IRCC Has Paused New Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) Applications. What Are Your Options?
If you're hoping to bring your parents or grandparents to Canada permanently, you may have heard that Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has paused accepting new applications for the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP).
Quick Answer: Although IRCC has paused new applications for the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP), eligible parents and grandparents can still visit Canada through the Super Visa program. The Super Visa allows eligible applicants to stay in Canada for up to five years per visit and requires private medical insurance that meets IRCC requirements.
While this is disappointing for many families, it does not mean family reunification has come to a stop. The Super Visa remains available and continues to be the main pathway for parents and grandparents who want to spend extended periods of time with their family in Canada.
Here's what the PGP pause means and how the Super Visa compares.
Has Canada stopped accepting new PGP applications?
Yes. IRCC is not accepting new Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) applications at this time. The department is focusing on processing existing applications already in the system. There are currently tens of thousands of applications in the backlog, with processing times exceeding 33 months in many cases.
If you were planning to apply during a future intake, you'll need to wait until IRCC announces that the program is reopening.
Can parents and grandparents still come to Canada?
Yes.
The pause only affects new permanent residence sponsorship applications through the PGP. Parents and grandparents can still apply for a Super Visa if they meet the eligibility requirements.
The Super Visa allows eligible parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens and permanent residents to visit Canada for extended periods without becoming permanent residents.
Super Visa vs. Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP)
Although both programs help families reunite, they serve different purposes.
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IRCC Has Paused New Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) Applications. What Are Your Options?
If you're hoping to bring your parents or grandparents to Canada permanently, you may have heard that Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has paused accepting new applications for the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP).
Quick Answer: Although IRCC has paused new applications for the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP), eligible parents and grandparents can still visit Canada through the Super Visa program. The Super Visa allows eligible applicants to stay in Canada for up to five years per visit and requires private medical insurance that meets IRCC requirements.
While this is disappointing for many families, it does not mean family reunification has come to a stop. The Super Visa remains available and continues to be the main pathway for parents and grandparents who want to spend extended periods of time with their family in Canada.
Here's what the PGP pause means and how the Super Visa compares.
Has Canada stopped accepting new PGP applications?
Yes. IRCC is not accepting new Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) applications at this time. The department is focusing on processing existing applications already in the system. There are currently tens of thousands of applications in the backlog, with processing times exceeding 33 months in many cases.
If you were planning to apply during a future intake, you'll need to wait until IRCC announces that the program is reopening.
Can parents and grandparents still come to Canada?
Yes. The pause only affects new permanent residence sponsorship applications through the PGP. Parents and grandparents can still apply for a Super Visa if they meet the eligibility requirements.
The Super Visa allows eligible parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens and permanent residents to visit Canada for extended periods without becoming permanent residents.
Super Visa vs. Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP)
Although both programs help families reunite, they serve different purposes. Here is how the two programs compare across key factors:
Immigration Status:
Super Visa: Grants temporary resident visitor status.
PGP: Grants permanent residence status.
Length of Stay:
Super Visa: Allows stays of up to 5 years per visit.
PGP: Provides indefinite permanent stay.
Multiple Entries:
Super Visa: Yes, valid for multiple entries for up to 10 years (or until passport expiry).
PGP: Not applicable (as permanent residents can travel freely).
Current Availability:
Super Visa: Open and actively accepting eligible applicants.
PGP: New applications are currently paused.
Medical Insurance Required:
Super Visa: Yes, private emergency medical insurance is mandatory.
PGP: No private insurance required once granted permanent residence.
For many families, the Super Visa provides a practical solution while waiting for future PGP intake announcements.
What are the requirements for a Super Visa?
To qualify for a Super Visa, applicants generally must:
Be the parent or grandparent of a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.
Receive a letter of invitation from their child or grandchild.
Prove that the child/grandchild meets the Minimum Necessary Income (MNI) threshold based on Statistics Canada's Low-Income Cut-Off (LICO).
Meet immigration medical and admissibility requirements.
Purchase private emergency medical insurance that meets IRCC's Super Visa requirements.
The insurance policy must meet specific government criteria, including minimum coverage amounts and validity requirements.
What should you look for in Super Visa insurance?
Medical insurance is a mandatory part of the Super Visa application. IRCC mandates that policies must provide at least $100,000 in emergency medical coverage, be valid for at least 1 year from entry, and be issued by an approved provider.
Beyond the basic requirements, it's worth comparing policies to find what works for you. Some factors to consider include:
Coverage limits (above the $100k minimum)
Deductible options
Payment flexibility
Coverage for stable pre-existing medical conditions
Refund policy if the Super Visa application is refused
Different insurers offer different combinations of these features, so comparing quotes can help you find a policy that fits both your budget and your family's needs.
An example: Goose Super Visa Insurance
Goose offers Super Visa insurance that meets IRCC's insurance requirements. Depending on the policy selected, features may include:
Coverage of up to $1 million
$0 deductible options
Flexible monthly payment plans
Optional coverage for stable pre-existing medical conditions
A refund if the Super Visa application is denied, subject to the policy's terms and conditions
As with any insurance purchase, it's important to review the policy wording to understand what's covered, exclusions, and eligibility requirements.
The Bottom Line
Although new applications for the Parents and Grandparents Program are currently paused, Canadian families still have a way to reunite through the Super Visa.
For parents and grandparents who want to spend extended time with family in Canada, the Super Visa continues to be an available option while IRCC works through the existing PGP backlog.
If you're planning to apply, one of the most important steps is ensuring you have medical insurance that satisfies the government's Super Visa requirements before submitting your application.
