PGP vs. Super Visa Canada: What’s the difference?
The PGP – Parents and Grandparents Program permits the immigration of grandparents and parents of permanent residents and citizens to Canada. It authorizes them to avail benefits of PR and citizenship as well, though its limited availability than the Canada Super Visa owing to the selection process of the lottery system and annual quota.
Many qualified applicants apply for a Canada PR Visa from India for their grandparents and parents through PGP every year.
The Canada Super Visa acts as a TRV – Temporary Resident Visa and permits grandparents and parents of permanent residents and citizens to arrive and stay in Canada for a long term. It has a validity of a maximum of 10 years and allows a continuous stay of 5 years. While it is available throughout the year, it does not offer pathways to PR and Citizenship like PGP.
Eligibility
If you wish to sponsor your grandparents/ parents through either PGP or Super Visa, you must be:
- Aged 18 years
- A Permanent Resident or Citizen in Canada
- Staying in Canada while filing an application and the expected arrival of grandparents/ parents
- Having good financial condition
Ineligibility
Apart from the failure to comply with eligibility criteria, you will also become disqualified for PGP or Super Visa if you:
- Have not repaid an immigration loan, family support ordered by court, or a performance bond
- Have not offered assured monetary support consented to while previously sponsoring a family member
- Are included in any other criteria for ineligibility
Financial Requirements
You will have to demonstrate that your household fulfills the Cut-Off for Income in the case of a Super Visa.
For PGP, you must fulfill the MNI – Minimum Necessary Income for the program. You must demonstrate evidence of funds through a NOA – Notice of Assessment from the CRA – Canadian Revenue Agency. NOA shows that you have fulfilled the MNI criteria for the past 3 years of taxation prior to application.
Application Process
The application process for a Super Visa is identical to the TRV. However, you will have to provide extra documents to prove that you can take care of your grandparents/ parents upon arrival to Canada.
You will have to demonstrate your eligibility for PGP and file the details for inclusion in the pool of candidates. If selected, you will get the ITA with instructions for further process.
For both Super Visa and PGP, sponsored applicants cannot be inadmissible for arrival to Canada criminally or medically. An IME – Immigration Medical Exam is needed for both programs. A Police Certificate is also needed for the PGP.
Availability in Quebec
Both PGP and Super Visa are available to citizens and Permanent Residents in Quebec. However, there are extra steps inclusive of a distinct MNI system for both sponsored and sponsors. A CSQ – Quebec Selection Certificate is also needed.
Eligibility Requirements for Super Visa
To qualify for the Super Visa, the applicant has to be a grandparent or parent of a Permanent Resident or Citizen in Canada. The common-law partner or spouse of the applicant can be included in the application but not dependents.
Further, the applicant must not be inadmissible to Canada on medical or criminal grounds. IME report will have to be offered by the applicants. The purpose of the visit of the applicant to Canada will be examined and the applicant must have the ability to sustain adequate ties with their home nation.
Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada makes sure that grandparents and parents are supported appropriately while staying in Canada. The sponsor has to prove the support by demonstrating the ability to fulfill the income criteria specified as per LICO.
The objective of the income criteria is to make sure that the sponsor has the financial ability to support the sponsored family members. This is because supporting an aged family member can be a responsibility.
The evidence of monetary ability can be offered through the following documentation:
- NOA – Notice of Assessment or T1/T4 for the latest taxation year
- Stubs for Employment Insurance
- A Letter of Employment that specifies the hire date and salary
- Pay Slips
- Statements from Bank
The applicant also has to offer a letter signed by their grandchild or child inviting them to Canada that includes:
- The vow of monetary support for the entire stay period
- The list of the number of individuals in the household of the sponsor
- A copy of the sponsor’s permanent resident or citizenship document in Canada
The applicant will also require medical insurance from an insurance company in Canada that is:
- Having validity of a minimum of one year from the date of arrival
- Having emergency coverage of a minimum of $100,000
- Having evidence of full payment of the medical insurance
The applicant has to first determine that they are qualified and have all the necessary documents. The application can then be submitted to the Embassy/Consulate in their home nation that is responsible for processing the applications.
Super Visa Application Processing
IRCC will assess your application to confirm if you possess all the required documents. Your application can be rejected if it is incomplete. It can also ask you to:
- Appear for an interview with an IRCC Officer
- Share extra information
- Undergo a medical exam
- Obtain a clearance certificate from the Police
You will be informed by IRCC if you require any of the above. Your application will be processed in some months or less. Processing times are influenced by the Embassy/Consulate and if you are required to undergo any of the above extra processes.
You will get a letter including instructions for submission of your Passport at the Embassy/Consulate if your application is approved. IRCC will offer you a letter to be shared with the Canadian Border Services Agency Officer after arrival if you are from and Visa-exempt nation.
To check your eligibility for Canada PR Visa under Canada Express Entry and to know your estimated score under the CRS Calculator contact Nationwide Visas.