How Can My Parents or Grandparents Join Me in Canada?

If you want your parents or grandparents to stay with you in Canada for the long term, you have two main options: the Parent and Grandparent Program (PGP) and the Super Visa. Each option offers different benefits and comes with unique requirements.

What Are the Key Differences Between the PGP and Super Visa?

The Super Visa allows parents or grandparents to visit for up to five years at a time, with multiple entries permitted over a 10-year period (as updated in June 2023). On the other hand, the PGP offers permanent residence, allowing them to live and access benefits in Canada indefinitely.

Do My Parents or Grandparents Need a Super Visa or Permanent Residency?

• Super Visa: Ideal if they plan to stay temporarily but for longer than six months.
• PGP: Suitable if they want to settle permanently in Canada.

If they only plan to visit for six months or less, a regular visitor visa will suffice.

Super Visa Eligibility and Requirements

Your parent or grandparent is eligible for the Super Visa if:

• They have a host (child or grandchild) who:
• Is a Canadian citizen or permanent resident,
• Is 18 years or older and lives in Canada,
• Meets the minimum income threshold, and
• Provides financial support during the visit.

Additionally, your parents or grandparents need health insurance covering at least $100,000 for the duration of their stay.

Income Requirements for the Super Visa

PGP Eligibility and Requirements

You can sponsor your parents or grandparents under the PGP if:

• You are invited to apply by IRCC,
• You are 18 years or older and live in Canada,
• You are a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or registered Indian under the Indian Act,
• You meet the income requirements, and
• You agree to financially support them by signing an undertaking.
  
  

Income Requirements for PGP (2024 Intake)

How to Apply for a Super Visa?

1. Your parents or grandparents must apply from outside Canada.
2. They must complete a medical exam.
3. A visa office will print their visa if approved.
4. They must provide a letter promising to leave Canada at the end of their stay.
   
   

How to Apply for PGP?

1. Fill out an interest to sponsor form through IRCC.
2. Wait for an invitation to apply.
3. If approved, submit your application, including an undertaking agreement.
4. If you live in Quebec, additional requirements apply—submit an undertaking to the Quebec immigration ministry only after receiving IRCC’s confirmation.
   
   

Status Differences: Super Visa vs. PGP

• Super Visa Holders:
• Get visitor status (not eligible to work or study).
• They may still need to file Canadian tax returns if considered residents for tax purposes.
• PGP Applicants:
• Receive permanent residence status if successful, gaining access to most benefits available to Canadian citizens.
• However, the sponsor is responsible for supporting them financially for 20 years (10 years in Quebec).
  
  

How Long Does It Take?

• PGP:
• Invitations for 2024 intake were issued to those who submitted an interest form in 2020.
• Current processing time for PGP applications is 24 months.
• Due to the lottery system, not everyone who applies will receive an invitation.
• Super Visa:
• Applications are processed within 3 months, and there are no yearly limits for applications.
  
  

Conclusion: Which Option Should You Choose?

• Choose the Super Visa if your parents or grandparents want to visit for extended periods without committing to permanent residency.
• Choose the PGP if you want them to stay in Canada permanently and access long-term benefits.
  
  

Application Fees for Super Visa and PGP