As of January 1, 2026, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has confirmed that no new applications will be accepted under the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) this year. This means Canadian citizens and permanent residents currently do not have an active pathway to sponsor their parents or grandparents for permanent residence.
Despite the pause on PGP, there are still practical alternatives in Canada that allow families to reunite through long- or short-term visits.
These options do not grant permanent residence, but they remain the only available routes in 2026 for bringing parents or grandparents to Canada legally. The two main alternatives are the Parent and Grandparent Super Visa and the Regular Visitor Visa or Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA).
Option 1: Parent And Grandparent Super Visa
The Super Visa is a multiple-entry visitor visa valid for up to 10 years. For applications submitted on or after June 22, 2023, it allows parents or grandparents to stay in Canada for up to 5 years per visit, making it the closest alternative to the PGP for long-term family presence.
IRCC has emphasized that while PGP intakes are limited or paused, the Super Visa remains open year-round.
Super Visa Vs Parents And Grandparents Program
- The Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) grants permanent residence, allowing parents and grandparents to live, work, and study in Canada.
- Super Visa grants only temporary resident status. Holders cannot work or study unless they obtain separate permits.
While the Super Visa does not lead to permanent residence, it offers faster processing and significantly lower costs than the PGP.
Super Visa Eligibility Requirements
For the host in Canada:
- Must be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or registered Indian
- Must be at least 18 years old
- Must meet the minimum necessary income requirement
- Must provide a signed invitation letter promising financial support
- A spouse or partner may co-sign if eligible.
For the parent or grandparent:
- Must apply from outside Canada
- Must be admissible to Canada
- Must complete an immigration medical exam
- Must purchase private medical insurance
Super Visa Medical Insurance Rules
Medical insurance must:
- Be valid for at least 1 year from the date of entry.
- Cover healthcare, hospitalization, and repatriation.
- Provide a minimum of $100,000 in coverage.
- Be paid in full before applying.
As of January 28, 2025, IRCC allows Super Visa applicants to purchase insurance from select non-Canadian providers that meet OSFI requirements. Proof of insurance payment must be presented at the port of entry.
Option 2: Visitor Visa or Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA)
The second PGP alternative is a regular visitor entry, either through a Visitor Visa or an eTA, depending on the applicant’s nationality.
Most visitors are allowed to stay in Canada for up to six months per visit, although border officers may issue a visitor record allowing a shorter or longer stay.
eTA Explained
An eTA is available only to citizens of visa-exempt countries. It is usually obtained online with minimal documentation and is valid for up to five years or until the passport expires.
Visitor Visa Explained
A visitor visa is required for nationals of non-visa-exempt countries. These visas can be single-entry or multiple-entry and may be valid for up to ten years, depending on passport and biometrics validity.
Basic Visitor Visa Requirements
Applicants must generally show:
- A valid passport
- Good health
- No criminal or immigration violations
- Strong ties to their home country
- Sufficient funds for the visit
- Intent to leave Canada at the end of the visit
- A letter of invitation may be required.
- A medical exam may be requested.
Visitors who wish to remain beyond their authorized stay must apply for a visitor record extension before their status expires.
Which PGP Alternative Is Best For Your Family
The Super Visa is best for families seeking extended stays of several years. It is ideal if income requirements can be met, and medical insurance is affordable.
The Visitor Visa or eTA is better for short visits, such as holidays, weddings, or family events. It has fewer requirements and is easier to obtain when Super Visa eligibility cannot be met.
Processing times for visitor visas are generally shorter than those for Super Visas, though this varies by country and visa office.
Key Takeaways
- No new Parents and Grandparents Program applications will be processed in 2026
- The Super Visa allows parents and grandparents to stay up to five years per visit.
- Super Visa holders do not receive permanent residence.
- Medical insurance is mandatory for Super Visa approval.
- Visitor visas and eTAs allow stays of up to six months.
- Visitor options are better suited for short-term family visits.
- Choosing the right option depends on visit length, income eligibility, and insurance affordability.
Until the Parents and Grandparents Program reopens, Super Visas and visitor entries remain the only legal options for family reunification in Canada. Preparing strong applications and understanding eligibility rules is essential to avoid refusals.
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