Super Visa vs PGP: which Canadian visa is right for you?
For parents and grandparents: the Super Visa gives long multi-year visits but not PR, while the PGP is a route to permanent residence but is capped and lottery-based.
Side-by-side comparison
| Feature | Super Visa (Parents and Grandparents) (Super Visa) | Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Temporary | Permanent / PR |
| Who it's for | Parents and grandparents of Canadians who want long, multiple-entry visits without sponsorship. | Canadians and permanent residents sponsoring their parents or grandparents for permanent residence. |
| Government cost | ~CA$100 (visa) + ~CA$85 biometrics; plus mandatory medical insurance | ~CA$1,205 (sponsorship + processing + CA$575 RPRF) |
| Processing time | Varies by visa office (weeks to a few months) | ~24-36 months |
| Length of stay | Up to 5 years per entry; valid up to 10 years | Permanent |
| Where to apply | Online from outside Canada | Invitation-based intake, then apply to IRCC online |
| Work rights | No | Full work rights once PR is granted |
| Pathway to PR | No PR; it is a long-stay visitor option as an alternative to PGP sponsorship. | Grants permanent residence directly to sponsored parents and grandparents. |
Which is right for you?
Super Visa (Parents and Grandparents) (Super Visa)
Parents and grandparents of Canadians who want long, multiple-entry visits without sponsorship.
Full Super Visa guide →Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP)
Canadians and permanent residents sponsoring their parents or grandparents for permanent residence.
Full PGP guide →Frequently asked questions
Which is cheaper, Super Visa or PGP?
On indicative 2025-26 government costs, Super Visa (Parents and Grandparents) (Super Visa) is the lowest at ~CA$100 (visa) + ~CA$85 biometrics; plus mandatory medical insurance. Government fees change periodically - confirm before applying.
Which is processed faster, Super Visa or PGP?
Indicatively Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) is the quickest at ~24-36 months. Actual timeframes depend on caseload and how complete your application is.
Which of these leads to permanent residence?
PGP is permanent. Super Visa: No PR; it is a long-stay visitor option as an alternative to PGP sponsorship. PGP: Grants permanent residence directly to sponsored parents and grandparents.
What's the main difference between Super Visa and PGP?
Super Visa (Parents and Grandparents) (Super Visa) is for parents and grandparents of Canadians who want long, multiple-entry visits without sponsorship. Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) is for canadians and permanent residents sponsoring their parents or grandparents for permanent residence.