Comparing the Super Visa and PGP: Which Is Better?

Introduction: May 21st marked the reopening of the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP). However, this year also marks the fourth consecutive year that Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will select eligible applicants from the 2020 pool. Unfortunately, sponsors in subsequent years have not yet had the chance to enter the PGP candidate pool to sponsor their loved ones for Canadian permanent residence (PR). But fear not! There’s another route to bring your loved ones to Canada: the Super Visa. Let’s explore the differences and benefits.

Availability:

• PGP: Available only once a year, with limited slots due to IRCC’s decision to consider only 2020 intake sponsors. It operates on a lottery system, where eligible candidates are randomly chosen during a two-week window for invitations to apply (ITAs) for PR.
  
• Super Visa: Unlike the PGP, the Super Visa is available year-round. Eligible sponsors can apply anytime. No lottery system here—everyone gets a fair shot. This leads to a higher average success rate for Super Visa applications.
  
  

Eligibility:

Both programs are accessible to parents or grandparents of Canadian citizens or permanent residents. Here are the key points:

PGP Eligibility:

• Submit an Interest to Sponsor form on IRCC’s website in 2020.
• Be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or a registered Indian under the Canadian Indian Act.
• Be 18 years or older.
• Reside in Canada (proof of status required during the Interest to Sponsor phase).
• Meet or exceed the minimum necessary income (MNI) level (if married, both sponsor and spouse’s income counts).
• Sign an undertaking to financially support the sponsored person for 20 years (10 years in Quebec) and repay any social assistance benefits received by the sponsored family members.

Super Visa Eligibility:

1. Be outside Canada during application.
2. Provide proof of an eligible host (Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or registered Indian):
• Relationship proof.
• Host’s status in Canada.
• Host’s age (18 or older) and residency.
• Meet Canada’s low-income cut-offs (LICO) criteria.

Immigration Outcomes

Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP):

Successful PGP applicants receive permanent resident (PR) status, allowing them to live, work, and settle in Canada indefinitely. They enjoy most of the rights of Canadian citizens.

Super Visa Program:

• Super Visa recipients are granted temporary resident status, similar to those on work or study permits. Their stays in Canada are limited.
  
  
• Super Visa holders can stay in Canada for up to five years at a time, with an option to extend for an additional two years. This means they could potentially stay for a total of 7 years before leaving.

Cost Differences

PGP:

• Application costs for PGP sponsors include:
• Principal applicant: $1,205 CAD (includes sponsorship fee, processing fee, and right of permanent residence fee).
• Spouse or partner inclusion: Additional $1,210 CAD.
• Waivers available for special circumstances.

Super Visa:

• Super Visa applicants pay:
• Single or multiple entry Super Visa (single applicant): $100 CAD.
• Family sponsorship (up to five members): $500 CAD.
• Extension fee (visitor status): $100 CAD.
• Restoration fee (if needed): $229 CAD.

Remember, both programs have eligibility criteria and ensure your loved ones can join you in Canada! 🇨🇦❤️

Remember, both programs require sponsored individuals to be neither medically nor criminally inadmissible to travel to Canada. Choose wisely based on your circumstances and reunite with your loved ones! 🇨🇦❤️