Best Alternatives to Canada’s PGP for Bringing Parents and Grandparents Sooner

As per Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), no new applications will be accepted under the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) in 2026. The official IRCC website confirms that the program will remain closed for new intake this year.

This decision means Canadian citizens and permanent residents cannot sponsor their parents or grandparents for permanent residence through PGP in 2026. However, families still have reliable and legal ways to bring their parents or grandparents to Canada for extended stays.

At present, there are two main visitor-based options available for families:

• Parent and Grandparent Super Visa – ideal for long-term stays
• Regular Visitor Visa or Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) – suitable for short visits

Below is a simple explanation of how these options work and how they differ.

Option 1: Parent and Grandparent Super Visa

The Super Visa is a long-term, multiple-entry visitor visa that can be valid for up to 10 years. Parents and grandparents approved under this visa can stay in Canada for up to five years per visit for applications submitted on or after June 22, 2023.

While PGP intakes are limited and unpredictable, IRCC has clarified that Super Visa applications remain open throughout the year.

However, there is an important difference between the two programs:

• PGP leads to permanent residence, allowing parents and grandparents to live, work and study in Canada permanently.
• Super Visa provides temporary resident status, meaning parents and grandparents cannot work or study in Canada without additional permits.

Even so, the Super Visa remains a strong option for families who want to spend long periods together in Canada. It also involves lower costs and faster processing times compared to the PGP.

Super Visa Eligibility Requirements

To sponsor a parent or grandparent under the Super Visa, the Canadian host must:

• Be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident or registered Indian
• Be at least 18 years old and living in Canada
• Meet the minimum income requirement
• Provide a signed invitation letter confirming financial support

The parent or grandparent must:

• Apply from outside Canada
• Be admissible to Canada
• Complete an immigration medical exam
• Purchase mandatory private medical insurance

The medical insurance must:

• Be valid for at least one year
• Cover healthcare, hospitalization and repatriation
• Provide a minimum of $100,000 in coverage
• Be fully paid (quotes are not accepted)

From January 28, 2025, IRCC also allows Super Visa insurance to be purchased from select non-Canadian insurers that meet OSFI-related requirements.

Option 2: Visitor Visa or ETA

Parents and grandparents can also visit Canada using a visitor visa or an ETA, depending on their nationality.

• A visitor visa is required for citizens of visa-required countries
• An ETA is for travelers from visa-exempt countries arriving by air

Most visitors are allowed to stay in Canada for up to six months per visit, though the final decision rests with the border officer.

ETAs are usually approved quickly sometimes within minutes and are valid for up to five years or until passport expiry. Visitor visas can be single-entry or multiple-entry and may also be valid for up to 10 years.

Basic Visitor Visa Requirements

Applicants must generally show:

• A valid passport
• Good health and admissibility
• No criminal or immigration violations
• Strong ties to their home country
• Enough funds for the visit
• Clear intent to leave Canada after the visit

If a longer stay is needed, visitors can apply for an extension from within Canada.

Which Option Should You Choose?

The Super Visa is the best option if parents or grandparents plan to stay in Canada for long periods and the sponsor meets income and insurance requirements.

A visitor visa or eTA is usually better for short visits and for families seeking a simpler and faster application process with fewer financial requirements.

At Oasis Visas, we help families choose the right pathway based on their situation and long-term goals.

Connect with us