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Affordable Ways to Sponsor Parents and Grandparents to Canada Without PGP
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has confirmed that it will not accept new applications under the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) in 2026. According to IRCC’s official website, the program will remain closed to new intakes throughout the year.
As a result, Canadian citizens and permanent residents currently do not have access to a direct permanent residence sponsorship pathway for their parents or grandparents. Despite this, families still have options to bring parents and grandparents to Canada for extended or short-term stays.
At present, two visitor-based pathways remain available:
- The Parent and Grandparent Super Visa, designed for long-term stays
- The Visitor Visa or Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA), intended for short visits
Super Visa Remains Open Year-Round
The Parent and Grandparent Super Visa is a multiple-entry visa 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.
Unlike the PGP, which is capped and opened only periodically, Super Visa applications can be submitted at any time.
However, the immigration outcomes differ significantly:
- The PGP grants permanent resident status, with full rights to live, work, and study in Canada.
- The Super Visa grants temporary resident status, limiting activities to visiting only.
While it does not lead to permanent residence, the Super Visa offers reduced processing times and lower overall costs compared to the PGP.
Super Visa Eligibility Overview
Canadian hosts must:
- Be Canadian citizens, permanent residents, or registered Indians
- Be 18 years or older and residing in Canada
- Meet minimum income requirements
- Provide a signed letter of financial support
Applicants must:
- Apply from outside Canada
- Be admissible to Canada
- Complete a medical examination
- Obtain private medical insurance
Super Visa insurance must be valid for at least one year, offer minimum coverage of $100,000, include healthcare and repatriation, and be fully paid. Since January 28, 2025, IRCC has allowed insurance from certain approved foreign providers.
Visitor Visa and ETA Explained
Parents and grandparents can also enter Canada using a visitor visa or an ETA, depending on citizenship.
- Visitor visas are required for visa-required nationals
- ETAs are available to visa-exempt travelers arriving by air
Most visitors are allowed to remain in Canada for up to six months per visit, subject to the discretion of border officers.
ETAs are typically approved quickly and are valid for up to five years. Visitor visas can be issued as single or multiple-entry documents and may also be valid for up to 10 years.
Visitor Visa Requirements
Common requirements include:
- A valid travel document
- Proof of funds
- Strong ties to the home country
- Clear intent to leave Canada
- Admissibility under immigration and criminal rules
Visitors wishing to stay longer must apply for an extension before their authorized stay expires.
Choosing the Right Option
The Super Visa is best suited for families planning extended stays and who meet income and insurance requirements. Visitor visas and eTAs are more appropriate for short visits and for applicants seeking simpler eligibility criteria and faster processing.
While the PGP remains closed in 2026, these options continue to provide Canadian families with meaningful ways to reunite with their parents and grandparents.