As of January 1, 2026, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has confirmed that no new applications will be accepted under the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) this year. This announcement has left thousands of Canadian citizens and permanent residents searching for faster, more affordable alternatives to reunite with their parents or grandparents.
While the pause on PGP removes the option for direct permanent residence sponsorship, families still have practical and legal pathways to bring loved ones to Canada for extended stays—often with shorter processing times and lower costs.
Best Alternatives to the PGP in 2026
Canadian families currently have two main visit-based options:
1. Parent and Grandparent Super Visa (Best for Long-Term Stays)
The Parent and Grandparent Super Visa is the most popular alternative to the PGP in 2026. It allows parents and grandparents to visit Canada for up to 5 years per entry, with multiple entries over a validity period of up to 10 years (for applications submitted on or after June 22, 2023).
🔑 Key Benefits of the Super Visa
- Stay in Canada for up to 5 consecutive years
- Multiple entries over 10 years
- Available year-round, unlike the PGP lottery
- Significantly lower cost and faster processing than PR sponsorship
⚠️ Important Limitation
The Super Visa provides temporary resident status only. Parents and grandparents cannot work or study in Canada unless they apply for separate permits.
Super Visa Eligibility Requirements
To qualify, the Canadian host must:
- Be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, aged 18+
- Meet the Minimum Necessary Income (MNI)
- Sign a financial support invitation letter (spouse/partner may co-sign)
The parent or grandparent must:
- Apply from outside Canada
- Pass admissibility and medical exams
- Purchase mandatory private medical insurance
🩺 Super Visa Insurance Rules (2026)
- Minimum $100,000 coverage
- Covers healthcare, hospitalization, and repatriation
- Valid for at least 1 year
- Must be fully paid (quotes not accepted)
📌 As of January 28, 2025, IRCC allows insurance from approved foreign insurers, provided they meet Canadian regulatory standards.
2. Visitor Visa or eTA (Best for Short Visits)
For shorter stays, families can choose a Regular Visitor Visa or Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA).
- Visitor Visa: Required for nationals from visa-required countries
- eTA: For citizens of visa-exempt countries traveling by air
⏳ Length of Stay
- Typically up to 6 months per visit
- Border officers may issue a visitor record for extensions
💡 Why Choose This Option?
- Fewer documentation requirements
- Faster processing times
- Ideal for visits lasting weeks or months, not years
However, applicants must still prove:
- Strong ties to their home country
- Sufficient financial resources
- Clear intent to leave Canada after the visit
Which Option Is Right for Your Family?
Choose the Super Visa if:
- Long-term stays (up to 5 years) are the goal
- You meet income requirements
- Medical insurance is affordable and available
Choose a Visitor Visa or eTA if:
- The visit is short-term
- Income or insurance requirements are difficult to meet
- Faster approval is the priority
How ICC Immigration Can Help You Bring Your Parents to Canada
Navigating Canada immigration options for parents and grandparents can be complex—especially with the PGP paused. ICC Immigration provides trusted, strategic guidance to help families choose the most secure and realistic pathway.
Our Services Include
- Permanent Residency Applications through Express Entry, PNPs, and alternative pathways
- Super Visa and Visitor Visa Applications with complete documentation support
- Family Sponsorship & Reunification Strategies
- Work and Study Permit Planning for long-term settlement
- Expert Legal Advice aligned with current IRCC policies
Instead of waiting indefinitely for the PGP to reopen, families can take control of their future today. With proper planning, temporary pathways can lead to long-term stability.
📞 Whether you’re already in Canada or planning ahead, ICC Immigration is here to guide you—step by step, legally and confidently.
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