Bringing Parents to Canada: What’s Really Happening with the Sponsorship Program and Why the Super Visa Might Be Your Best Option

Family reunification has always been at the heart of Canadian immigration, but for many families hoping to sponsor their parents or grandparents, the process has become more complicated than expected.

If you’ve been waiting for the Parents and Grandparents Sponsorship (PGP) to reopen, you’ve likely noticed that Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) is still using the same pool of candidates submitted back in 2020. Yes, that means no new “Interest to Sponsor” forms have been accepted since then.

So, what does this mean for families hoping to bring their loved ones to Canada? And is there another way to make it happen sooner? Let’s break it down.

The Parents and Grandparents Sponsorship: Part of Canada’s Family Class

The PGP is part of Canada’s Family Class Immigration Program, which allows citizens and permanent residents to sponsor close family members for permanent residency.

Through the PGP, parents and grandparents can become permanent residents of Canada, meaning they can live, work, and access healthcare here long term.

However, the challenge lies in the intake process. Because IRCC continues to use the pool of potential sponsors from the year 2020, no new interest can currently be expressed. Only those who submitted the form five years ago are being considered for the 2025 intake. Since then, IRCC has been randomly selecting potential sponsors from that same 2020 pool each year, turning the process into what many describe as a lottery-style system.

In other words, the door hasn’t reopened yet, and the demand remains high.

The Reality Behind the PGP

The PGP has always been one of the most competitive immigration programs in Canada. With limited spots and a lottery-style selection process, many families are left waiting year after year for their chance to be invited.

To qualify, sponsors must also meet minimum income requirements and agree to financially support their parents or grandparents for 20 years (10 years in Quebec). It’s a serious commitment, and a long-term process.

While it’s an incredible pathway to permanent residency, it’s not the most immediate solution for now, if you haven't submitted your interest back in 2020.

The Super Visa: A Real Alternative to Reunite Sooner

If you don’t want to wait indefinitely for the PGP to reopen, the Super Visa might be your best option to reunite your family sooner.

The Super Visa is a long-term, multiple-entry visa designed for parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens or permanent residents. It allows them to stay in Canada for up to 5 years per visit, with a visa validity of up to 10 years.

Unlike the regular visitor visa (which limits stays to 6 months), the Super Visa gives your loved ones the chance to truly spend time with you, without having to leave the country every few months. This is a good option only if you are expecting a long, uninterrupted stay.

Key benefits:

• Stay in Canada for up to 5 years at a time

• Multiple entries for up to 10 years

• Renewable or extendable for 2 more years without leaving Canada

• Designed specifically for parents and grandparents

To qualify, applicants must have:

• A letter of invitation and proof of relationship from their child or grandchild

• Proof that the sponsor meets the minimum income requirement (MNI)

• Medical insurance from a Canadian or approved insurer, while there are other requirements, the key details are:

  • It must be valid for a minimum of one year from the date of entry

  • It must be paid in full or in instalments with a deposit (quotes aren’t accepted)

  • It must cover health care, hospitalization, and repatriation

  • It must provide a minimum coverage of $100,000

• A medical exam and proof they intend to visit temporarily

Important to note: The Super Visa does not grant the right to work in Canada. Parents or grandparents visiting under this program are considered visitors, they can stay long-term, but cannot engage in paid employment. However, they are welcome to participate in family life, volunteer, or help around the household during their stay.

The Super Visa doesn’t provide permanent residency, but it offers stability, flexibility, and, most importantly, the opportunity for families to be together while waiting for the next PGP intake.

Choosing the Best Path for Your Family

If your ultimate goal is permanent residency for your parents or grandparents, the PGP remains the pathway to aim for. But while the government hasn’t reopened new interest submissions, the Super Visa can help bridge the gap.

At Immigria Consulting Firm, we guide families through both options, from preparing for future PGP intakes to securing a Super Visa that brings loved ones closer, faster.

Our team of certified Canadian immigration consultants will evaluate your eligibility, organize the required documentation, and create a personalized strategy that fits your family’s goals.

Family reunification may be a complicated process, but with the right guidance, it’s absolutely achievable.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve been wondering whether you missed your chance with the Parents and Grandparents Sponsorship, you haven’t. You’re simply in a waiting period that requires smart planning and professional guidance.

And while you wait, the Super Visa is a proven way to bring your family to Canada safely, legally, and soon.

At Immigria Consulting Firm, we help families explore every possible path to reunite in Canada, from sponsorships to temporary visas.

Let’s find your best route forward.

Contact us today to get started with a certified immigration consultant.

Disclaimer:

This blog reflects the most accurate information available as of the date of publication. Immigration laws and policies are subject to change by the Government of Canada. Always consult a licensed immigration consultant or official sources for the latest updates.