Both options reunite families—but they serve different goals.

Super Visa (Long-term visitor status)

• What it is: A multiple-entry TRV that lets parents/grandparents stay up to 5 years per entry; visa validity up to 10 years. Extensions of up to 2 years can be approved from inside Canada. (Government of Canada)

• Key requirements:

  • Invitation + proof that the host meets income threshold (based on family size). (Government of Canada)

  • Private medical insurance for at least one year; as of Jan 28, 2025, policies from outside Canada are allowed if approved. This is grounded in IRPA s.15.1 and IRCC policy update. (Government of Canada, laws.justice.gc.ca)

• Speed/availability: Generally processed faster and not limited by annual intake/lottery. 

• Status & benefits: Temporary resident (visitor). No access to provincial healthcare (hence private insurance requirement).

• Best for: Quick, flexible reunions without waiting years.

Parents & Grandparents Sponsorship (Permanent residence)

• What it is: Permanent residence for parents/grandparents, with a pathway to citizenship. 

• Key requirements in law:

  • Sponsor must meet Minimum Necessary Income (MNI) for the last 3 tax years. (Government of Canada, ircc.canada.ca)

  • Undertaking for 20 years (10 in Québec) to repay any social assistance, set by IRPR s.132. Sponsor must also meet ongoing IRPR s.133 requirements. (laws-lois.justice.gc.ca)

• Speed/availability: Intake is capped and invitation-based, so timelines are often several years. (Government of Canada)

• Status & benefits: PR includes the right to live/work anywhere in Canada and access to public healthcare once eligible. (Undertaking ensures no reliance on social assistance.) (laws-lois.justice.gc.ca)

• Best for: Families seeking a permanent solution.

Quick Glance

Feature	Super Visa	PGP Sponsorship
Status granted	Visitor (TRV)	Permanent Resident
Length of stay	Up to 5 years per entry (extendable +2 years)	Indefinite (PR)
Validity	Multiple entries, up to 10 years	N/A (PR card validity separate)
Health coverage	Private insurance required	Provincial coverage once eligible
Income test	Host must meet income threshold	MNI for 3 tax years + 20-year undertaking (IRPR)
Availability	Year-round; no lottery	Invitation-only, capped intake
Typical use case	Faster reunification, flexible visits	Permanent co-residence in Canada

Sources: (Government of Canada, laws.justice.gc.ca, ircc.canada.ca, laws-lois.justice.gc.ca)

 

Need help with a Super Visa application or Parents/Grandparents sponsorship application? Contact MVJ Immigration Services at mvjimmigration@gmail.com today for personalized guidance!