For many Canadian citizens and permanent residents, the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) is the first option that comes to mind when they want to bring their parents to Canada permanently.

However, the situation is different in 2026.

On July 15, 2026, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) announced that it would pause new applications under the PGP. IRCC is not currently accepting new Interest to Sponsor forms or issuing new invitations to apply until further notice. Existing applications will continue to be processed.

For families who want their parents or grandparents to spend extended periods of time in Canada, the Parent and Grandparent Super Visa has therefore become an important option to review.

What Is a Super Visa?

The Super Visa is a temporary resident visa designed for eligible parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens, permanent residents and certain other eligible hosts.

It can allow a parent or grandparent to remain in Canada for up to five years per entry, subject to meeting the applicable conditions.

The visa may also be issued as a multiple-entry visa for up to 10 years, depending on factors such as passport validity.

However, a Super Visa is not permanent residence.

It does not by itself give the holder the right to work or study in Canada.

The Most Important 2026 Change: Income Calculation

One of the central requirements for a Super Visa is that the Canadian host meet the required Minimum Necessary Income, or MNI.

As of March 31, 2026, IRCC introduced more flexibility into the income calculation.

There are now two important ways to meet the income requirement.

Option 1: Use One of the Previous Two Tax Years

The host and an eligible spouse or common-law partner who co-signs may meet the income requirement if their qualifying income met the required MNI in either of the two tax years before the application.

This may be helpful where a host’s income was lower in the most recent year but was high enough in the previous year.

For example, if an application is submitted in 2026 and the host’s 2025 income is below the required amount, the 2024 tax year may still be relevant if it satisfies the applicable rules.

Option 2: Add the Parent or Grandparent’s Income

This is one of the most notable changes.

If the host and co-signer’s income for the most recent tax year reaches at least 75% of the required MNI, the Super Visa applicant’s own eligible income may be added to help meet the remaining requirement.

IRCC identifies forms of income that may be relevant, including:

• employment income
• investment income
• pension income
• rental income

The parent or grandparent must also be able to demonstrate that the income will continue while they are staying in Canada.

This distinction is important.

Having a large amount of savings in a bank account is not necessarily the same as having qualifying ongoing income.

For example, if the required income for a particular family size is $64,336 and the host’s income alone does not meet the full amount, the family may still be able to review whether the parent’s pension or other eligible income can be added, provided the host first meets the 75% threshold.

How Is Family Size Calculated?

Family size is one of the areas where mistakes can easily occur.

It is not always as simple as counting the host and the visiting parent.

Depending on the circumstances, family size may include:

• the Super Visa applicant
• the Canadian host
• the host’s spouse or common-law partner
• dependent children
• other persons currently being supported under a valid Super Visa invitation
• certain persons still covered by a previous sponsorship undertaking

For example, if a married couple in Canada has two dependent children and they invite both parents, the family size may be six people.

Because the required income increases with family size, an incorrect calculation can directly affect eligibility.

Current Minimum Income Requirements

IRCC’s currently posted income table lists the following amounts:

These amounts can change.

Applicants should always confirm the latest IRCC income table at the time the application is prepared and submitted.

Medical Insurance Is Also Mandatory

Unlike a regular Visitor Visa, a Super Visa requires qualifying private medical insurance.

The policy must generally:

• be valid for at least one year
• provide health-care coverage
• cover hospitalization
• cover repatriation
• provide at least $100,000 in emergency coverage

Insurance may be purchased from a Canadian insurer or, in certain circumstances, from a foreign insurer that meets IRCC’s requirements.

Not every foreign policy will qualify, so the insurer and the policy should be reviewed carefully.

A Super Visa applicant must also complete an Immigration Medical Examination (IME).

Super Visa vs. Regular Visitor Visa

A regular Visitor Visa generally allows a foreign national to visit Canada for the period authorized by the border officer or applicable visitor status rules.

A Super Visa is different because it is designed specifically for eligible parents and grandparents who want to stay in Canada for longer periods.

The key benefit is the possibility of staying in Canada for up to five years per entry.

However, this longer stay comes with additional requirements, including:

• minimum income
• medical insurance
• immigration medical examination

Another important rule is that the Super Visa applicant must generally be outside Canada when submitting the application.

If a parent is already in Canada as a visitor, extending visitor status inside Canada and applying for a Super Visa are separate processes.

Is a Super Visa an Alternative to the PGP?

The Super Visa and the PGP serve different purposes.

The Parents and Grandparents Program is a permanent residence sponsorship program.

The Super Visa is a temporary residence program.

For that reason, the Super Visa does not replace the PGP.

However, while new PGP intake remains paused, families whose main goal is to have their parents spend extended periods in Canada may find the Super Visa to be a practical option.

Families who previously assumed they did not qualify because the host’s income was slightly below the required level should also consider recalculating eligibility under the March 31, 2026 income rules.

FAQ

Q1. Can National Pension income be used for a Super Visa application?

Potentially, yes.

Under the 2026 rules, qualifying income of the parent or grandparent may be added in certain circumstances.

IRCC specifically identifies pension statements as one possible form of supporting evidence.

However, the host must first meet the required 75% threshold, and the applicant should show that the pension income will continue during their stay in Canada.

Q2. If both parents apply for Super Visas, are both counted in the family size?

Yes.

Both Super Visa applicants are normally included in the family-size calculation.

The host, spouse or common-law partner, dependent children and certain other persons may also need to be included.

Q3. Can a parent apply for a Super Visa while already in Canada as a visitor?

IRCC’s current eligibility rules require the Super Visa applicant to be outside Canada when the application is submitted.

A visitor extension application inside Canada is a different process from a new Super Visa application.

Disclaimer: This article is intended for general information only and does not constitute legal or immigration advice. Immigration requirements and IRCC policies may change, and applicants should confirm the latest rules and assess their individual circumstances before applying.