سوپر ویزا جایگزین برنامه اسپانسرشیپی والدین

From the start of 2026, the Canadian government announced that the Parents and Grandparents Program will no longer accept new applications. This decision removes the most direct route for Canadian citizens and permanent residents to bring their older relatives to live permanently in Canada.

The news creates a clear obstacle for families who hoped to reunite under the promise of permanent residency. However, the immigration system still offers two practical ways for parents and grandparents to spend time in Canada: the Super Visa and the regular visitor visa or electronic travel authorization (eTA). Each option has its own set of rules, costs, and length of stay, and understanding the differences is essential for anyone planning a family visit.

The Super Visa works like a long‑term visitor permit. It can be issued for up to ten years and allows the holder to stay in Canada for up to five years at a time, provided the application was filed after June 22, 2023. Unlike the closed PGP, the Super Visa does not lead to permanent residency. Holders remain visitors, which means they cannot work or study without obtaining a separate permit. The main advantage is the ability to remain in the country for several years without needing to leave and re‑apply. The cost and processing time are also lower than the PGP, but the program adds a few extra requirements.

The Canadian host must be at least 18 years old, meet a minimum income level, and sign an invitation letter promising financial support. The visiting parent or grandparent must pass a medical exam, be admissible, and purchase private health insurance that covers at least $100,000 for a minimum of one year. Recent changes allow the insurance to be bought from approved foreign insurers, which can make the purchase easier for some families.

The second route is the standard visitor visa or eTA, depending on the applicant’s nationality. Travelers from countries that need a visa must apply for a visitor visa, while those from visa‑exempt nations can obtain an eTA online in minutes. Both documents generally allow a stay of up to six months per entry, though border officers have the discretion to grant shorter or longer periods.

Visitor visas can be single‑entry or multiple‑entry and may be valid for up to ten years, but the length of stay is still controlled at the point of entry. The eTA is usually valid for five years or until the passport expires. The baseline requirements for these short‑term visits include a valid passport, good health, no criminal record, proof of ties to the home country, and enough money for the trip. Applicants may also need to provide a letter of invitation and, in some cases, undergo a medical exam.

Choosing between the two pathways depends on the family’s priorities. If the goal is to have parents or grandparents live in Canada for several years without the pressure of frequent travel, the Super Visa is the better fit. It works well when the host can demonstrate sufficient income and the visitors can secure the required health insurance.

On the other hand, if the visit is meant to be brief—a few weeks or months—or if meeting the Super Visa’s financial and insurance thresholds is difficult, the regular visitor visa or eTA offers a simpler and faster route. Visitor visas also tend to have shorter processing times, though this can vary by visa office, and the eTA can be approved almost instantly for eligible citizens.

Both options require careful preparation. For the Super Visa, families must gather proof of income, draft a detailed invitation letter, and select an insurance plan that meets the government’s specifications. For visitor visas, the emphasis is on showing strong ties to the home country, such as employment, property, or family responsibilities, to convince the officer that the stay will be temporary.

The closure of the Parents and Grandparents Program does not mean families are left without choices. By understanding the requirements of the Super Visa and the visitor visa/eTA, Canadian households can still create meaningful time with their older relatives. Navigating the paperwork, meeting income thresholds, and selecting the right insurance plan are tasks that benefit from experienced guidance. When the rules are clear but the details are many, professional insight can turn a daunting process into a manageable plan, helping families achieve the reunion they desire.