Super Visa vs PGP: May 21st marked the reopening of the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP). However, this year also marks the fourth consecutive year that Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will select eligible applicants from the 2020 pool.
As a result, sponsors in subsequent years have yet to be allowed to enter the PGP candidate pool to sponsor their loved ones for Canadian permanent residence (PR). In light of this reality, those unable to sponsor their parents and grandparents have another route to bring their loved ones to Canada: the Super Visa. While different from the PGP, the Super Visa exists for similar reasons, allowing Canadians to reunite with loved ones.
Availability: Year-Round vs. Limited Time
Super Visa vs PGP: Availability differs significantly between these two programs.
| Super Visa | Parents and Grandparents program (PGP) |
| This program is available year-round for eligible sponsors. It accepts applications throughout the year and considers all eligible sponsors equally. This yields a much higher average application success rate than the PGP’s lottery system. | This program is available once a year. Due to IRCC’s decision to only consider eligible sponsors from the 2020 intake, its availability is even more limited. The PGP works on a lottery system, which opens for two weeks once a year. Candidates from the eligible pool are chosen at random when invitations to apply (ITAs) for PR are distributed. |
Eligibility Criteria: Requirements for Super Visa vs PGP
Both the Super Visa and PGP programs are accessible to the parents or grandparents of Canadian citizens or permanent residents. However, each program has distinct eligibility criteria.
PGP Eligibility:
To be eligible for the PGP, candidates must:
- Have submitted an Interest to Sponsor form on IRCC’s website in 2020
- Be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or registered Indian under the Canadian Indian Act.
- Be 18 years of age or older.
- Reside in Canada and provide proof of status during the Interest to Sponsor phase.
- Meet or exceed this program’s minimum necessary income (MNI) level.
- Provide proof of income to IRCC.
- Sign an undertaking to financially support the sponsored for 20 years and repay any social assistance benefits paid to the sponsored family members for 20 years.
Super Visa Eligibility:
To be eligible for the Super Visa, applicants must:
- Be outside of Canada at the time of their application.
- Provide proof of an eligible host, including evidence of the applicant’s relationship to the host, proof of the host’s status in Canada, proof that the host is 18 years of age or older, and proof that the host meets Canada’s low-income cut-offs (LICO) criteria.
Note: While eligible sponsors must initially submit candidate profiles and applications for the PGP, the Super Visa requires that sponsored individuals apply themselves.
Immigration Outcomes: Temporary vs. Permanent
Super Visa vs PGP: The immigration outcomes for these two programs are quite different.
- PGP: Successful applicants receive permanent resident status, enabling them to live, work, and settle in Canada indefinitely. They gain access to most of the rights of Canadian citizens.
- Super Visa: “The Super Visa program grants successful applicants temporary resident status, allowing them to stay in Canada for up to five years. Additionally, Super Visa holders can extend their stay for an extra two years, potentially remaining in Canada for seven years before needing to depart.”
Cost Comparison: Fees and Financial Requirements
The cost structures for the Super Visa and PGP programs also vary due to their differing immigration outcomes.
| Super Visa Costs | PGP Costs |
| Single or multiple entry Super Visa fee: $100 CAD per applicant | Principal applicant fee: $1,205 CAD (sponsorship fee: $85 CAD, processing fee: $545 CAD, right of permanent residence fee: $575 CAD) |
| Family fee (up to five members): $500 CAD | Additional fee for spouse/partner: $1,210 CAD (processing fee: $635 CAD, right of permanent residence fee: $575 CAD) |
| Additional fees: $100 CAD to extend stay as a visitor, $229 CAD to restore status in Canada Sponsors must meet the Low-Income Cut-Off (LICO) criteria | Sponsors must meet or exceed the Minimum Necessary Income (MNI) criteria for sponsorship |
Which Program is Right for You?
When choosing between the Super Visa vs PGP, it’s crucial to consider the availability, eligibility criteria, immigration outcomes, and costs. The Super Visa offers year-round availability and higher success rates and is suitable for those seeking temporary residence. Meanwhile, the PGP provides a pathway to permanent residency but has limited availability and a complex application process. You can determine the best option for reuniting with your loved ones in Canada by evaluating your specific needs and circumstances.
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