As of January 1, 2026, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada\u2019s (IRCC\u2019s) official webpage states that no new applications will be accepted for processing under the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) this year.<\/p>\n
While this does mean that Canadian citizens and permanent residents do not have a route to sponsor their parents or grandparents for permanent residence (PR), pathways are still available to bring these loved ones to Canada for up to years at a time.<\/p>\n
Canadian families generally have two practical visit-based options:<\/p>\n
Parent and Grandparent Super Visa (best for longer stays)
\nRegular Visitor Visa or electronic travel authorization (eTA) (best for shorter stays)<\/p>\n
Below is how they work\u2014and how they differ in outcomes and requirements.<\/p>\n
Get a Free Super Visa Telephone Consultation with the Cohen Immigration Law Firm Option 1: Super Visa<\/p>\n A super visa<\/a> is a multiple-entry visitor visa that can be valid for up to 10 years, and allows parents\/grandparents to stay in Canada for up to five years at a time (for applications on\/after June 22, 2023).<\/p>\n IRCC<\/a> emphasizes that while PGP<\/a> intakes are limited once a year, the super visa remains available for extended family visits year-round.<\/p>\n The biggest difference between the two programs, however, is in their immigration outcomes:<\/p>\n PGP: permanent immigration (parents\/grandparents become permanent residents)<\/p>\n As permanent residents, parents and grandparents can work, study, and settle in Canada permanently<\/p>\n Super visa: temporary resident status (visitors<\/a>)<\/p>\n As visitors, parents and grandparents do not have the ability to work or study in Canada without seeking a permit.<\/p>\n So, the super visa can be a strong \u201cfamily time in Canada\u201d solution\u2014but it\u2019s not a substitute for the PR outcome people hope for through PGP.<\/p>\n Regardless, the pathway features significantly fewer costs and shorter wait times as compared to the PGP\u2014while still allowing parents or grandparents to remain in Canada for multiple years at a time.<\/p>\n Key eligibility requirements<\/p>\n In order for your parent or grandparent to qualify for a super visa, you (as the host inviting them) need to meet the following criteria:<\/p>\n Be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or registered Indian, be18+, and live in Canada; The parent or grandparents must meet some of the following criteria:<\/p>\n Apply from outside Canada; *Super visa applicants must show proof of private medical insurance. IRCC\u2019s requirements include that the policy:<\/p>\n Is valid for at least 1 year from the date of entry; As of January 28, 2025<\/a>, IRCC allows super visa applicants to buy insurance from some companies outside Canada, as long as the insurer meets specific OSFI-related conditions.<\/p>\n Also, super visa holders should be ready to show proof of paid insurance when entering Canada.<\/p>\n Get a Free Super Visa Telephone Consultation with the Cohen Immigration Law Firm Option 2: Visitor visa or electronic Travel Authorization (eTA)<\/p>\n These options fall under visitor rules, but the entry document depends on the traveller\u2019s country of citizenship<\/p>\n Visitor visa<\/a>: for travellers from countries that require a visa to enter Canada Most visitors\u2014whether entering with a visitor visa or an eTA\u2014are allowed to stay up to 6 months per visit, but the border officer can allow less or more and may issue a visitor record with a specific leave-by date.<\/p>\n An eTA is a travel document only available to citizens of visa-exempt countries. These documents come with significantly fewer requirements than visitor visas and are usually obtained within minutes of applying online. eTAs are typically valid for up to 5 years (or until the passport expires).<\/p>\n A visitor visa is required by foreign nationals who are not visa-exempt and must be applied for well in advance of travel. Visitor visas can be issued as single-entry or multiple-entry, and may be valid up to 10 years (or until passport\/biometrics expiry)\u2014however, this is largely up to the discretion of the reviewing immigration officer.<\/p>\n Basic requirements to qualify (visitor visa)<\/p>\n IRCC lists common baseline requirements such as:<\/p>\n
<\/a><\/p>\n
\nMeet the minimum necessary income; and
\nSign an invitation letter promising financial support during the visit (a spouse\/partner can co-sign if eligible).<\/p>\n
\nBe allowed to enter Canada (admissibility);
\nComplete an immigration medical exam; and
\nObtain health insurance* (a core Super Visa requirement).<\/p>\n
\nCovers health care, hospitalization, and repatriation;
\nProvides at least $100,000 coverage; and
\nIs paid (quotes aren\u2019t accepted).<\/p>\n
<\/a><\/p>\n
\neTA<\/a>: for travellers from visa-exempt countries, coming to Canada by air<\/p>\n