Canada’s Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) has been paused for new applications in 2026, leaving many Canadian citizens and permanent residents wondering how they can bring their parents and grandparents to Canada.
For families hoping to reunite, the Super Visa is now one of the most practical alternatives. It allows eligible parents and grandparents to visit their children or grandchildren in Canada for extended periods without waiting for a new PGP intake to open.
However, there is an important distinction: the Super Visa is a temporary resident visa, not a pathway to permanent residence by itself. Families should understand the eligibility requirements, financial responsibilities, medical insurance rules, and other available visitor options before applying.
What Does the PGP Pause in 2026 Mean?
On July 15, 2026, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) announced that it was pausing intake under the Parents and Grandparents Program.
Under the announcement, IRCC will continue processing existing applications and plans to approve up to 15,000 people for permanent residence through the PGP in 2026. It will not accept new interest-to-sponsor forms or invite potential sponsors to apply until further notice.
This means families who have not been invited to apply cannot submit a new PGP application under the current intake arrangements.
The pause does not mean that parents and grandparents can no longer visit Canada. Eligible family members can still explore temporary visitor options, including the Super Visa.
Families should monitor official IRCC announcements rather than assume that a new PGP intake will open on a particular date.
Why Is the Super Visa an Important Alternative?
The Super Visa is designed for parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens, permanent residents, and eligible persons registered under the Indian Act.
Unlike a regular visitor visa, the Super Visa allows eligible visitors to remain in Canada for an extended period. For applicants who apply on or after June 22, 2023, the permitted stay can be up to five years at a time, subject to the applicable rules and the decision made when entering Canada.
A Super Visa can also be issued for multiple entries over a period of up to 10 years, depending on the applicant’s passport validity and visa validity.
Its main advantages include:
For families whose immediate priority is spending time together, this can be a useful option while the PGP intake remains paused.
Who Can Apply for a Canada Super Visa?
The applicant must be the parent or grandparent of a qualifying host in Canada.
The host must generally be a Canadian citizen, a permanent resident, or a person registered under the Indian Act. The host must also meet the applicable minimum income requirement and provide the required invitation and supporting documentation.
The applicant must satisfy IRCC’s requirements for temporary residence, including admissibility requirements and the applicable medical insurance conditions.
IRCC assesses each application individually. Meeting the basic eligibility criteria does not guarantee approval.
Super Visa Income Requirements in 2026
One of the most important parts of a Super Visa application is demonstrating that the host meets the applicable income requirement.
IRCC introduced changes to the Super Visa income rules effective March 31, 2026. Under the updated instructions, eligible income from the visiting parent or grandparent may be included in the income calculation, subject to the applicable conditions.
This can provide additional flexibility for some families. However, it does not remove the need to satisfy the financial eligibility criteria.
The host should carefully review the current IRCC income table and calculate the required amount based on the relevant family size.
Family size can include the host, their spouse or common-law partner where applicable, dependent children, the visiting parent or grandparent, and other individuals covered by relevant sponsorship undertakings or invitations.
Before applying, families should confirm:
Avoid relying on outdated income figures from older articles because the applicable rules and thresholds may change.
Super Visa Medical Insurance Requirements
Medical insurance is another essential part of a Super Visa application.
Applicants must generally have private medical insurance that meets IRCC’s requirements, including:
The policy must meet the applicable conditions when the application is assessed. Families should confirm the insurer’s eligibility, coverage limits, policy dates, and payment arrangements before purchasing a policy.
Medical insurance can be a substantial expense, particularly for older applicants. Compare policies carefully, but do not choose a plan solely because it offers the lowest premium.
Documents Needed for a Super Visa Application
Preparing a complete application helps IRCC assess the applicant’s circumstances and eligibility.
Depending on the case, the documents may include:
From the Canadian host:
From the parent or grandparent:
The exact document requirements depend on the applicant’s situation. Applicants should use the current IRCC checklist and instructions before submitting their application.
Super Visa vs. Parents and Grandparents Program
Although both options help families reunite, they serve different purposes.
| Feature | Super Visa | PGP |
| Main purpose | Extended family visits | Permanent residence |
| New intake in 2026 | Applications may be submitted by eligible applicants. | Paused |
| Length of stay | Up to five years per stay for eligible applications under current rules | Permanent residence if approved |
| Income requirements | Applicable Super Visa income rules | Sponsorship income and other requirements |
| Medical insurance | Required under Super Visa rules | Not the same Super Visa insurance requirement |
| Permanent residence | Not granted by the visa itself | Can lead to permanent residence |
The best option depends on whether the family’s priority is a long visit or permanent settlement in Canada.
Is a Regular Visitor Visa Still an Option?
Yes. The Super Visa is not the only possible temporary entry option.
A parent or grandparent may be eligible to apply for a regular visitor visa, depending on their nationality and circumstances. The length of stay is determined under the applicable rules and may be specified by the border services officer.
A regular visitor visa may suit someone planning a shorter visit who does not meet the Super Visa requirements or prefers not to purchase the required Super Visa insurance.
However, a visitor visa does not guarantee entry into Canada. Applicants must satisfy the applicable requirements, and border officers determine whether to authorize entry and the permitted length of stay.
Families should compare the available options before choosing the one that best fits their needs.
How Families Should Prepare While the PGP Is Paused
With no new PGP intake currently available, families can use this period to review their circumstances and prepare for the appropriate immigration route.
Start by confirming the Canadian host’s status and determining whether the parent or grandparent needs a Super Visa or a regular visitor visa.
Next, review the current income requirements, identify acceptable financial evidence, and compare qualifying medical insurance policies if applying for a Super Visa.
Applicants should also prepare relationship documents, passports, and evidence supporting the purpose of their visit. All information should be accurate and consistent across the application.
If permanent residence remains the long-term goal, keep checking official IRCC updates about the PGP. Do not assume that a Super Visa application will convert into permanent residence or guarantee an invitation under a future PGP intake.
Get Professional Guidance for Your Family’s Application
Every family has different financial circumstances, travel plans, and immigration histories. Choosing between a Super Visa and a regular visitor visa requires an understanding of the applicant’s situation and the requirements that apply.
Rajveer Chahal education consultant, can help families understand the available options, review document requirements, and prepare for the application process. A careful assessment can help identify missing documents and potential concerns before submission, although no representative can guarantee a visa approval.
For the latest requirements, applicants should also consult the official Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada website.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Is the Parents and Grandparents Program paused in 2026?
Ans. Yes. IRCC announced on July 15, 2026, that it would pause new PGP intake until further notice. Existing applications will continue to be processed.
Q2. Is the Super Visa the only option for bringing parents to Canada?
Ans. No. The Super Visa is a key option for extended family visits, but eligible parents and grandparents may also consider a regular visitor visa. The appropriate option depends on their circumstances and eligibility.
Q3. How long can parents stay in Canada on a Super Visa?
Ans. Eligible applicants who applied on or after June 22, 2023, can generally stay for up to five years per entry, subject to the applicable rules and entry decision.
Q4. Can a Super Visa holder apply for permanent residence?
Ans. A Super Visa does not itself grant permanent residence. The holder would need to qualify for a separate immigration pathway if one is available to them.
Q5. Can I apply for a Super Visa while waiting for the PGP to reopen?
Ans. Eligible parents and grandparents may apply for a Super Visa while the PGP intake is paused. They must independently meet the Super Visa requirements, and approval is not guaranteed.
Conclusion
The PGP pause in 2026 has changed the options available to families hoping to bring their parents and grandparents to Canada. For eligible families seeking extended visits, the Super Visa offers a practical alternative, while a regular visitor visa may suit shorter stays.
Understanding the difference between temporary visits and permanent residence is essential. Review the latest IRCC rules, prepare the required evidence, and choose the option that best matches your family’s needs.
