Super Visa vs. PGP: Which is the Better Option?

Understanding the Parents and Grandparents Program and the Super Visa: A Guide for Canadian Sponsors

On May 21st, Canada reopened its Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP), but this year marks a significant limitation: eligible applicants will be drawn from a pool established in 2020 for the fourth consecutive year. This prolonged wait has left many sponsors feeling frustrated, as they have yet to have their chance to bring their loved ones into the fold of Canadian permanent residency.

The PGP: A Lottery with Limited Opportunity

The PGP operates on a lottery system, allowing only a select number of applicants to apply for permanent residency each year. Compounding the issue, this year’s lottery only considers applicants from 2020, meaning those who hoped to sponsor their parents or grandparents in subsequent years are still left on the sidelines. With the lottery opening for a mere two weeks annually, the selection process can feel arbitrary and exclusionary, leaving many potential sponsors without recourse.

The Super Visa: A Viable Alternative

For those who have been unable to sponsor their family members through the PGP, the Super Visa presents a more accessible alternative. Unlike the PGP, the Super Visa program operates year-round, allowing eligible sponsors to apply without the constraints of a lottery. This leads to a significantly higher success rate for applications, making the Super Visa a more practical option for reuniting families.

Eligibility Requirements: Similar, Yet Distinct

Both programs are designed for the parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens or permanent residents. However, the application processes differ notably.

PGP Eligibility:

• Must have submitted an Interest to Sponsor form in 2020.
• Sponsors need to be citizens or permanent residents and meet the Minimum Necessary Income (MNI) criteria.
• Applicants must sign a 20-year financial undertaking.

Super Visa Eligibility:

• Applicants must be outside Canada at the time of application.
• Sponsors must demonstrate their status in Canada and prove they meet the Low Income Cut-Off (LICO) criteria.

While the PGP grants permanent residency, allowing sponsors to enjoy full rights in Canada, the Super Visa provides temporary resident status. Successful Super Visa applicants can stay in Canada for up to five years, with the option for extensions, making it a flexible option for families looking to maintain a presence in Canada without permanent residency.

Costs and Financial Obligations

The financial implications of the two programs are also markedly different. The PGP requires significant fees, including a total of approximately CAD 1,205 for the principal applicant, plus additional costs for spouses or partners. In contrast, the Super Visa is far less costly, with a flat fee of CAD 100 for a single application and CAD 500 for a family of five.

Final Thoughts: Navigating Family Reunification in Canada

As immigration policies continue to evolve, the PGP’s prolonged reliance on a stagnant applicant pool underscores the need for accessible family reunification pathways. While the Super Visa may not provide the permanence that many families seek, it offers a practical solution for those eager to reconnect.

For Canadians wishing to sponsor their loved ones, understanding the intricacies of both programs is crucial. Whether navigating the complexities of the PGP or opting for the more straightforward Super Visa, staying informed about eligibility requirements, application processes, and financial obligations will empower sponsors to make the best choices for their families.

In a landscape where immigration can often feel like a maze, the right knowledge can open doors—or, in this case, help families step through them.