Bringing your parents or grandparents to Canada is an important goal for many families. Fortunately, Canada offers more than one pathway to help make that possible.
The two most common options are the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) and the Super Visa. While both are designed to support family reunification, they serve different purposes, and understanding the differences can help you make the right decision for your family’s situation.
Understanding the Parents and Grandparents Program
The Parents and Grandparents Program allows eligible Canadian citizens and permanent residents to sponsor their parents or grandparents for permanent residence.
If approved, parents and grandparents receive permanent resident status, allowing them to live in Canada permanently and enjoy many of the same rights and benefits as other permanent residents.
However, there has recently been an important change.
As of July 15, 2026, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has paused the intake of new applications under the Parents and Grandparents Program until further notice. During this pause, IRCC is not accepting new Interest to Sponsor forms or issuing new invitations to apply. Existing applications will continue to be processed, and the government plans to welcome up to 15,000 permanent residents through the PGP in 2026, in line with Canada’s current Immigration Levels Plan. According to IRCC, this temporary measure is intended to reduce application backlogs, improve processing times, and create a more predictable process for families.
What Is the Super Visa?
While the Parents and Grandparents Program is currently paused for new applicants, the Super Visa remains available and continues to be an excellent option for many families.
The Super Visa is designed specifically for parents and grandparents who wish to spend extended periods of time with their family in Canada without applying for permanent residence.
Eligible applicants may benefit from:
- Staying in Canada for up to five years per visit.
- A multiple-entry visa valid for up to 10 years.
- Recent improvements introduced by IRCC that have made the program more accessible, including changes to income calculations and health insurance requirements.
For families looking to reunite sooner rather than later, the Super Visa can provide flexibility while maintaining the opportunity to explore permanent residence options in the future.
Super Visa vs. Parents and Grandparents Program
| Parents and Grandparents Program | Super Visa |
| Leads to permanent residence | Temporary resident status |
| Currently paused for new applications | Available for eligible applicants |
| Invitation-based process | Direct application process |
| Best for permanent settlement | Best for extended family visits |
Which Option Is Right for You?
The answer depends on your family’s goals.
If your long-term objective is for your parents or grandparents to become permanent residents, the Parents and Grandparents Program remains the appropriate pathway once new applications reopen.
However, if your priority is spending meaningful time together in Canada without waiting for future intake announcements, the Super Visa may be the most practical solution available today.
Canada continues to prioritize family reunification, but immigration programs evolve over time. Understanding how each pathway works—and staying informed about policy updates—can help you make confident decisions for your family’s future.
If you’re unsure which option best fits your circumstances, seeking professional guidance can help you understand your eligibility and choose the pathway that aligns with your goals.