Bringing your parents or grandparents to live with you in Canada can be a life-changing experience. Whether you wish for their support as you raise your children, or simply want to reunite your family under one roof, Canada offers two main pathways to make this a reality: the Super Visa and the Parent/Grandparent Sponsorship Program (PGP).
Both options have their advantages and challenges, and each is suited to different circumstances depending on your goals, timeline, and financial situation. In this guide, we’ll delve deep into how each pathway works, who qualifies, and the steps you need to take to help your loved ones join you in Canada for either a long-term visit or as permanent residents.
Super Visa vs. Parent/Grandparent Sponsorship Program
The first decision you need to make is whether to pursue the Super Visa or the Parent/Grandparent Sponsorship Program (PGP). Both programs provide the opportunity for your parents or grandparents to live with you in Canada, but there are several key differences to consider:
Criteria | Super Visa | Parent/Grandparent Sponsorship (PGP) |
---|---|---|
Accessibility | Open to applications year-round | Invitation-only lottery system |
Typical Wait Time | Around 3 months for processing | 6 years or more, depending on intake |
Status Granted | Temporary resident (visitor status) | Permanent resident status |
Maximum Length of Stay | 5 years per visit (renewable) | Permanent stay |
These differences are critical to understanding which option works best for your family situation.
Super Visa: A Flexible Option for Extended Visits
The Super Visa is designed for parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens or permanent residents who want to stay in Canada for extended periods but do not need to immigrate permanently. The super visa allows multiple entries to Canada for up to 10 years, with each visit lasting up to five years at a time. This flexibility makes it an excellent option if your parents or grandparents plan to travel back and forth between Canada and their home country.
Benefits of the Super Visa:
- No Waiting Period: Unlike the PGP, you can apply for the Super Visa at any time. There is no application window or lottery system, which means your parents or grandparents can be with you much sooner.
- Extended Stay: With a Super Visa, your parents or grandparents can stay with you for up to five years per entry, far longer than the six-month limit for regular visitors.
- Multiple Entries: The Super Visa is valid for multiple entries over a 10-year period, allowing your loved ones to visit you frequently if they need to return to their home country.
Eligibility Requirements for the Super Visa
To apply for the Super Visa, several criteria must be met. Your parent(s) or grandparent(s) must:
- Have a host (you) who is a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or a registered Indian under the Canadian Indian Act.
- Be outside of Canada at the time of their application.
- Meet the minimum income requirements based on your family size (outlined below).
- Provide proof of health insurance from a Canadian insurance company for at least one year, covering health care, hospitalization, and repatriation, with a minimum of $100,000 in coverage.
- Take a medical exam to prove they are admissible to Canada.
- Demonstrate that they will leave Canada at the end of their stay, though renewal options are available.
Income Requirements for Super Visa Applicants
As a sponsor, you must demonstrate that you can financially support your parents or grandparents during their stay. The minimum necessary income is based on the size of your family, including any dependents. Below is a table outlining the income requirements for the Super Visa:
Family Size | Minimum Gross Income |
---|---|
1 person | $29,380 |
2 people | $36,576 |
3 people | $44,966 |
4 people | $54,594 |
5 people | $61,920 |
6 people | $69,834 |
7 people | $77,750 |
More than 7 | Add $7,916 per additional person |
Health Insurance for the Super Visa
A key requirement for the Super Visa is that your parents or grandparents must obtain private medical insurance from a Canadian insurance provider. The insurance policy must meet the following criteria:
- Be valid for at least one year from the date of entry into Canada.
- Provide coverage for health care, hospitalization, and repatriation.
- Offer a minimum of $100,000 in emergency medical coverage.
- Be paid in full or through installments (quotes are not accepted).
It’s important to purchase this insurance before submitting the Super Visa application, as proof of insurance is required when applying.
Parent/Grandparent Sponsorship Program (PGP)
The Parent/Grandparent Sponsorship Program (PGP) allows you to sponsor your parents or grandparents to become permanent residents of Canada. This means they can live in Canada indefinitely, work, and access many of the benefits available to Canadian citizens, such as healthcare and social services. However, the PGP has stricter eligibility requirements and a much longer processing time than the Super Visa.
Benefits of the PGP:
- Permanent Residence: Your parents or grandparents will receive permanent resident status, allowing them to live, work, and study in Canada indefinitely.
- Access to Social Services: As permanent residents, your parents or grandparents can access provincial healthcare services and other social programs.
- Future Path to Citizenship: Once they have lived in Canada for the required number of years, they may be eligible to apply for Canadian citizenship.
Eligibility Requirements for PGP
To sponsor your parents or grandparents under the PGP, you must meet the following requirements:
- You must have received an invitation from IRCC to apply.
- Be at least 18 years old and live in Canada.
- Be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or a registered Indian under the Canadian Indian Act.
- Meet the minimum income requirements based on your family size (see table below).
- Commit to financially supporting your parents or grandparents for up to 20 years (or 10 years in Quebec) by signing a sponsorship agreement called an undertaking.
Income Requirements for PGP
To sponsor your parents or grandparents under the PGP, you must meet minimum income requirements based on your family size over the past three years. Below is a table outlining the income requirements for the 2024 PGP intake:
Family Size | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 |
---|---|---|---|
2 people | $32,898 | $43,082 | $44,530 |
3 people | $40,444 | $52,965 | $54,743 |
4 people | $49,106 | $64,306 | $66,466 |
5 people | $55,694 | $72,935 | $75,384 |
6 people | $62,814 | $82,259 | $85,020 |
7 people | $69,934 | $91,582 | $94,658 |
More than 7 | Add $7,120 per additional person |
The Sponsorship Undertaking
When you sponsor a parent or grandparent through the PGP, you must sign an undertaking, which is a legal agreement to support them financially for up to 20 years (10 years in Quebec). This means that if your parents or grandparents receive any social assistance during this time, you are required to repay that amount to the government. This financial commitment is a serious consideration when choosing the PGP pathway.
Super Visa Application Process
Applying for the Super Visa involves a straightforward process compared to the PGP. Here are the steps:
- Complete the Application: Your parents or grandparents must apply for the Super Visa from outside of Canada.
- Submit Required Documents: This includes proof of your income, a letter of invitation, proof of health insurance, and medical exam results.
- Visa Issuance: Once approved, the Super Visa will be issued as a multiple-entry visa valid for 10 years.
- Medical Exam: Your parents or grandparents will need to pass a medical exam to ensure they are not inadmissible for health reasons.
- Processing Time: Typically, Super Visa applications take around three months to process, though this can vary depending on the visa office.
Letter of Invitation
One important component of the Super Visa application is the letter of invitation. This letter must be written by you, the host, and include specific details about your relationship with your parent(s) or grandparent(s), your financial situation, and your commitment to supporting them during their stay.