended for new applications, making it difficult for families to reunite for extended periods, especially in the Middle East, where the program has been a key tool for family stability for years.

Immigration experts have confirmed that these restrictions will significantly impact families, especially with higher income requirements and increased administrative procedures associated with the Super Visa, making family reunification more challenging than before.

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