Super Visa for Parents and Grandparents: Extended Visits to Canada

What Is the Super Visa?

The Super Visa is a special multi-entry visitor visa for parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens and permanent residents. It allows holders to stay in Canada for an extended period -- up to five years at a time -- without needing to renew their status.

Introduced in 2011, the Super Visa was created to help families reunite while managing the long wait times for the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP), which provides permanent residency. The Super Visa is a temporary visitor option that lets parents and grandparents spend significant time in Canada without going through the PR sponsorship process.

The Super Visa is valid for up to 10 years (or until one month before your passport expires, whichever comes first) and allows multiple entries during that period. Each entry allows a stay of up to five years.

For the official overview, visit: Super Visa for parents and grandparents

Super Visa vs. Regular Visitor Visa vs. PGP

Understanding the differences between these three options is essential for choosing the right path.

| Feature | Regular Visitor Visa | Super Visa | PGP (Permanent Residency) | |---------|---------------------|------------|--------------------------| | Duration of stay per entry | Up to 6 months | Up to 5 years | Permanent | | Visa validity | Up to 10 years | Up to 10 years | N/A (PR card) | | Medical insurance required | No | Yes | No | | Income requirement for host | No | Yes (LICO) | Yes (LICO+30%) | | Right to work | No | No | Yes | | Right to access public health care | No | No | Yes (after waiting period) | | Application complexity | Low | Medium | High | | Processing time | Weeks to months | Weeks to months | Years |

The Super Visa is the best option when you want your parents or grandparents to visit for extended periods but either cannot wait for PGP processing or do not wish to pursue permanent residency for them.

Eligibility Requirements

Who Can Apply (The Parent or Grandparent)

The parent or grandparent who wants to visit must:

Be the parent or grandparent of a Canadian citizen or permanent resident
Be admissible to Canada (no criminal inadmissibility, no health concerns that pose a public health or safety risk)
Meet all standard requirements for temporary resident visas

Who Can Invite (The Child or Grandchild in Canada)

The child or grandchild in Canada must:

Be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident
Meet the minimum necessary income (MNI) threshold
Provide a signed letter of invitation

Minimum Necessary Income (MNI)

The child or grandchild must demonstrate that their household income meets or exceeds the minimum necessary income threshold. This is based on the Low Income Cut-Off (LICO) and depends on the total number of people in the household, including the parent(s) or grandparent(s) being invited.

As a reference, approximate LICO thresholds for 2025 (these are updated annually):

| Number of Family Members | Minimum Necessary Income (CAD) | |-------------------------|-------------------------------| | 1 person | $29,380 | | 2 people | $36,576 | | 3 people | $44,966 | | 4 people | $54,594 | | 5 people | $61,381 | | 6 people | $69,834 | | 7+ people | $77,750 |

Important: The family size includes the child/grandchild, their spouse/partner, their dependants, any other people they are financially responsible for, and the parent(s)/grandparent(s) being invited.

The income can be proven through:

Most recent Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) Notice of Assessment
T4 or T1 tax documents
Employment letter with salary information
Other proof of income (investment income, rental income, etc.)

Current income thresholds: Super Visa financial requirement

Medical Insurance Requirement

One of the most distinctive requirements of the Super Visa is mandatory private medical insurance. The parent or grandparent must have proof of medical insurance from a Canadian insurance company at the time of application.

Insurance Requirements

The medical insurance policy must:

Be valid for at least one year from the date of entry to Canada
Provide a minimum coverage of $100,000
Cover health care, hospitalization, and repatriation
Be paid in full or have proof of a payment plan that covers the full cost

Why Insurance Is Required

Parents and grandparents on a Super Visa are not eligible for provincial health insurance (like OHIP or MSP) since they are visitors, not permanent residents. The private medical insurance ensures they have coverage for any medical emergencies or health needs during their stay.

Insurance Costs

The cost of Super Visa medical insurance varies based on:

The age of the parent or grandparent
Pre-existing medical conditions
The level of coverage
The insurance provider

As a general guideline, annual premiums can range from approximately $1,500 to $5,000 or more for elderly applicants or those with pre-existing conditions. Get quotes from multiple Canadian insurance providers to compare prices and coverage.

Renewing Insurance

If your parent or grandparent stays in Canada beyond the initial insurance period, they must renew their insurance to maintain continuous coverage for the duration of their stay. This is a condition of the Super Visa, and failure to maintain valid insurance could affect future applications.

How to Apply: Step by Step

Step 1: Gather Documents (Child/Grandchild in Canada)

The child or grandchild in Canada prepares:

Letter of invitation: A signed letter inviting the parent/grandparent to Canada, including details of the visit, the relationship, and a commitment to financially support them during their stay
Proof of Canadian citizenship or PR status: Citizenship certificate, Canadian passport, or PR card
Proof of income: CRA Notice of Assessment, T4, employment letter, or other proof of meeting the MNI threshold
Proof of household size: Any relevant documentation establishing the number of people in the household

Step 2: Gather Documents (Parent/Grandparent Applying)

The parent or grandparent prepares:

Valid passport: Must be valid for at least the period they plan to stay
Completed application forms: Visitor visa application forms from the IRCC website
Two photos: Meeting IRCC specifications
Proof of relationship: Birth certificate, baptismal certificate, or other documents showing the parent-child or grandparent-grandchild relationship
Medical insurance: Proof of a valid policy from a Canadian insurance company meeting the $100,000 minimum coverage requirement
Medical exam results: A medical exam by an IRCC-designated panel physician is required. The exam must be completed before you submit your application.
Police certificates: May be required depending on your country
Proof of ties to home country: Evidence that you intend to return home (property ownership, employment, family remaining at home)
Financial documents: Bank statements or other proof of personal financial resources

Step 3: Complete the Medical Exam

You must undergo a medical exam conducted by a panel physician designated by IRCC. Find a panel physician near you: Panel physicians

The medical exam is an upfront requirement for the Super Visa -- you must complete it before submitting your application, not after.

Step 4: Submit Your Application

Submit the completed application package online through the IRCC portal or at a Visa Application Centre in your country. Pay the required fees.

Apply for a Super Visa: How to apply

Step 5: Biometrics

If you have not already provided biometrics to IRCC, you will be instructed to visit a Visa Application Centre to provide fingerprints and a photo.

Step 6: Receive Your Decision

If approved, the Super Visa will be placed in your passport. You can then travel to Canada.

Costs and Fees

| Fee | Amount (CAD) | |-----|-------------| | Visitor visa application fee | $100 | | Biometrics fee | $85 | | Medical exam | ~$200--$450 | | Medical insurance (annual, varies) | ~$1,500--$5,000+ |

The medical insurance cost is the largest variable expense and depends on the applicant's age and health status.

Duration of Stay and Extensions

Initial Entry

When you arrive in Canada on a Super Visa, the border officer can authorize a stay of up to five years. This is a significant advantage over a regular visitor visa, which typically allows only six months.

Extending Your Stay

If you want to stay beyond your authorized period, you can apply to extend your stay from within Canada. Each extension can grant up to an additional two years.

To extend, you must:

Apply before your current authorized stay expires
Continue to meet Super Visa requirements
Maintain valid medical insurance

Apply to extend your stay: Extend your stay

Multiple Entries

The Super Visa is a multi-entry visa. You can leave and re-enter Canada multiple times during the validity of your visa (up to 10 years). Each time you enter, the border officer can authorize a stay of up to five years.

Super Visa vs. Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP)

The PGP is the permanent residency sponsorship program for parents and grandparents. Here is how the two options compare in more detail:

PGP Advantages

Grants permanent residency (right to live, work, and access public health care permanently)
After becoming a PR, parents/grandparents can eventually apply for Canadian citizenship
No need for private medical insurance once provincial health coverage begins
No maximum stay limitation

PGP Challenges

Very competitive: limited number of sponsorship invitations each year
Long processing times (often 2+ years after submission)
Higher income requirement (LICO+30% for three consecutive tax years)
The sponsor takes on a 20-year financial undertaking
Parents/grandparents cannot work during processing unless they have a separate work permit

When to Choose the Super Visa

You want your parents or grandparents to visit soon and cannot wait for PGP
You are working toward meeting the PGP income requirement but are not there yet
Your parents or grandparents prefer to maintain their residence in their home country
You want to try extended stays before committing to permanent relocation

When to Choose PGP

You want your parents or grandparents to live permanently in Canada
You meet the higher income requirement consistently
Your parents or grandparents want to work in Canada or access public health care
You are comfortable with the 20-year financial undertaking

Using Both

Many families apply for the Super Visa while also entering the PGP process. This allows parents or grandparents to spend time in Canada on the Super Visa while waiting for the PGP application to be processed.

PGP information: Sponsor your parents and grandparents

Common Reasons for Super Visa Refusal

Applications can be refused for several reasons. Common ones include:

Insufficient proof of income: The child/grandchild does not meet the MNI threshold
Inadequate medical insurance: The insurance policy does not meet the minimum requirements
Insufficient ties to home country: The applicant cannot demonstrate they will return home
Incomplete application: Missing documents or forms
Medical inadmissibility: Health conditions that pose a risk to public health or safety, or that would cause excessive demand on health services
Previous immigration violations: Overstaying a previous visa or other violations

If Your Application Is Refused

If your Super Visa application is refused, you will receive a refusal letter explaining the reasons. You can:

Address the reasons for refusal and reapply with a stronger application
Request your file notes through an Access to Information and Privacy (ATIP) request for more details on why the decision was made
In some cases, seek judicial review at the Federal Court (consult an immigration lawyer)

Tips for a Successful Application

Exceed the income threshold: If possible, show income well above the minimum. This demonstrates strong financial support.
Get comprehensive insurance: Choose a reputable Canadian insurance provider and ensure the policy clearly meets all IRCC requirements.
Show strong ties to home country: Include evidence of property, employment, pension, or family members remaining in the home country.
Write a detailed invitation letter: The letter should clearly explain the purpose of the visit, the family relationship, and your commitment to supporting your parent/grandparent.
Complete the medical exam early: Find a panel physician and schedule the exam well before your planned submission date.
Submit a complete application: Double-check every form and document. Incomplete applications are a common reason for refusal or delays.
Include proof of relationship: Birth certificates, family registers, or other documents clearly establishing the parent-child or grandparent-grandchild relationship.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can my parents work in Canada on a Super Visa?

No. The Super Visa is a visitor visa. Your parents or grandparents cannot work in Canada while on a Super Visa. If they want to work, they would need a separate work permit or permanent residency.

Can both parents get a Super Visa at the same time?

Yes. Both parents (or both grandparents) can apply for Super Visas. Each must meet the requirements, including having their own medical insurance.

Can my parents access public health care on a Super Visa?

No. Super Visa holders are not eligible for provincial health insurance. They must rely on their private medical insurance for any health care needs.

How long does processing take?

Processing times vary by country and the specific visa office handling the application. Typical processing times range from a few weeks to several months. Check current times: Check processing times

Can my parents travel within Canada on a Super Visa?

Yes. Super Visa holders can travel freely throughout all provinces and territories in Canada.

Can the Super Visa be converted to permanent residency?

No. The Super Visa is a temporary visitor visa and cannot be directly converted to permanent residency. Your parents or grandparents would need to apply separately through the PGP or another immigration program.