Super Visa for Parents and Grandparents
The Super Visa is a long-term, multiple-entry visa that allows parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens, permanent residents, or registered Indigenous Peoples to visit their family in Canada for up to 5 years at a time, with a validity of up to 10 years. It is one of the most flexible ways for families to reunite without applying for permanent residence.
Understanding the Super Visa
1. What is a Super Visa?
A Super Visa is a special category of temporary resident visa designed specifically for parents and grandparents of CanadUnlike a standard visitor visa — which typically allows stays of up to 6 months per entry — the Super Visa allows eligible family members to stay in Canada for up to 5 years per entry and provides multiple entries over a period of up to 10-years.
2. Who Can Apply
To qualify for a Super Visa, both the applicant and the Canadian host must meet specific eligibility criteria.
Host Requirements — Your child or grandchild must:
- Be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or registered Indian
- Be at least 18 years old and live in Canada
- Meet or exceed the Minimum Necessary Income (LICO)
- Provide a signed Letter of Invitation
- Prove they are your biological or adopted child or grandchild
Applicant Requirements — You must:
- Be outside Canada at the time of application
- Be admissible to Canada
- Carry valid private medical insurance (minimum 1 year, $100,000 coverage)
- Complete an Immigration Medical Exam
3. How Long You Can Stay in Canada
If you applied on or after June 22, 2023, you are eligible to stay in Canada for up to 5 years per entry.
Before your status expires, you must either leave Canada or apply to extend your stay. It is your responsibility to maintain valid visitor status at all times.
A border officer may still determine the exact length of your authorized stay upon entry, so it is wise to carry all your supporting documentation when arriving in Canada.
4. Forms and Documents
A successful Super Visa application requires a complete and well-documented file. Missing or unclear documents are a leading cause of refusal.
- Letter of Invitation from your host (including proof of income and family size)
- Proof of Private Medical Insurance — valid for at least 1 year from the date of entry, with minimum coverage of $100,000
- Proof of Immigration Medical Exam completed with an approved panel physician
- Proof of Host’s Status in Canada (citizenship, PR card, or status card)
- Proof of Relationship (e.g., host’s birth certificate)
- Certified translations for any document not in English or French
5. Proof of Financial Support (LICO)
Your host must demonstrate that they meet the Minimum Necessary Income to support you during your stay. Family size is calculated to include the host, their spouse/common-law partner, dependent children, the applicant(s), previously approved super visa applicants, and previously sponsored individuals still under undertaking.
| Family Size | Minimum Income (CAD) |
|---|---|
| 1 | $30,526 |
| 2 | $38,002 |
| 3 | $46,720 |
| 4 | $56,724 |
| 5 | $64,336 |
| 6 | $72,560 |
| 7 | $80,784 |
| Each additional member | + $8,224 |
Figures last updated July 29, 2025. Income is proven through a CRA Notice of Assessment from one of the two most recent tax years.
6. How to Apply
Super Visa applications are submitted online through the IRCC Portal while the applicant is outside Canada.
- Sign in to (or create) your IRCC Portal account
- Select “Visitor visa or super visa” and indicate you are visiting children/grandchildren for more than 6 months
- Upload your personalized document checklist
- Pay the fees — $100 Super Visa fee + $85 biometrics fee (if applicable)
- Submit your complete application
- Provide biometrics at a Visa Application Centre once instructed
7. After You Apply
Once approved, you will receive instructions to submit your passport to a Visa Application Centre to have your visa printed. Visa-exempt applicants will be issued a letter to present to a border services officer upon arrival.
When you arrive in Canada, you will need to:
- Pass an identity check (fingerprint verification at major airports)
- Show your passport, supporting documents, and proof of valid medical insurance
- Satisfy the CBSA officer that you meet all entry requirements
Please note: A Super Visa does not authorize you to work or study in Canada. You must maintain valid health insurance throughout your stay and on every re-entry.