Super Visa VS PGP: Which is the Better Option For Bringing Parents and Grandparents to Canada
July 15, 2024
|
Choosing between the Super Visa and the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) can significantly impact your family's reunification plans. Understanding the inner workings of these programs, from eligibility requirements to application processes, is crucial in making an informed decision about which path to reunite with your parents and grandparents in Canada. Whether you prioritize flexibility in visit durations or seek long-term settlement for your family members, this comparison will guide you toward the best option suited to your needs.
Ready to learn which program is better for bringing your parents and grandparents to Canada? Then, take a look as we explore the differences between Canada's Super Visa and PGP to decide on the best way to unify your family in Canada.
Which is the Better Option For Bringing Your Grandparents and Parents in Canada Between the Super Visa and PGP?
Bringing parents and grandparents to Canada involves navigating two primary immigration pathways: the Super Visa and the PGP. Although each option serves distinct purposes and carries unique benefits for different family reunification needs, generally, the most suitable program currently available to reunite with your family in Canada is the Super Visa. Below is an assessment of the comparative suitability of the Super Visa over the PGP.
Super Visa
The Super Visa is designed for temporary visits by parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens or permanent residents. It allows eligible individuals to stay in Canada for up to two years per visit without frequently renewing their Visa. This feature makes the Super Visa an attractive choice for families looking for extended periods together while maintaining the flexibility of temporary residency. It also provides a pathway to Canadian permanent residency through programs like the Temporary Residency to Permanent Residency Pathway.
To qualify for a Super Visa, you must meet the requirements of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). Your sponsors must demonstrate sufficient income to support their parents or grandparents during their stay in Canada. Your sponsor must also show enough income to help you or any other parents or grandparents in Canada. As an applicant, you must have Canadian medical insurance coverage for at least one year. You must also provide evidence of your relationship with the Canadian citizen or permanent resident sponsoring them.
Parents and Grandparents Program
Unlike the Super Visa, the Parents and Grandparents Program provides a pathway to permanent residency for parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens and permanent residents. This program is designed for those who wish to settle in Canada permanently and enjoy the benefits of Canadian citizenship. In 2024, the IRCC plans to invite 35,700 potential sponsors from the 2020 Interest to Sponsor pool to apply, aiming to accept 20,500 complete applications.
This marks the fourth consecutive year IRCC has drawn from the 2020 pool, delaying subsequent sponsors' entry chances. If you are not a part of the group of applicants who fall under the 2020 pool, you can not be sponsored under the PGP, providing an alternative through the Super Visa. Though distinct from the PGP, the Super Visa facilitates family reunification by allowing Canadian citizens and permanent residents to host extended visits from their parents and grandparents.
Key criteria include ensuring that your sponsors meet minimum income thresholds for the past three taxation years to prove their ability to support their parents or grandparents financially. Your sponsors must show a genuine relationship with you or other parents or grandparents they wish to sponsor. Your sponsors must also sign a sponsorship agreement committing to providing financial support to their family members for a specified period.
Based on the above descriptions, the most suitable program to reunite with your family in Canada is the Supervisa, as the 2024 PGP intake currently prioritizes only applicants from the 2020 Interest to Sponsor pool.
Learn more about how to sponsor your parents and grandparents to become Canadian permanent residents.
Pros and Cons of the SuperVisa and PGP
If you are still trying to decide which is the better option for reuniting with your parents or grandparents in Canada, take a look at the pros and cons of the Super Visa and PGP below.
SuperVisa
Here are the pros and cons of the SuperVisa.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Allows for extended stays (up to 2 years) | Temporary status - does not lead to permanent residency |
| Multiple-entry privileges | Requires medical insurance for the entire duration of the visit |
| No need for frequent visa renewals | Limited to parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens or PRs |
| Allows for family reunification | Sponsors must meet specific income requirements to prove financial support |
| Flexible for frequent visits | May not be suitable for those seeking permanent settlement |
Parents and Grandparents Program
Here are the pros and cons of the PGP.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Pathway to permanent residency | Lengthy processing times |
| Access to Canadian healthcare | Strict income requirements for sponsors |
| Eligibility for social benefits | Limited annual quotas for applications |
| Ability to live, work, and study in Canada | Requires sponsors to commit to financially supporting the applicant |
| Includes family reunification benefits | Applicants may need to pass medical and security checks |
How Can I Apply for Supervisa?
Should you decide to reunite with your family in Canada using the Super Visa, you can follow the steps below if you want to apply for a Super Visa.
Step 1: Get Your Documents Ready
There are specific requirements for a Super Visa, including the need for health insurance. You must include all the documents listed below.
- Letter of invitation from your child or grandchild,
- Minimum necessary income requirements,
- Proof of health insurance,
- Proof of completing a medical exam,
- Proof that your host is a Canadian citizen, permanent resident of Canada, or a registered Indian, and
- Proof of your relationship to your host.
Step 2: Apply Online Through the IRCC Portal
If you need a super visa to travel to Canada, apply online. Be aware that online applications will only be accepted and processed. However, you can use paper if you cannot apply online due to disability. Take care to have a look at the IRCC’s instruction guide and all the forms you must complete, and follow the guide carefully to complete your application. The IRCC will not refund your application fee, so be certain you require a Super Visa before applying.
Step 3: Pay Your Application Fees
Ensure you pay your application fees, including processing fees for all involved. If you are applying to sponsor or be sponsored for the first time, ensure you have enough funds to pay your biometrics fee when submitting your application, or you may experience delays.
Third-party fees
Depending on your situation, you may need to pay third parties for your medical exam and a police certificate. Take a look at the instruction guides to help you understand which IRCC application fees apply to you.
Step 4: Submit Your Application
Make sure to submit your application in one package and have the main applicant send it to the application Visa Application Center (VAC), where it will be processed. You can also choose to submit from your country of nationality or the country or territory where you have been legally admitted.
FAQs
Can I Switch From a Super Visa to the PGP?
No, you cannot switch directly from a Super Visa to the Parents and PGP. Each program serves distinct purposes, such as the Super Visa for temporary visits and the PGP for permanent residency, requiring separate applications and meeting specific eligibility criteria.
What is the Main Difference Between the Super Visa and the PGP?
The main difference is that the Super Visa allows extended temporary stays of up to 5 years at a time, while the PGP grants permanent residency to parents and grandparents.
Which Option is More Suitable For Frequent Visits to Canada?
If you plan to make frequent visits to Canada without the intention of settling permanently, the Super Visa is more suitable due to its flexibility with extended stays of up to two years per visit, multiple-entry privileges, and fewer obligations compared to the permanent residency pathway offered by the PGP.