Know the Difference between Canada PGP and Super Visa
Team Universal Adviser
Published on: February 20, 2024
Are you considering bringing your parents and grandparents to Canada?
Two pathways are available for this purpose – the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) and the Super Visa.
The Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) enables permanent residents and citizens to sponsor their parents and grandparents for Canadian Permanent Residency from India. On the other hand, the Super Visa is designed as a temporary visa, allowing parents and grandparents to visit their family in Canada for periods of up to five years at a time.
The question often arises: “Which option is the right one for me?”
This is a common dilemma faced by many individuals. While both options facilitate the arrival of parents and grandparents of permanent residents or citizens to Canada, there are significant differences between the two programs. These differences encompass eligibility criteria, processing times, and the duration of stay allowed.
What does the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) mean?
If you aspire to sponsor your parents and grandparents for Canadian Permanent Residency, you can apply through the Parents and Grandparents Program, a component of Family Sponsorship Canada. To initiate the process, you need to meet specific eligibility criteria and submit an interest-to-sponsor form. PGP selects sponsors annually through a lottery system, and if chosen, you will receive an invitation to submit a comprehensive sponsorship application.
The sponsor and the sponsored individual must meet additional requirements, including medical examinations and security checks. Upon approval of your application, your parents and grandparents will soon become permanent residents of Canada.
In line with the new Immigration Levels Plans 2024-2026, the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) aims to welcome 32,000 immigrants through the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) in 2024 alone. This figure will increase to 34,000 immigrants for 2025 and 2026.
Who is Eligible for the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP)?
To sponsor your parents and grandparents for Canada PR through the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP), you must meet the following eligibility requirements:
Be a PR holder, a Canadian citizen, or a registered Indian under the Canadian Indian Act.
Be at least 18 years old.
Reside in Canada.
Exceed the Minimum Necessary Income (MNI) requirements for PGP.
Provide proof of income to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
Sign an undertaking to financially support the sponsored individual(s) for 20 years.
Commit to repaying any social assistance benefits paid to the sponsored family members for 20 years.
If residing in Quebec, sign an additional agreement.
How to Apply for the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP)?
Follow these steps to apply for PGP from India:
Check your eligibility to become a sponsor.
Fill out the Interest to Sponsor form. The Canadian authorities will conduct a random draw to select candidates for the Parents and Grandparents Program.
If selected, submit a complete sponsorship application to IRCC.
Processing time: About 24 months
Bring Your Parents and Grandparents to Canada
What is a Super Visa?
The Super Visa is designed for temporarily sponsoring parents and grandparents to Canada. It is a Temporary Residence Visa (TRV), categorized as a “visitor visa,” allowing parents and grandparents of citizens and permanent residents to visit their family in Canada.
The Super Visa is valid for 10 years, permitting multiple entries with each stay lasting up to 5 years without the need to renew visitor status.
Who is Eligible for a Super Visa?
For Super Visa Canada, the spouse or common-law partner of the sponsored individual may be included, but no dependents. The sponsored individuals must meet these eligibility requirements:
Get a letter of invitation from their host (child or grandchild) in Canada.
Provide proof of parental relationship with the host.
Provide proof of medical insurance meeting specific criteria.
The sponsor must meet the minimum income criteria and take financial responsibility for the visitor during their stay in Canada.
Follow these steps to apply for a Super Visa from India:
Gather supporting documents like a letter of invitation, relationship proof, and medical insurance.
Complete the application form on the official Canadian government website and pay the application fees.
Submit the complete application with supporting documents online or at a Visa Application Centre (VAC) and wait for IRCC to review it.
Processing time: About 52 days
If your parents and grandparents aspire to attain permanent residency, the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) presents the optimal pathway. However, if they intend to visit Canada for a vacation or family reunion, the Super Visa is the preferred option. Alternatively, you can pursue both avenues simultaneously by applying for a Super Visa while also attempting to be selected for the PGP.
Navigating the application process may appear intricate, especially for first-time applicants. In such instances, seeking guidance from the top immigration consultants in Hyderabad is advisable. Our experienced team will evaluate your case, providing valuable insights to assist you in making well-informed decisions.