The Super Visa allows parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens and permanent residents to visit Canada for extended periods — up to five years per entry — without the need to renew their status annually.
What Is the Super Visa?
The Super Visa is a multi-entry temporary resident visa specifically for parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens or permanent residents. Introduced in 2011 and significantly updated in 2022, it allows eligible parents and grandparents to stay in Canada for up to five years per entry (increased from two years in the 2022 update), with the visa itself valid for up to 10 years. This makes it a practical long-term solution for families who want to keep parents close while waiting for the Parents and Grandparents sponsorship program lottery.
Who Can Sponsor a Super Visa?
The Canadian child or grandchild (the "host") must be: a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, at least 18 years old, and financially able to support the visiting parent or grandparent. The host does not need to be a sponsor in the formal immigration sense — they simply need to meet the income threshold and provide an invitation letter.
Income Requirement
The host must meet IRCC’s current minimum income requirement for the family size listed in the official Super Visa financial support table. Starting March 31, 2026, IRCC allows more flexible income assessment: hosts may be assessed using either of the two tax years before the application, and in some cases the visiting parent or grandparent’s income may help cover the remaining amount. Do not rely on older LICO multiples or old examples; check the current IRCC table before applying.
Medical Insurance Requirement
Parents and grandparents must purchase Canadian medical insurance before arriving. The policy must: provide at least $100,000 CAD in coverage, be valid for a minimum of one year from the date of entry, cover healthcare, hospitalization, and repatriation, and be from a Canadian insurance company. Several Canadian insurers offer Super Visa insurance policies — rates vary based on the visitor's age and health history. Older parents or those with pre-existing conditions may face higher premiums or coverage exclusions. Compare multiple providers before purchasing.
Application Requirements
The parent or grandparent applying for the Super Visa needs: valid passport, invitation letter from the Canadian child or grandchild (confirming the relationship, the host's status, and the host's income), proof of the host's income (NOA, employment letter, T4), valid Canadian medical insurance policy (must be in place before application), and completed application forms with biometrics. The application is submitted online through the IRCC portal. The visa application fee is $100 CAD.
Super Visa vs Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP)
The PGP provides a path to permanent residence for parents and grandparents, while the Super Visa is a long-term visitor status. Super Visa holders cannot work in Canada (unless they obtain separate work authorization) and cannot access most government healthcare benefits. PGP leads to PR, which includes work rights and public healthcare access. For families who want parents nearby but PR is not the goal, the Super Visa is an excellent option that avoids the PGP lottery uncertainty.