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.
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While this means Canadian citizens and permanent residents currently cannot sponsor their parents or grandparents for permanent residence (PR), there are still options available to bring them to Canada for extended visits, sometimes for several years at a time.
At present, families typically rely on one of two visitor-based pathways:
- Parent and Grandparent Super Visa (best suited for long-term stays)
- Regular Visitor Visa or Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) (best for short-term visits)
Below is an overview of how these options work and how they differ in purpose, requirements, and outcomes.
Option 1: Parent and Grandparent Super Visa
The Super Visa is a multiple-entry visitor visa that can be valid for up to 10 years. For applications submitted on or after June 22, 2023, it allows parents and grandparents to stay in Canada for up to five years per entry.
IRCC has emphasized that while the PGP only opens for limited intakes, the Super Visa remains available year-round for extended family visits.
Key Differences in Immigration Outcomes
The most important distinction between the Super Visa and the PGP is the outcome:
- Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP)
- Leads to permanent residence
- Parents and grandparents can live, work, and study in Canada permanently
- Super Visa
- Grants temporary resident (visitor) status
- Parents and grandparents cannot work or study in Canada without obtaining the appropriate permits
While the Super Visa does not replace the permanent residence pathway offered by the PGP, it is a practical solution for families seeking extended time together in Canada. It also generally involves lower costs and much shorter processing times than the PGP, while still allowing multi-year stays.
Eligibility Requirements
For the Canadian host (child or grandchild):
- Be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or registered Indian
- Be at least 18 years old and living in Canada
- Meet the minimum necessary income requirement
- Provide a written invitation letter committing to financial support during the visit
- A spouse or partner may co-sign if they meet the eligibility criteria
For the parent or grandparent:
- Apply from outside Canada
- Be admissible to Canada
- Complete an immigration medical examination
- Obtain mandatory private medical insurance
Medical Insurance Requirements
Super Visa applicants must provide proof of paid private medical insurance that:
- Is valid for at least one year from the date of entry
- Covers health care, hospitalization, and repatriation
- Provides a minimum of $100,000 in coverage
- Is fully paid (insurance quotes are not accepted)
As of January 28, 2025, IRCC allows Super Visa applicants to purchase insurance from certain providers outside Canada, provided the insurer meets specific Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions (OSFI) requirements.
Super Visa holders should also be prepared to show proof of valid, paid insurance when entering Canada.
Option 2: Visitor Visa or Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA)
Both visitor visas and eTAs fall under Canada’s visitor rules. The required document depends on the traveller’s citizenship:
- Visitor visa: Required for citizens of countries that are not visa-exempt
- eTA: Required for visa-exempt foreign nationals travelling to Canada by air
Most visitors are allowed to stay in Canada for up to six months per entry, although border officers have discretion to grant a shorter or longer stay. In some cases, a visitor record may be issued with a specific departure date.
eTA Overview
An eTA is available only to citizens of visa-exempt countries. It has relatively minimal requirements and is often approved within minutes of applying online. Most eTAs are valid for up to five years, or until the passport expires.
Visitor Visa Overview
Visitor visas are required for non–visa-exempt foreign nationals and must be applied for before travel. They may be issued as single-entry or multiple-entry visas and can be valid for up to 10 years (or until passport or biometrics expiry), though validity and entry limits are determined at the discretion of the immigration officer.
Basic Visitor Visa Requirements
IRCC generally requires applicants to demonstrate:
- A valid passport or travel document
- Good health (medical admissibility)
- No criminal or immigration-related convictions (criminal admissibility)
- Strong ties to their home country and intent to leave Canada at the end of the visit
- Sufficient funds to cover the visit
- In some cases, a medical exam and/or letter of invitation
Visitors wishing to remain in Canada beyond their authorized stay must apply for an extension (visitor record) and pay the applicable fee.
Choosing the Right Option
The Super Visa is generally the better choice when a parent or grandparent plans to spend an extended period in Canada rather than making a short visit. It is particularly suitable when longer stays per entry, up to five years, are the priority.
This option makes the most sense when:
- The Canadian host meets the minimum income requirement
- The parents or grandparents can obtain qualifying private medical insurance
- Applicants are willing and able to complete the required medical exam
A regular visitor visa or eTA is usually more appropriate for shorter visits, such as trips lasting a few weeks or months, or when a simpler and less demanding application process is preferred.
One key advantage of visitor visas and eTAs is their lighter requirements, making them more practical when meeting the Super Visa’s income or insurance conditions is not feasible. These applications typically focus on standard visitor factors, including ties to the home country, available funds, travel purpose, intent to depart Canada, and overall admissibility.
Visitor visas also tend to have shorter processing times than Super Visas, though timelines can vary by visa office. eTAs, in particular, may be approved within minutes.
