Compare All Parent & Grandparent Programs In Canada
If you’re planning to reunite with your parents or grandparents in Canada, this comparison will help you understand the three main pathways available—so you can choose the option that best matches your family’s timeline and long-term goals.
The Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) is the permanent residence sponsorship route for families who want their loved ones to settle in Canada permanently. For many families, however, the Super Visa is the most practical solution for extended stays because it’s specifically designed for parents and grandparents and can authorize visits of up to 5 years at a time, with multiple entries for up to 10 years—meaning fewer repeat applications and more predictable long-term visiting flexibility. If your parents are visiting for a shorter period—such as a family event, holiday, or temporary stay—a regular Visitor Visa (or an eTA for visa-exempt country travelers) may be the simpler option; the exact entry document depends on nationality and how they travel, so it’s best to confirm through IRCC’s official “check if you need a visa or eTA” guidance.
Each program comes with different eligibility requirements, documentation rules, and processing timelines based on your status in Canada and your parent’s country of residence. Book a consultation with our Canadian immigration consultants to review your family’s situation and confirm the strongest pathway. Our team will guide you through every step—from strategy to submission—helping you prepare a strong application and move forward with confidence.
| Program Name | Parents & Grandparents Program (PGP) | Super Visa for Parents & Grandparents | Visitor Visa for Parents |
|---|---|---|---|
| Primary Objective | Obtain Permanent Residency (PR) | Up to 5-year stay in Canada | Up to 6-month stay in Canada |
| Eligibility Criteria | Canadian citizens or permanent residents who meet minimum income requirements and are invited by IRCC to sponsor | Canadian citizens or permanent residents who meet minimum income requirements and provide financial support and an invitation | Canadian citizens or permanent residents who may provide an invitation letter; no minimum income requirement applies |
| Work Authorization | Authorized upon PR approval | Not permitted | Not permitted |
| Average Processing Time | ⏳⏳⏳⏳ | ⏳⏳ | ⏳⏳ |
| Success Rate | High (if invitation is received and eligibility is met) | High (if requirements are met) | Average (depending on country of residence and strength of ties) |
| Government Application Fees (CAD) |
Sponsorship Fee: $85 Principal Applicant Processing Fee: $545 Right of Permanent Residence Fee (RPRF): $575 Biometrics Fee: $85 Total: $1,290 |
Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) Fee: $100 Biometrics Fee: $85 Total: $185 Note: Super Visa applicants must also purchase eligible medical insurance (cost varies by provider and coverage). |
Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) Fee: $100 Biometrics Fee: $85 Total: $185 Note: If the parent is from a visa-exempt country, they would only pay $7 for an eTA instead. |
| Our Professional Fees (CAD or USD) |
Consultation: $50–$200 Full: $3,000 DIY: $1,800 Peace of Mind: $650 |
Consultation: $50–$200 Full: $1,750 DIY: $1,050 Peace of Mind: $425 |
Consultation: $50–$200 Full: $1,500 DIY: $900 Peace of Mind: $425 |
Program Name
Primary Objective
Obtain Permanent Residency (PR)
Up to 5y Stay in Canada.
Up to 6m Stay in Canada
Eligibility Criteria
Canadian citizens or permanent residents who meet minimum income requirements and are invited by IRCC to sponsor.
Canadian citizens or permanent residents who meet minimum income requirements and provide financial support and an invitation.
Canadian citizens or permanent residents who may provide an invitation letter; no minimum income requirement applies.
Work Authorization
Authorized Upon PR Approval
Not Permitted
Not Permitted
Medical Insurance
Not required. PR may qualify for provincial health coverage after landing.
Required — 1-year insurance, $100,000+ coverage (health care, hospitalization, repatriation).
Not required, but strongly recommended (no provincial coverage).
Average Processing Time
🕓🕓🕓🕓
🕓🕓
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Success Rate
High (If Invitation Is Received And Eligibility Is Met)
High (If Requirements Are Met)
Average (Depending On Country Of Residence And Strength Of Ties)
Government Application Fees (CAD)
Sponsorship Fee: $85
Principal Applicant Processing Fee: $545
Right of Permanent Residence Fee (RPRF): $575
Biometrics Fee: $85
TOTAL: $1,290
Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) Fee: $100
Biometrics Fee: $85
TOTAL: $185
Note: Super Visa Applicants Must Also Purchase Eligible Medical Insurance (Cost Varies By Provider And Coverage).
Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) Fee: $100
Biometrics Fee: $85
TOTAL: $185
Note: If The Parent Is From A Visa-Exempt Country, They Would Only Pay $7 For An eTA Instead.
Our Professional Fees (CAD or USD)
Consultation: $50–$200
Full: $3,000
DIY: $1,800
Peace Of Mind: $650
Consultation: $50–$200
Full: $1,750
DIY: $1,050
Peace Of Mind: $425
Consultation: $50–$200
Full: $1,500
DIY: $900
Peace Of Mind: $425