How To Bring Your Parents And Grandparents To Canada

If you’re looking to reunite with your parents or grandparents in Canada, you have two main options to help them come and stay long-term: the Parent(s) and Grandparent(s) Program (PGP) and the Super Visa. Both offer opportunities for your family to join you, but they operate differently. Here's a breakdown of these two options, so you can choose the one that best suits your situation.

Super Visa vs PGP: Key Differences

Note: These wait times are based on previous application cycles, with the 2020 intake experiencing delays.

The Super Visa allows your parent(s) or grandparent(s) to visit Canada for up to five years at a time, and they can enter multiple times within a 10-year period (as of June 2023). This is a great option if your relatives want to spend extended time with you but don't plan to stay permanently.

On the other hand, the PGP allows you to sponsor your parent(s) or grandparent(s) to become permanent residents of Canada, granting them the right to live, work, and study indefinitely. The catch? You must be invited to apply, and the process can take years.

Super Visa: How It Works

If you want your parents or grandparents to stay for an extended period but don’t necessarily want them to become permanent residents, the Super Visa might be the right choice. Here's what you need to know:

1. Eligibility for the Super Visa

• Your parent(s) or grandparent(s) must be visiting from outside Canada.
• They need to be invited by a child or grandchild who is a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident.
• The host must be at least 18 years old and live in Canada.
• The host must meet a minimum income requirement, which is based on their family size.
• Your relatives must purchase health insurance from a Canadian company or an approved insurer to cover their medical expenses during their stay.

2. Income Requirements

The income level you must meet depends on your family size. Here’s a look at the minimum necessary income required for the Super Visa:

Additionally, the Super Visa requires that health insurance coverage is valid for at least one year and provides a minimum of $100,000 in emergency coverage.

3. Application Process for Super Visa

The application process is relatively straightforward but requires your parent(s) or grandparent(s) to:

• Be outside Canada when applying.
• Complete a medical exam and show that they are admissible to Canada.
• Demonstrate they will leave Canada at the end of their visit.

4. Status Granted

The Super Visa grants visitor status, which means your parent(s) or grandparent(s) can stay for up to 5 years, but they are not allowed to work or study. If they wish to stay longer or permanently, they will need to apply for a different type of visa or status.

Parent(s) and Grandparent(s) Program (PGP): A Path to Permanent Residency

For those looking to make their parents or grandparents permanent residents of Canada, the PGP is the best route. However, the process is more complex and has a much longer wait time.

1. Eligibility for PGP

To be eligible to sponsor your parent(s) or grandparent(s), you must:

• Be invited to apply by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
• Be at least 18 years old and a Canadian citizen, a permanent resident, or a registered Indian under Canadian law.
• Meet the minimum income requirements for the past three years.
• Commit to supporting your sponsored relatives by signing a sponsorship agreement.

2. Income Requirements

To sponsor your family members under the PGP for 2024, you must meet the income thresholds for the past three years:

3. Application Process for PGP

To apply, you must first fill out an interest to sponsor form. If selected, you will receive an invitation to apply. The process involves submitting several documents and meeting specific requirements. It’s important to note that not everyone who applies will be invited to apply, as only a limited number of applications are accepted each year.

4. Status Granted

If your application is successful, your parent(s) or grandparent(s) will be granted permanent resident status, which allows them to live, work, and study in Canada. As a permanent resident, they will also be eligible for healthcare and social programs. However, it’s important to note that you, as the sponsor, will be financially responsible for their support for up to 20 years (or 10 years if you live in Quebec).

5. Wait Times for PGP

One of the most significant downsides of the PGP is the long wait time. Even after submitting an application, it could take several years before your parent(s) or grandparent(s) are granted permanent residency. IRCC reports that the processing time for the 2020 intake is 24 months.

Final Words

Whether you opt for the Super Visa or the PGP depends on your specific needs and circumstances. The Super Visa is quicker and more flexible, making it ideal for families who want their parents or grandparents to stay in Canada for extended periods but not necessarily permanently. On the other hand, the PGP offers a path to permanent residency but comes with long wait times and a more complex application process.