Super Visa vs PGP

Super Visa vs PGP: Which Path to Family Reunification in Canada Is Right for You?

The Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) is one of the most sought-after immigration pathways for Canadians looking to reunite with their loved ones. However, the program's limited availability and lottery-based selection process make it challenging for many sponsors to successfully bring their parents or grandparents to Canada. But there’s an alternative: the Super Visa.

While both programs aim to keep families together, they differ significantly in terms of eligibility, application process, costs, and immigration outcomes. So, if you're a Canadian citizen or permanent resident looking to sponsor your parents or grandparents, you may be wondering: Is the Super Visa a good alternative to the PGP?

Let's break down the key differences between these two programs to help you decide.

Program Availability: A Year-Round vs. Lottery-Based System

PGP: The Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) opens just once a year, and only those who submitted an Interest to Sponsor form in 2020 (and were not selected in previous lotteries) can apply this year. The PGP is a lottery-based program, meaning applicants are randomly chosen from the eligible pool of sponsors. The chance to apply is limited, and this year marks the fourth consecutive year of selection from the 2020 pool.

Super Visa: The Super Visa, on the other hand, is open year-round. There's no lottery. Eligible sponsors can apply for a Super Visa at any time, which gives applicants a much higher chance of success compared to the PGP's random draw.

Who Can Apply? Eligibility Criteria

PGP: To sponsor your parents or grandparents under the PGP, you must meet the following criteria:

  • Be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident (registered under the Canadian Indian Act)
  • Be at least 18 years old.
  • Be able to prove your income meets the Minimum Necessary Income (MNI), which is a financial threshold that increases with family size.
  • Sign a legal undertaking to financially support the sponsored individuals for 20 years (or 10 years in Quebec).

Super Visa:

For the Super Visa, the requirements for the sponsor are similar, but the applicant (the parent or grandparent) must also meet additional criteria:

Exceptions for Spouses of Undergraduate Students

  • Must reside outside of Canada at the time of applying.
  • Must provide proof of the relationship with the Canadian sponsor and show the sponsor's legal status in Canada.
  • The sponsor must meet the Low Income Cut-Off (LICO), which is typically lower than the MNI required for the PGP.
  • Key Difference: The Super Visa requires the parent or grandparent to apply directly, whereas the PGP allows the sponsor to submit the application on their behalf.

    Immigration Outcomes: Temporary vs. Permanent Residency

    PGP: Successful applicants under the PGP receive Permanent Residency (PR) in Canada. This allows them to live, work, and settle in Canada indefinitely, with most of the same rights and privileges as Canadian citizens.

    Super Visa:Unlike the PGP, the Super Visa is a temporary resident visa. If approved, the parent or grandparent can stay in Canada for up to 5 years at a time, with the option to extend their stay for up to 7 years. However, they are not granted PR status and must leave Canada after their authorized stay expires.

    Costs: What Are You Paying For?

    PGP: The PGP is more costly due to the permanent residency status it provides. The fees for a principal applicant are around $1,205 CAD, which includes:

    • Sponsorship fee: $85 CAD
    • Processing fee: $545 CAD
    • Right of Permanent Residency fee: $575 CAD

    Additionally, the cost for including a spouse or partner is $1,210 CAD. There's also the requirement to show proof of income that meets or exceeds the Minimum Necessary Income (MNI), which could add further financial burden.

    Super Visa:The Super Visa is much more affordable, with a $100 CAD fee for a single or multiple-entry visa. For families, a $500 CAD fee is charged for up to five people. If the applicant needs to extend their stay, an additional fee of $100 CAD applies, while a $229 CAD fee may be required to restore their status in Canada if needed.

    Key Difference: The Super Visa is significantly cheaper than the PGP in terms of application costs, though the financial requirements for sponsors to meet LICO may still be a factor.

    Processing Time: How Quickly Can You Reunite?

    PGP:Due to the lottery system and the limited number of spots, the PGP process can take years to complete. In some cases, applicants who were not selected in the initial lottery may have to wait for multiple years before they even get the chance to apply.

    Super Visa:The Super Visa is much faster in terms of processing. While processing times vary depending on the country of origin, it is generally much quicker than the PGP. Many applicants can expect to receive a decision within a few months of submitting their application.

    Which Option is Right for You?

    Super Visa: The Super Visa is an excellent option if you are looking for a faster, more predictable pathway to bring your parents or grandparents to Canada, especially if you are unable to access the PGP lottery. While it provides temporary status, it allows your loved ones to stay in Canada for up to 7 years and can be extended as long as they continue to meet the requirements.

    PGP: If your goal is to bring your parents or grandparents to Canada permanently, and you are in the lucky group that is selected through the lottery, then the PGP is the better route. It provides permanent residency, but you’ll need to be prepared for a lengthy waiting process, higher costs, and more stringent income requirements.

    Final Thoughts: Which Path Will You Choose?

    For many families, the Super Visa is a realistic and practical alternative to the PGP, especially in light of the lottery's unpredictable nature. It's affordable, fast, and offers the flexibility to stay in Canada for extended periods.

    If permanent residency is a priority and you're willing to wait for the lottery process, the PGP could be worth pursuing, but the Super Visa remains the go-to option for those who need to reunite sooner and are willing to work with temporary status.

    No matter which route you choose, both programs reflect Canada's commitment to family reunification—and give you the chance to bring your loved ones to one of the world's most welcoming countries.

    Need Help Bringing Your Loved Ones to Canada?

    Thinking about sponsoring your parents or grandparents? At Career Wings Immigration, we’re here to make the process smooth and stress-free. Contact us today, and let’s make your Canadian family dream a reality!

    Are you looking for a Licensed Canadian Immigration Consultant?

    We offer a complimentary 15-minute in person consultation to explore your immigration options. To schedule a consultation, please email us at careerwingsimmigration@gmail.com .