Canada
Super Visa for Parents and Grandparents
Overview
The Super Visa is a special long-term visa designed for parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens and permanent residents. It allows them to visit their loved ones in Canada for extended periods without the need to renew their status frequently. Unlike a regular visitor visa, which typically permits stays of up to six months, the Super Visa allows eligible individuals to remain in Canada for up to five years per visit and can be issued for a validity period of up to ten years.
Table of Contents
1. Eligibility Requirements
For the Applicant (Parent or Grandparent)
The applicant must:
- Be the parent or grandparent of a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.
- Apply from outside Canada at the time of submission.
- Be admissible to Canada.
- Complete an immigration medical examination.
- Have valid Canadian health insurance coverage for at least one year, with a minimum of CAD 100,000 in emergency coverage (health care, hospitalization, and repatriation).
- Show that they intend to leave Canada at the end of their authorized stay.
For the Host (Child or Grandchild in Canada)
The host must:
- Be at least 18 years old and living in Canada as a citizen or permanent resident.
- Provide a signed invitation letter with a promise of financial support and details of the household composition.
- Meet or exceed the Low-Income Cut-Off (LICO) based on household size.
2. Financial Requirements (LICO)
The host must meet the minimum income threshold to demonstrate their ability to support the visitor financially. This is based on the Low-Income Cut-Off (LICO), which is updated annually by Statistics Canada.
Here is a sample from the 2024 LICO table:
Family Size (Including Visitor) | Minimum Gross Income Required
2 persons | $38,002
3 persons | $46,720
4 persons | $56,724
5 persons | $64,336
3. Required Documents to apply for a super Visa
To apply for a Super Visa, you must submit a complete set of supporting documents. Each item listed below plays an important role in demonstrating your eligibility and ensuring a smooth application process.
A formal, signed letter from your child or grandchild in Canada. It must include:
- A promise of financial support for the entire duration of your stay
- The total number of people in the host’s household
- A copy of the host’s Canadian citizenship or permanent resident document. This letter serves as proof of your connection to Canada and your sponsor’s readiness to support you.
You must provide documents confirming your relationship to the host. These may include:
- Birth certificates
- Legal documents showing you are the parent or grandparent of the host. These documents prove that you are eligible under the family-based requirements of the Super Visa program.
You must purchase private medical insurance from a Canadian insurance provider that meets the following criteria:
- Valid for at least one year
- Provides coverage of at least $100,000 CAD
- Covers health care, hospitalization, and repatriation You must submit proof of full payment for the policy—not just a quote.
Before approval, you must complete an immigration medical examination by a physician approved by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). This ensures that you meet Canada’s health requirements for temporary residents.
You and your host must provide documents showing financial capacity to support your stay. These may include:
- The host’s Notice of Assessment (NOA)
- T4 or T1 tax forms
- Pay stubs or employment letters
- Bank statements or pension information This proves that your host meets the Low-Income Cut-Off (LICO) requirement and that you will not be a financial burden during your stay.
Your passport must be:
- Valid at the time of application
- Valid for at least one year from your intended date of entry into Canada. The visa will be stamped into this passport if approved.
You should include a letter explaining:
- Why you wish to visit Canada
- Your planned activities during the stay
- How you intend to spend your time and confirm your intent to return home. This helps the visa officer assess the temporary nature of your visit.
You must submit a fully completed Super Visa application, which includes:
- Online forms through the IRCC portal
- Two passport-sized photographs (meeting Canadian specifications)
- Application fee payment receipt
- Biometrics (if required)
4. Benefits of the Super Visa
- Stay up to 5 years per visit without renewing your status
- Multiple entries over up to 10 years
- Faster processing compared to the Parents and Grandparents Sponsorship Program
- Ideal for maintaining long-term family connections without permanent immigration
5. Conclusion
The Super Visa offers a valuable opportunity for Canadian families to reunite with their parents and grandparents for extended visits. It requires careful documentation, proof of financial stability, and private medical insurance. If you meet the eligibility criteria, it is one of the most convenient pathways for extended family visits to Canada.
6. Frequently Asked Questions
No. Dependent children are not eligible under the Super Visa program. This visa is strictly limited to parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens or permanent residents. Children must apply separately under their own eligibility stream.
Not directly. Super Visa applicants must purchase private medical insurance from a Canadian insurance provider. This ensures that they are covered for healthcare, hospitalization, and repatriation during their stay in Canada.