As of January 1, 2026, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) confirmed that no new applications will be processed under the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP). This means Canadian citizens and permanent residents cannot currently sponsor their parents or grandparents for permanent residence (PR).
However, families still have options to reunite temporarily. The two main alternatives are the Parent and Grandparent Super Visa for extended stays and the Regular Visitor Visa or eTA for shorter visits. These alternatives do not grant permanent residence, but they do allow parents and grandparents to visit Canada legally.
Option 1: Parent And Grandparent Super Visa
The Super Visa is a multiple-entry visitor visa valid for up to 10 years. Parents or grandparents can stay in Canada for up to five years per visit for applications submitted on or after June 22, 2023. Unlike PGP, which is limited to annual intakes, the Super Visa is available year-round.
Super Visa Vs PGP
- PGP: Grants permanent residence, enabling parents/grandparents to live, work, and study indefinitely.
- Super Visa: Provides temporary resident status only; holders cannot work or study without special permits.
The Super Visa offers faster processing, lower costs, and extended visits, but does not replace PR outcomes.
Super Visa Eligibility
For the host in Canada:
- Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or registered Indian
- Aged 18 or older and residing in Canada
- Meets minimum necessary income requirements
- Signs an invitation letter guaranteeing financial support (spouse/partner may co-sign if eligible)
For the parent or grandparent:
- Apply from outside Canada
- Admissible to Canada
- Complete an immigration medical examination.
- Obtain private medical insurance.
Super Visa Insurance Requirements:
- Valid for at least one year from entry
- Covers healthcare, hospitalization, and repatriation
- Minimum coverage of $100,000
- Paid in full (quotes not accepted)
As of January 28, 2025, insurance can be purchased from select providers outside Canada if OSFI conditions are met. Proof of paid insurance must be shown at entry.
Option 2: Visitor Visa or Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA)
The visitor visa or eTA allows parents or grandparents to stay temporarily in Canada, usually up to six months per visit. The exact duration is determined by the border officer and may include a visitor record specifying an exit date.
- eTA: For citizens of visa-exempt countries; generally quick and simple to obtain online; valid up to five years or until passport expiry.
- Visitor Visa: For nationals of non-visa-exempt countries; may be single or multiple-entry; valid up to ten years depending on passport/biometric validity.
Common Requirements:
- Valid passport or travel document
- Good health (medically admissible)
- No criminal or immigration violations
- Proof of ties to the home country and intent to leave
- Sufficient funds for the visit
- May require a medical exam or an invitation letter
Visitors who want to extend their stay beyond the permitted duration must apply for a visitor record and pay applicable fees.
Which Option Is Right For You?
- Super Visa: Best for extended stays up to five years; suitable if income requirements can be met and private medical insurance can be purchased.
- Visitor Visa/eTA: Ideal for short-term visits of weeks or months; simpler application and lower requirements; usually faster processing.
Choosing the right option depends on the visit duration, the ability to meet income/insurance requirements, and the family’s overall needs.
Key Takeaways
- No new PGP applications will be processed in 2026
- The Super Visa allows parents/grandparents to stay for up to 5 years per visit.
- Super Visa holders do not receive permanent residence.
- Private medical insurance is mandatory for Super Visa approval.
- A Visitor Visa or an eTA allows a temporary stay of up to 6 months.
- Visitor options are better for short-term visits.
- Processing times vary: eTAs are fastest, visitor visas moderate, Super Visa longest.
- Choice depends on visit length, financial eligibility, and insurance capacity.
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