It is possible for parents and grandparents of citizens and permanent residents of Canada to successfully reconcile with their families through a variety of different channels. The Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) and the Super Visa are two of the most popular choices. Although they both accomplish the same goals, the eligibility requirements, processing timelines, and rewards associated with each are distinct. Consulting immigration lawyers in Mississauga can help navigate these options and ensure a smooth application process.
In 2025, selecting the appropriate alternative is contingent upon several criteria, including long-term immigration objectives, budgetary concerns, and the percentage of successful applications. Consulting immigration lawyers in Brampton can provide valuable guidance in making the right choice based on individual circumstances. Through this guide, let us analyse whether PGP or SUPER VISA is the best option in 2025.
What is PGP (Parents and Grandparents Program)
You can apply for permanent residency for your parents and grandparents through the Parents and Grandparents Program, which is run by Family Sponsorship Canada. Submitting an interest-to-sponsor form and meeting the eligibility standards are necessary for that. Once a year, PGP uses a lottery mechanism to choose sponsors. If your name is drawn, you will be asked to fill out a full application for sponsorship. The sponsored individual is just as responsible as the sponsor for meeting all of the requirements, including but not limited to medical exams, security checks, and more.
Your family will be able to immigrate to Canada as permanent residents in no time if your application is approved. There are a certain amount of slots available each year for the program, though, and admission is determined by a lottery. The uncertainty for applicants is heightened by the expectation that competition for PGP places will remain high in 2025.
Eligibility
- You must be a permanent resident, a citizen of Canada, or an Indian registered under the Canadian Indian Act.
- The age requirement is 18 or older.
- Reside in Canada at all times.
- Get a Personal Guarantee Plan (PGP) even if your income is lower than the MNI.
- Make your income tax return and supporting documents available to IRCC.
- Must promise to provide for the sponsored person or people for twenty years.
- Take a 20-year pledge to pay back the Canadian government for any social assistance benefits given to the sponsored family members.
- An additional agreement must be signed if you reside in Quebec.
Pros
- Resident status that is permanent and leads to citizenship
- Healthcare and social benefits in Canada are available to Canadians.
- Not required to renew visas regularly.
Cons
- Invites are limited and distributed through a lottery mechanism.
- Delays in processing times
- Specifications regarding financial sponsorship, including a minimum income criteria
What is SUPER VISA?
A multi-entry visa known as the Super Visa enables parents and grandparents to stay in Canada for a maximum of five years on each visit, with the possibility of extending their stay over time. In contrast to the PGP, it does not result in permanent residency; nonetheless, it has a shorter processing time and a more predictable acceptance process.
It is possible to obtain a Super Visa for ten years. Parents and grandparents can enter Canada several times and remain there for five years at each entry time without having to renew their visitor status.
Visa holders are permitted to remain in Canada for a period of up to five years at a time without the need to renew their visa regularly. In addition to establishing contacts with the applicants, sponsors are required to give evidence that they have medical insurance coverage for at least one year and demonstrate that they have sufficient money to support their relatives while they remain in the country.
Eligibility
- Obtain an invitation letter from their Canadian host family member.
- A copy of the sponsor’s birth certificate, baptismal certificate, or any other document that names the sponsored person as a parent should be presented as evidence of the sponsor’s parental tie with the host.
- Please present proof of health insurance that is current for a minimum of one year. An essential component is: Validation by an insurance provider in Canada, medical, hospital, and repatriation coverage, Auto insurance with a minimum of $100,000 in coverage, Canadian entrance requirements, Review accessibility at Canadian entry points
- To be eligible, the sponsor must satisfy the following criteria: Requirement to prove meeting income requirements, Have the financial wherewithal to cover the traveler while they are in Canada.
Pros
- A quicker processing time (often well within a few months).
- Multiple entries are scattered across a decade.
- PGP has higher financial requirements, while this one is lower.
Cons
- There is no possibility of obtaining citizenship or permanent residency.
- It is necessary to have private medical insurance.
- There is restricted access to social benefits.
Which is better, PGP OR SUPER-VISA?
There is a significant difference between the availability of PGP and Super Visa. Due to the IRCC’s decision to only accept eligible sponsors from the 2020 intake, the PGP happens once a year and has very limited availability. A lottery is used to operate the PGP, and it opens once a year.
Contrarily, a super visa is available year-round and takes into account both new and existing applications. The PGP is a great option for those who want permanent residency but are willing to wait for the lottery to decide. You should choose the Super Visa if you want a faster and more flexible alternative for long visits.
Conclusion
Out of the two, the PGP and the Super Visa, both offer exceptional prospects for family reunification in Canada. However, as PGP has the potential to be a long-term advantage, it is based on a lottery system which is a risky method. The Super Visa provides a trusted and swift solution for longer visits. In 2025, the needs and wants of the potential students should be assessed in terms of their plans, financial resources, and need for a visa to determine which path is most appropriate.
