In 2026, the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) remains highly competitive and is currently frozen for new applicants, with IRCC focusing on processing existing backlogs from the 2020 pool. For families in the USA and Canada looking to reunite, understanding the alternatives is essential to avoid years of waiting.
The Super Visa: Your Fast-Track Solution
The Super Visa is often called the “Gold Standard” alternative for family reunification. Unlike the PGP, which grants Permanent Residency (PR), the Super Visa is a temporary resident visa specifically designed for long-term stays.
1. The Canada Super Visa: The Premier PGP Alternative
The Super Visa is the most popular and practical alternative for long-term stays. Unlike the PGP, it is available year-round and does not rely on a lottery system.
- Extended Stay Duration: Allows parents and grandparents to stay in Canada for up to 5 years per entry.
- Long-Term Validity: The visa itself is a multiple-entry travel document valid for up to 10 years.
- Faster Processing: Applications are typically processed within 3 to 6 months, compared to years for PGP.
- Key Requirements:
- Financial Support: The child or grandchild in Canada must meet the Minimum Necessary Income (MNI) based on the Low Income Cut-Off (LICO) .
- Medical Insurance: Mandatory private medical insurance from a Canadian (or approved foreign) provider with at least $100,000 coverage.
- Medical Exam: The applicant must pass an upfront immigration medical examination.
The “Catch”: Financial & Health Obligations
To qualify, the responsibility falls largely on the host (the child or grandchild in Canada).
- The Income Test: You must prove your household income meets the Low Income Cut-Off (LICO).
- The Insurance Requirement: You must purchase private medical insurance for your parents with at least $100,000 in coverage from a provider recognized by IRCC.
2. Visitor Visa (TRV) & Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA)
For families seeking shorter, more frequent visits without high insurance costs, the standard visitor route is ideal.
- Stay Limit: Generally allows for stays of up to 6 months per entry.
- Lower Barrier To Entry: Does not require a mandatory 1-year insurance policy or a strict income threshold for the host, though financial self-sufficiency must still be proven.
- Flexibility: Extensions (Visitor Records) can be applied for from within Canada if the parents wish to stay longer.
Visitor Visa (TRV) vs. Super Visa: Which Is Better?
For some families, a standard Visitor Visa might be more appropriate.
3. Humanitarian & Compassionate (H&C) Applications
This is a “last resort” pathway for permanent residency based on exceptional circumstances rather than standard sponsorship.
- Criteria: IRCC considers factors such as family ties in Canada, the best interests of children involved, and the hardship the parents would face if forced to return to their home country.
- Eligibility: Typically used for elderly parents who are completely dependent on their Canadian children or who have no remaining family or support in their country of origin.
- Risk: These applications have no appeal rights and do not guarantee a stay in Canada during processing, which can take several years.
4. Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP)
While most PNPs target skilled workers, some provinces occasionally offer streams that can indirectly assist family reunification.
- Entrepreneur Streams: If a parent is still of working age and has significant business experience, they may qualify for an Entrepreneur PNP to move to Canada and establish a business.
- Saskatchewan Family Referral: Some provinces have historically allowed residents to “refer” family members for certain economic streams, though this usually requires the parent to have a valid job offer in the province.
Comparison: PGP vs. Super Visa (2026)
| Feature | PGP (Sponsorship) | Super Visa |
|---|---|---|
| Status | Permanent Resident (PR) | Temporary Resident (Visitor) |
| Work/Study | Allowed | Not allowed without separate permits |
| Healthcare | Access to Provincial Health | Must use Private Insurance |
| Availability | Lottery/Limited Intake | Year-round / No cap |
| Wait Time | Multi-year (24+ months) | 3–6 Months |
While the Super Visa is not a replacement for Permanent Residency, it serves as the most reliable bridge for families to stay together while waiting for future PGP openings.
Final Strategy For 2026
For most families, the winning strategy is Dual Filing:
- Apply for the Super Visa immediately to get your parents to Canada within 3–6 months.
- Keep your eyes on IRCC announcements for any future PGP lottery openings so you can apply for PR while they are already living with you on their Super Visa.
Important Note: Navigating these changes requires staying updated on the 2026–2028 Immigration Levels Plan , which currently keeps PR targets for parents at roughly 35,000 per year.