Maple News reports that Canada’s super visa program remains a reliable alternative for families seeking to reunite with parents and grandparents, particularly for those who were not selected through the lottery-based Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP).
The super visa allows Canadian citizens and permanent residents to invite their parents or grandparents for long-term stays in Canada. Unlike a regular visitor visa, which typically permits stays of up to six months, the super visa grants multiple entries for up to ten years. Each visit under this visa can last for up to five years at a time, offering families greater continuity and stability.
A key advantage of the super visa is its accessibility. While the PGP only accepts interest-to-sponsor forms during periodic intake windows and selects participants via a randomized lottery, the super visa program is open year-round. This eliminates the uncertainty tied to the PGP and gives more control to applicants who meet the eligibility criteria.
Eligibility for the super visa requires the sponsor to be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident and to meet the Low-Income Cut-Off (LICO) requirement, which proves they can financially support their visiting family members. Additionally, applicants must undergo a medical examination and secure private medical insurance from a Canadian company to cover healthcare needs during their stay.
In contrast, PGP sponsorship leads to permanent residency for the sponsored individuals, granting them access to public health care and other social benefits. However, this comes at a significantly higher cost—starting at $1,205 compared to the super visa’s starting cost of around $100—and a long-term financial commitment. Sponsors under the PGP must commit to a 20-year financial undertaking in most provinces, or 10 years if residing in Quebec.
Although the super visa does not offer a pathway to permanent residency, it allows families to remain closely connected while navigating other potential immigration options. It also serves as a valuable interim solution for those waiting for a chance to apply through the PGP or exploring long-term settlement options for their loved ones.
Given its predictable process, lower cost, and generous stay durations, the super visa continues to be an attractive option for many Canadian families seeking to reunite across generations.