Is the Super Visa a Good Alternative to the PGP Canada Immigration in 2024?

s the Super Visa a viable alternative to the Parents & Grandparents Program (PGP)? With the PGP reopening on May 21st, many hopeful sponsors will again face limited spots as IRCC selects applicants from the 2020 pool for the fourth consecutive year.

This leaves those in subsequent years without a chance to enter the PGP. However, there's another option: the Super Visa. While different from the PGP, the Super Visa offers a path for Canadians to reunite with their parents and grandparents.

Could this be the solution you've been looking for?

Super Visa Canada vs PGP Canada: Knowing the Benefits of the Program

To understand is the Super Visa a good alternative to the PGP initially you would need to know the purpose of meaning of either program.

The Super Visa Canada is a long-term, multiple-entry visa for parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens and permanent residents, allowing them to stay in Canada for up to 2 years at a time without needing to renew their status.

Benefits of Super Visa include:

• Stay in Canada for up to 2 years per visit
• Access to multiple entries with a visa validity period of 10 years
• The benefit of faster visa processing
• Requires health insurance for eligibility for you to enjoy healthcare coverage in Canada

In contrast, PGP Canada enables Canadian citizens and permanent residents to sponsor their parents and grandparents for permanent residency, making it a highly sought-after option for long-term family reunification.

Benefits of PGP Program include:

• A pathway to permanent residency in Canada
• Enables long-term reunification with family members
• Ability to access various benefits like sponsored applicants can access Canadian benefits and social services.

Comparing Super Visa and PGP in Canada

Is the Super Visa a good alternative to PGP? For you to learn more about the differences of the visas and identify the right visa type for your Canada immigration needs we have detailed the comparisons of Super Visa and PGP Program Canada.

Canada PGP Program vs Super Visa: Availability

The PGP and Super Visa have distinct availabilities. The PGP is a once-a-year lottery system, limited to eligible sponsors from the 2020 intake. In contrast, the Super Visa is available year-round, accepting applications continuously, which increases the chances of approval.

Canada PGP Program vs Super Visa: Eligibility Requirements

Both programs cater to parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens or permanent residents. Sponsors must be Canadian citizens or permanent residents. While the PGP requires candidates to have submitted an Interest to Sponsor form in 2020, the Super Visa requires applicants to apply themselves from outside Canada.

1. PGP Requirements:
   1. Submit an Interest to Sponsor form in 2020.
   2. Be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or registered Indian under the Canadian Indian Act.
   3. Be 18 or older and reside in Canada.
   4. Meet the minimum necessary income (MNI) level.
   5. Sign a 20-year undertaking to support the sponsored individual.
2. Super Visa Requirements:
   1. Apply from outside Canada.
   2. Provide proof of relationship to the Canadian host.
   3. Show the host's status and income (meeting the low-income cut-offs).
   4. Host must be 18 or older and reside in Canada.

Both programs require sponsored individuals to be medically and criminally admissible.

Also Read: Canada Family Visa Requirements, Process, & Fees

Canada PGP Program vs Super Visa: Immigration Outcomes

PGP grants permanent residency, allowing parents and grandparents to live, work, and settle in Canada indefinitely with most rights of a Canadian citizen.

Super Visa provides temporary resident status, enabling stays of up to 5 years, extendable by 2 years, but not offering the same rights as permanent residency.

Also Read: Ways to Migrate to Canada and Acquire a Citizenship

Canada PGP Program vs Super Visa: Processing Time

Super Visa Canada is typically processed faster, taking a few weeks to several months. While the PGP program in Canada often takes longer due to high demand and limited annual quotas, sometimes extending over several years.

Canada PGP Program vs Super Visa: Length of Stay

The Super Visa allows visa holders to be eligible for up to 5 years per visit with multiple entry visa in Canada with validity of over 10 years. While, the PGP Canada program grants permanent residency, allowing an indefinite stay.

Financial Implications of Super Visa and PGP Canada

Is the Super Visa a good alternative to the PGP? Another factor considered in choosing the right immigration pathway is the financial implications for Super Visa and PGP. These include

Canada PGP Program vs Super Visa: Costs

PGP costs include CAD 1,205 for the principal applicant and additional fees for including a spouse or partner, with a total potential cost of CAD 2,415. The Super Visa costs CAD 100 for a single or multiple entry visa, with additional fees for extending or restoring status.

Canada PGP Program vs Super Visa: Financial Requirements

Super Visa requires proof of income meeting the Low-Income Cut-Off (LICO) and mandatory medical insurance and PGP requires sponsors to meet a higher income threshold for the past three years and commit to financial support for up to 20 years.

Comparing Super Visa and PGP in Canada: Application Process

Now that you have learned about the factor comparisons let us further explore the application process for the Canada PGP program and Super Visa.

1. PGP Application Process

Step 1: Interest Submission: Complete and submit an Interest to Sponsor form during the annual intake period.

Step 2: Invitation to Apply: If selected, receive an invitation to apply.

Step 3: Application Submission: Complete and submit the sponsorship and permanent residence applications.

Step 4: Verification: Provide necessary documentation and undergo medical, criminal, and background checks.

Also Read: What Medical Tests Are Required For Canadian Immigration

2. Super Visa Application Process

• Step 1: Application Submission: Apply online or on paper.
• Step 2: Document Submission: Provide required documents, including proof of relationship, financial support, and medical insurance.
• Step 3: Medical Examination: Undergo a medical examination.
• Step 4: Processing: Wait for processing and decision, typically ranging from a few weeks to several months.

Super Visa or PGP Canada: Secure Your Visa With GetGIS

Choosing between the Super Visa and the PGP depends on your family’s unique needs and circumstances. The Super Visa offers a flexible and quicker option for extended visits, while the PGP provides a pathway to permanent residency and long-term reunification.

Families should carefully evaluate their priorities, financial situations, and long-term goals when making this decision. For personalized assistance and expert advice on Canadian immigration, consider consulting with GetGIS.

From Visa eligibility to documentation handling and more, we have got you covered. So why delay further Book Your Free Consultation, right away.