PGP Alternatives in 2026: How to Bring Parents to Canada Faster and Legally

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will not be accepting any new applications for the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) until declared otherwise. Effective from January 1, 2026, the new announcement regarding parents immigration to Canada has made families seek alternative options for uniting with parents or grandparents in Canada.

PGP Alternatives Canada - Bring Parents to Canada 2026

The Canada parent visa options which are PGP alternatives Canada are:

Super Visa for Parents Canada / Super Visa for Grandparents Canada

In 2026, the Parent and Grandparent Super Visa is the most preferred option after the pause on the Parents and Grandparents Program Canada (PGP) has been declared. This visa allows eligible parents and grandparents to enter Canada for long-term stays. 

Parents. Grandparents get temporary resident status on a Super Visa and cannot work or study in Canada without a separate permit.

With this visa parents/grandparents can:

• Stay in Canada continuously for up to five years on each visit.
• The visa allows multiple entries during the visa validity.
• The Visa is valid for up to ten years for applications submitted on or after June 22, 2023

Advantages:

• Applications for this visa are open year-round.
• In comparison to PR sponsorship the Super Visa is more affordable and has faster processing.

Who Is Eligible?

The Canadian host has to:

• Be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.
• Be 18 years or older.
• Meet the Minimum Necessary Income (MNI).
• Submit a financial support invitation letter (a spouse or partner may co-sign).

The parent/grandparent has to:

• Apply from outside Canada.
• Satisfy admissibility and medical requirements.
• Get mandatory private health insurance.

Health Insurance Requirements (2026)

• $100,000 - Minimum coverage
• Must cover healthcare, hospitalization, and repatriation.
• Has to be valid for 1 year minimum.
• The policy must be paid in full (estimates or quotes are not allowed).

Note: Effective from January 28, 2025, IRCC accepts insurance issued by approved foreign providers (as long as they are in compliance with Canadian regulatory standards).

A Super Visa may be the better choice if:

• Parents or grandparents want to stay in Canada for long periods.
• Income requirements are met.
• Medical insurance can be obtained.

Visitor Visa or Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA)

A regular visitor visa or Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) is required for shorter duration visits. With this visa, your parents or grandparents can come to Canada to visit for shorter stays, such as weeks or a few months, maybe for family occasions, weddings, festivals, or just to spend time together. An applicant must prove that they have strong ties with their home country through employment, property, and family connections; have sufficient funds to support themselves while in Canada; and prove the intention to leave after the visit.

Who Needs Which Visas?

Regular Visitor Visa: This visa is for citizens from countries that require a visa to enter Canada. An Indian passport holder must apply for a Canada visitor visa. 

eTA: This visa is for citizens from countries that do not require a visa to enter Canada.

Duration of Stay:

• In most cases, up to six months per visit.
• Border officials may grant a temporary extension through a visitor record in certain cases.

Advantages:

• Simpler application process
• Quicker processing time

A visitor visa or eTA may be the better choice if:

• Parents or grandparents are visiting for a brief period.
• Meeting income requirements is a challenge.
• Quicker application approval is required.

Why Contact ImmiLaw Immigration?

ImmiLaw Immigration offers practical help and expert guidance for families seeking the best options for bringing parents and grandparents to Canada. Without waiting indefinitely for the Parents and Grandparents Program Canada (PGP) to reopen, bring your loved ones to Canada by taking the right measures and making the right choices. ImmiLaw Immigration is here to help you with family reunification in Canada.

Feel free to contact us for your queries.

Read to know: Canada Immigration Changes 2026: 5 New Rules That Took Effect on January 1