As of January 1, 2026, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) confirms on its official website that no new applications will be accepted under the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) this year.
This means Canadian citizens and permanent residents cannot sponsor their parents or grandparents for permanent residence (PR) through the PGP at this time. However, there are still practical options that allow parents and grandparents to visit Canada and stay for long periods.
Canadian families mainly have two visit-based choices:
- Parent and Grandparent Super Visa (best for long stays)
- Regular Visitor Visa or electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) (best for short stays)
Below is a clear explanation of how each option works and how they differ in terms of stay length, cost, and requirements.
Option 1: Parent And Grandparent Super Visa
The Super Visa is a special type of multiple-entry visitor visa. It can be valid for up to 10 years and allows parents or grandparents to stay in Canada for up to five years per visit for applications submitted on or after June 22, 2023.
IRCC has explained that while PGP intakes are limited and only open once a year, the Super Visa remains open all year. This makes it a more reliable option for families who want long visits.
The biggest difference between the Super Visa and the PGP is the result:
- PGP: Permanent immigration
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- Parents and grandparents become permanent residents
- They can live, work, and study in Canada without limits
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- Super Visa: Temporary resident status
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- Parents and grandparents stay in Canada as visitors
- They cannot work or study unless they apply for a separate permit
Because of this, the Super Visa does not replace the permanent residence benefit of the PGP. However, it is a strong option for families who want to spend many years together in Canada.
The Super Visa usually costs less and is processed faster than the PGP. It also allows parents or grandparents to stay in Canada for long periods without leaving every six months.
Main Eligibility Requirements For The Super Visa
To invite a parent or grandparent under the Super Visa, the Canadian host must meet these conditions:
- Be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or registered Indian
- Be at least 18 years old and live in Canada
- Meet the minimum income requirement
- Sign a letter of invitation promising financial support during the visit
- A spouse or partner can co-sign if eligible
The parent or grandparent must also meet certain requirements:
- Apply from outside Canada
- Be admissible to Canada
- Complete an immigration medical exam
- Have valid private medical insurance
Medical Insurance Requirement
Medical insurance is a key part of the Super Visa. The insurance must:
- Be valid for at least one year from the date of entry
- Cover health care, hospital care, and return to home country
- Provide at least $100,000 in coverage
- Be fully paid (insurance quotes are not accepted)
As of January 28, 2025, IRCC allows Super Visa insurance to be purchased from some companies outside Canada, as long as they meet specific rules set by Canada’s financial regulator.
Parents or grandparents should be ready to show proof of paid insurance when entering Canada.
Option 2: Regular Visitor Visa Or Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA)
Another one of the PGP alternatives for bringing parents to Canada is the Regular Visitor Visa or Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA).
Well, it is important to note that parents and grandparents can also come to Canada as regular visitors. The document needed depends on their citizenship.
- Visitor visa: Required for citizens of countries that need a visa to enter Canada
- eTA: Required for citizens of visa-exempt countries who travel to Canada by air
Most visitors are allowed to stay in Canada for up to six months per visit. A border officer may allow a shorter or longer stay and may issue a visitor record with a specific exit date.
An eTA is only for citizens of visa-exempt countries. It has fewer requirements and is often approved within minutes. An eTA is usually valid for up to five years or until the passport expires.
A visitor visa must be applied for before travel. It can be issued as a single-entry or multiple-entry visa and may be valid for up to 10 years. The final decision depends on the immigration officer reviewing the application.
Basic Requirements For A Visitor Visa
IRCC lists common requirements for visitor visas, including:
- A valid passport or travel document
- Good health
- No serious criminal or immigration history
- Proof of ties to the home country
- Proof of enough money for the visit
- A clear plan to leave Canada at the end of the visit
- A medical exam or invitation letter, if requested
If a visitor wants to stay longer than allowed, an extension must be requested before the stay expires. This requires a visitor record and a fee.
Choosing The Right Option
The super visa is usually the best choice when a parent or grandparent wants to stay in Canada for a long time instead of a short visit.
It is suitable when longer stays are important, as it allows parents or grandparents to stay in Canada for up to five years per visit for applications made on or after June 22, 2023.
Moreover, the super visa works best when the Canadian host meets the required income level, and when the parents or grandparents can buy the required private medical insurance and complete a medical exam.
On the other hand, a regular visitor visa or an eTA is a better option when the visit is short, such as a few weeks or a few months, and when a simple option is preferred.
Visitor visas have fewer requirements, which makes them a good choice when meeting the super visa’s income or insurance rules is difficult.
In these cases, approval depends on common visitor factors, such as strong ties to the home country, enough money for the trip, a clear plan to leave Canada after the visit, and meeting all entry rules.
Visitor visas often have faster processing times than super visas, though this depends on the visa office. eTAs can sometimes be approved within minutes.
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