Parents and Grandparents Program Paused in 2026: Faster and More Affordable Ways to Bring Your Family to Canada
As of January 1, 2026, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has confirmed that no new applications will be accepted under the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) this year. This announcement has left many Canadian citizens and permanent residents concerned about how they can reunite with their parents or grandparents.
While the pause means there is currently no direct permanent residence pathway available for parents and grandparents in 2026, families still have practical and accessible alternatives that allow loved ones to stay in Canada for extended periods—often with lower costs and faster processing times than the PGP.
Understanding the Two Main Alternatives to PGP
Canadian families now mainly rely on visit-based pathways to bring parents and grandparents to Canada. These options differ in length of stay, eligibility requirements, and overall flexibility.
1. Parent and Grandparent Super Visa: The Best Option for Long-Term Visits
The Super Visa remains the most reliable option for families seeking extended stays for their parents or grandparents.
A Super Visa is a multiple-entry visitor visa that can be valid for up to 10 years, allowing parents and grandparents to stay in Canada for up to five consecutive years per visit for applications submitted on or after June 22, 2023.
Unlike the PGP, which opens only during limited intake periods, Super Visa applications are accepted year-round, making it a consistent and predictable option for family reunification.
However, it is important to note the key difference in outcomes:
- PGP grants permanent residence
- Super Visa grants temporary resident (visitor) status
This means Super Visa holders cannot work or study in Canada unless they obtain separate authorization. Despite this limitation, the Super Visa is widely viewed as a strong alternative because it allows families to spend several uninterrupted years together in Canada.
Super Visa Eligibility Requirements
To qualify, both the Canadian host and the visiting parent or grandparent must meet specific conditions.
Requirements for the Canadian Host
The person inviting their parents or grandparents must:
- Be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or registered Indian
- Be at least 18 years old and living in Canada
- Meet the minimum required income level
- Provide a signed invitation letter confirming financial support during the visit
(A spouse or partner may co-sign if eligible)
Requirements for Parents or Grandparents
Applicants must:
- Apply from outside Canada
- Be admissible to Canada
- Complete an immigration medical examination
- Purchase mandatory private medical insurance
The medical insurance must:
- Be valid for at least one year from the date of entry
- Cover healthcare, hospitalization, and repatriation
- Provide a minimum of $100,000 in coverage
- Be fully paid (insurance quotes are not accepted)
As of January 28, 2025, IRCC allows Super Visa applicants to purchase insurance from select non-Canadian insurers, provided they meet specific regulatory conditions. Proof of paid insurance may be requested at the port of entry.
2. Visitor Visa or Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA): Suitable for Shorter Visits
For families planning shorter stays, a regular visitor visa or an electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) may be the better choice.
The document required depends on the traveller’s citizenship:
- Visitor visa: Required for nationals of countries that are not visa-exempt
- eTA: Required for visa-exempt nationals travelling to Canada by air
Most visitors are granted stays of up to six months per entry, although the final decision rests with the border officer, who may issue a visitor record with a specific departure date.
Key Features of eTAs and Visitor Visas
- eTAs are typically approved quickly and can be valid for up to five years or until passport expiry
- Visitor visas may be single-entry or multiple-entry and can be valid for up to ten years, depending on officer discretion
Basic Visitor Visa Requirements
Applicants generally need to demonstrate:
- A valid passport
- Good health and admissibility
- No serious criminal or immigration history
- Strong ties to their home country
- Sufficient funds for the visit
- A clear intention to leave Canada at the end of their stay
In some cases, a medical exam or invitation letter may also be required. Extensions are possible through a visitor record, provided the application is submitted before the authorized stay expires.
Choosing the Right Option for Your Family
The Super Visa is best suited for families who want their parents or grandparents to spend longer periods in Canada, especially when multiple years per visit are desired and the financial and insurance requirements can be met.
A regular visitor visa or eTA is more appropriate for short-term visits, such as family events, holidays, or brief stays, and offers a simpler application process with fewer financial obligations.
While neither option replaces the permanent residence outcome of the PGP, both pathways allow families to stay connected and together while waiting for future sponsorship opportunities to reopen.
For a consultation about Immigration options, reach out to the CAD IMMIGRATION today!
