PGP alternatives in Canada have become essential following a major policy shift by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada. As of January 1, 2026, IRCC confirmed it will not accept new applications under the Parents and Grandparents Program this year, effectively pausing one of the most popular family reunification pathways.
For many Canadian citizens and permanent residents, this limits their ability to sponsor parents or grandparents for permanent residence. However, families still have lawful ways to bring parents and grandparents for extended stays through temporary resident pathways.
Currently, families generally have two realistic alternatives:
- Parent and Grandparent Super Visa for long-term stays
- Regular Visitor Visa or Electronic Travel Authorisation for short visits
Understanding how these options work, their requirements, and what outcomes they offer is now more important than ever.
Why PGP Alternatives Canada Matter Right Now
The Parents and Grandparents Program has always been capped and highly competitive. With the 2026 intake closed entirely, families must rely on temporary solutions to maintain family unity. IRCC has emphasized that while permanent residence sponsorship is paused, visitor-based pathways remain open year-round.
PGP alternatives in Canada allow parents and grandparents to spend meaningful time with their families, support childcare, and maintain close family bonds, even though these options do not lead directly to permanent residence.
Option 1: Parent And Grandparent Super Visa
The Super Visa is the strongest alternative to the PGP for families seeking long-term stays. It is a multiple-entry visitor visa valid for up to 10 years. For applications submitted on or after June 22, 2023, holders can remain in Canada for up to 5 years per entry, making it significantly more generous than standard visitor visas.
How The Super Visa Compares To The PGP
The key difference between the Super Visa and the PGP is the immigration outcome.
- The PGP grants parents and grandparents permanent resident status, allowing them to live, work, and study in Canada indefinitely. In contrast, the Super Visa offers only temporary resident status; holders must obtain a separate permit to work or study.
- While the Super Visa does not offer permanent residence, it is usually faster, less expensive, and more predictable than the PGP. This makes it a practical solution for long-term visits. Visitor visas and eTAs are better for short-term reunification needs but involve more frequent renewals if longer stays are needed.
Super Visa Eligibility Requirements
To qualify as a host, you must:
- Be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or registered Indian.
- Be at least 18 years old and living in Canada.
- Meet the minimum necessary income.
- Provide a signed invitation letter confirming financial support.
- Allow a spouse or partner to co-sign if needed.
Parents or grandparents must:
- Apply from outside Canada
- Be admissible to Canada.
- Complete an immigration medical exam.
- Obtain qualifying private health insurance.
Health insurance is required for the Super Visa. The policy must (1) be valid for at least one year; (2) provide coverage of at least $100,000; (3) include health care, hospitalization, and repatriation; and (4) be fully paid, not just quoted.
Applicants may be asked to show proof of insurance at the port of entry.
Option 2: Visitor Visa Or Electronic Travel Authorisation
For families planning shorter visits, a regular visitor visa or eTA may be more suitable. Most visitors are allowed to stay in Canada for up to six months per entry, although border officers can issue a shorter or longer authorized stay through a visitor record.
Electronic Travel Authorisation
An eTA is available only to citizens of visa-exempt countries. It is typically easier and faster to obtain, and it is valid for up to five years or until the passport expires. Applications are completed online and can sometimes be approved within minutes.
Visitor Visa
Nationals of non-visa-exempt countries must apply for a visitor visa before travelling. Visitor visas may be issued as single-entry or multiple-entry documents and can be valid for up to 10 years or until passport or biometrics expiry, depending on the officer’s decision.
Basic Visitor Visa Requirements
Applicants are generally required to show:
- A valid travel document
- Good health and medical admissibility
- No criminal or immigration violations
- Strong ties to their home country
- Adequate financial support
- A clear plan to leave Canada after the visit
Those wishing to extend their stay must apply for a visitor record before their authorized period expires.
Choosing The Right PGP Alternative Canada Option
The Super Visa is best when extended stays are needed, and the host meets income and insurance requirements. It suits families wanting parents present for several years without renewals.
A visitor visa or eTA is suitable for short stays, such as events or brief caregiving. These have fewer requirements and faster processing, which is useful if Super Visa criteria aren’t met.
Key Takeaways
- PGP applications are closed in 2026, making alternative pathways essential
- The Super Visa allows stays of up to five years per entry, but does not grant permanent residence.
- Visitor visas and eTAs are better for short-term visits.
- Income, insurance, and medical exams are critical for Super Visa approval.
- Choosing the right option depends on stay length, eligibility, and family needs.
Conclusion
Although the PGP pause disrupts family plans, alternatives remain. The Super Visa and other visitor pathways allow meaningful time together while awaiting sponsorship. By understanding the requirements and choosing the best option for your situation, you can maintain family connections despite changing policies.
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