Parents & Grandparents Program (PGP) Paused in 2026: Is the Super Visa Now the Best Option?
For many Canadian citizens and permanent residents, bringing their parents and grandparents to Canada has always been an important long-term goal.
However, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) recently announced that it will not accept new interest to sponsor forms or issue new invitations under the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) until further notice. Existing applications will continue to be processed, with up to 15,000 permanent residents expected to be admitted through the PGP in 2026, in line with Canada’s 2026–2028 Immigration Levels Plan.
As a result, many families are now asking the same question:
If PGP is paused, what is the best way to bring parents or grandparents to Canada?
For many families, the answer is the Super Visa.
What Has Changed?
IRCC has paused new intake under the Parents and Grandparents Program because demand continues to exceed the available spaces.
This means:
- No new Interest to Sponsor submissions
- No new invitations to apply
- Existing applications will continue processing
- Families who were waiting for a future PGP intake may have to wait longer before another intake opens
While this may be disappointing for many Canadians hoping to sponsor their parents permanently, it does not mean families have no options.
Why the Super Visa Is Becoming More Important?
Unlike the Parents and Grandparents Program, the Super Visa remains open year-round.
It allows eligible parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens and permanent residents to:
- Stay in Canada for up to five years per entry
- Enter Canada multiple times for up to 10 years (subject to passport validity)
- Apply for an extension while inside Canada if eligible
For families who simply want to spend extended time together, the Super Visa has become one of the most practical alternatives.
Recent Changes Have Made the Super Visa More Accessible
Over the past two years, IRCC has introduced several changes that have made the Super Visa easier for many families.
1. More Flexible Income Requirements
Effective March 31, 2026, hosts can now qualify using either of the two previous taxation years, instead of relying only on the most recent tax year.
In certain situations, the visiting parent’s or grandparent’s income may also help meet the financial requirement if the host meets the required minimum percentage.
This provides greater flexibility for families whose income may have fluctuated.
2. More Health Insurance Options
Applicants can now purchase qualifying private health insurance from certain OSFI-authorized foreign insurance companies, rather than being limited to Canadian insurers, provided all program requirements are met.
For some families, this can increase flexibility when arranging the required insurance coverage.
PGP vs Super Visa
| Parents & Grandparents Program | Super Visa |
|---|---|
| Permanent Residence | Temporary long-term visitor status |
| Limited intake | Open throughout the year |
| Invitation required | Direct application |
| Long processing timelines | Generally faster processing than PGP |
| Annual admission limits | No annual intake cap |
While permanent residence remains the ultimate goal for many families, the Super Visa allows parents and grandparents to spend significant time in Canada while future PGP opportunities remain uncertain.
Should You Apply for a Super Visa?
A Super Visa may be a good option if:
- You want your parents or grandparents to visit Canada for extended periods.
- You are waiting for future PGP intake.
- You meet the current Super Visa eligibility requirements.
- You want to reunite with family without waiting for permanent sponsorship to reopen.
Every family’s situation is different, so eligibility should always be reviewed before applying.
Final Thoughts
The pause in new PGP intake has changed the landscape of family reunification in Canada, but it has also placed greater importance on the Super Visa program.
With recent improvements to income assessment and health insurance requirements, many families who previously found the program difficult to qualify for may now have a stronger opportunity to apply.
If you are considering bringing your parents or grandparents to Canada and would like to understand whether a Super Visa is the right option for your family, professional guidance can help you navigate the process with confidence.
At AeroPath Immigration, we assist families with Super Visa applications and help determine the best pathway based on their individual circumstances.
