Bringing parents or grandparents to Canada is one of the most common goals we hear from families in Regina and across Saskatchewan. There are two main options, and they serve different purposes.
The Super Visa: long visits, available now
- Parents and grandparents can stay up to five years at a time.
- The visa can be valid for up to 10 years, with multiple entries.
- The host must meet the Low Income Cut-Off (LICO), and applicants need at least one year of qualifying medical insurance with a minimum of $100,000 in coverage.
Parents & Grandparents Program: permanent, but limited
- Grants permanent residence, with access to provincial health care once eligible.
- Sponsors must meet the Minimum Necessary Income plus 30% for three consecutive tax years, and sign a 20-year undertaking.
- Invitations are limited and depend on IRCC's intake decisions each year.
So which one?
For many families, the answer is both: a Super Visa brings parents here now, while you stay ready for a PGP invitation. The right plan depends on your income history, your parents' health and your long-term goals.
Tip
Keep your CRA notices of assessment organized every year. When PGP invitations arrive, deadlines are tight, and income documents are the most common delay.
Rupinderjit Kaur
Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC #R710340) and founder of Theme Immigration in Regina, SK. This article is general information, not legal advice.
