Super Visa for Parents & Grandparents
Invite your parents or grandparents to Canada for up to five years at a time—without launching a full permanent residency (PR) application. The Parents & Grandparents Super Visa lets family reunite more deeply and flexibly. This guide provides every detail—from who qualifies and what documentation is needed, to the application process, costs, processing timelines, and helpful strategies to ensure success.
1. What Is the Super Visa?
The Super Visa is a long-term, multiple-entry Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) specifically designed for parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens and permanent residents. Unlike the standard visitor visa (which typically allows stays of up to six months), the Super Visa permits eligible applicants to stay in Canada for up to 5 consecutive years per visit, with a total validity of 10 years or until passport expiry, whichever comes first.
It’s important to note: this is not a PR pathway—it grants extended temporary resident status, allowing for lengthy stays but no Canadian public healthcare, work, or study rights.
2. Who Can Apply?
2.1 Sponsors (Hosts)
To apply, your sponsor must:
- Be your child or grandchild, and a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or registered Indian
- Be at least 18 years old and reside in Canada.
- Meet the Minimum Necessary Income (MNI) level for the family, including the visiting guests.
- Submit a signed letter of invitation promising financial support and listing details (names, dates of birth, family size).
2.2 Applicants (Parents & Grandparents)
Applicants must:
- Be outside Canada when applying.
- Submit a visa application to a visa office abroad.
- Pass a medical exam for immigration purposes.
- Be admissible on health, criminal, and security grounds.
- Maintain evidence of being a genuine temporary visitor.
Visa-exempt nationals can still apply and will receive a letter of introduction—to present at the port of entry—with no visa sticker required.
3. Minimum Necessary Income (MNI)
Your sponsor must meet income requirements. As of June 3, 2024, the baseline for a one-person household is $29,380 CAD, and adjusted upward for additional family members (e.g., $36,576 for two, $44,966 for three, etc.).
This ensures sponsors have enough financial resources to support guests for extended periods.
4. Mandatory Health Insurance
Applicants must submit evidence of Canadian or approved foreign health insurance covering:
- At least one year
- Minimum $100,000 CAD coverage
- Includes health care, hospitalization, and repatriation
- Issued by an OSFI-approved insurer in Canada (or foreign companies meeting those criteria)
Proof of payment is required—quotes are not accepted. Insurance must remain valid throughout the stay.
5. Application Process Overview
Step 1: Prepare Documents
- Sponsor invitation letter & MNI proof
- Applicant passport(s), photos, medical exam results
- Police certificates (if required)
- Proof of ties to home country (assets, family, return commitments)
Step 2: Apply Online or by Paper
- Online via IRCC portal (preferred)
- Paper through visa application centre (for those unable to apply online)
Step 3: Pay Fees
- Visa application: CAD 100 per person (or CAD 500 per family of five or more)
- Biometrics: CAD 85 per person or CAD 170 for family
- Medical exam: Varies by country
Step 4: Biometrics & Medical Exams
- Usually required unless existing biometrics are valid
- Applicants may receive medical instructions post-application
Step 5: Decision & Passport Submission
- IRCC processes application (3 months or less typically)
- On approval, either a visa sticker is issued or letter of introduction provided
Step 6: Travel & Border Entry
- Arrive in Canada; CBSA officer may request insurance proof and stamp entry date
- Travel permitted for up to 5 years per visit, subject to passport and visa validity
6. Processing Times
- Most applications are processed within a few months.
- Some sources report 2–6 months on first-time applications, or 8–12 weeks post-biometrics, depending on visa office.
- Applicants should check IRCC processing times after submission.
7. Validity & Extensions
- Valid for 10 years or until the passport expires.
- Allows multiple 5-year visits.
- Holders can renew insurance coverage and apply for extensions before expiry, if remaining on TRV basis.
8. Super Visa vs Other Programs
| Feature | Super Visa | Regular Visitor Visa | PGP Sponsorship (PR) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Duration per visit | Up to 5 years | Usually 6 months | NA |
| Total validity | 10 years or passport expiry | Up to 10 years | Permanent residency |
| Renewable | Yes, with insurance extension | Possible via IMM 5708 | NA |
| Eligibility | Parents/grandparents of Canadians | Anyone eligible | Sponsor from interest pool |
| Income requirement | MNI required | No | MNI + 20-year undertaking |
| Insurance required | CAD 100K/year (minimum) | No | Not applicable |
| Work/study | No | No | As PR, yes |
| Application timing | Anytime year-round | Anytime | Lottery-based / limited pool |
| Best for | Extended family visits | Short trips | Permanent family settlement |
The PGP PR route offers permanent status but is capped yearly; IRCC plans to process 25,000 in 2025. However, PGP intake is selective (interest from 2020 pool only). The Super Visa remains accessible year-round.
9. Common Issues and Troubleshooting
- Incomplete documentation: causes delays or refusal—use checklists diligently.
- Insufficient insurance: must meet minimum scope/duration.
- Ties to home country not evident: strengthen with proof of property, recurring commitments.
- Medical exam delays: arrange early.
- Missed biometrics: track and provide promptly.
- Processing delays: check IRCC site; consider VAC contact or legal advice for stalled cases.
10. Post-Entry Advice
- Keep insurance active—revalidate annually if staying long term.
- Leave and re-enter Canada before expiry to reset allowed stay.
- To stay post-5 years: you may apply for a TRV extension or apply for permanent residency through other programs.
- Respect no work/no study condition unless you obtain a separate relevant permit.
11. Super Visa vs TRV vs PGP – When to Choose
- Short visits (weddings, holidays) → Regular TRV
- Long-term family stays → Super Visa
- Permanent residency goal → PGP (subject to lotteries/intakes)
Use the Super Visa to allow your parent or grandparent to reside in Canada temporarily while awaiting PGP outcomes, which often take 24 months or more.
12. Real-World Example
Azka, a Toronto resident, applied for a Super Visa in March 2025.
His mother passed the medical exam, sponsor met the income threshold, and they provided CAD 100K insurance. By July she received a Super Visa, allowing her to stay with family for extended periods through Spring 2030 before choosing to pursue PR via PGP.
13. Final Tips
- Apply early—especially for insurance and medical exams
- Maintain strong sponsor documentation
- Use Super Visa while awaiting the slower PGP PR pathway
- Renew insurance annually and monitor visa expiry
- Avoid misrepresentation — honesty is crucial
14. Next Steps
- Confirm sponsor eligibility and MNI
- Collect medical exams, biometrics
- Purchase OSFI-approved health insurance
- Complete and submit online or paper Super Visa application
- Track and provide requested documents promptly
- Prepare for arrival—bring invitation letter, proof of insurance, passport
- Enjoy extended stay—while respecting conditions
15. FAQs
1. Can Super Visa holder work or study?
No—new permits are needed for work or study eligibility.
2. Do I need to submit an interest-to-sponsor form for Super Visa?
No—it’s available year-round .
3. What if the PGP pool is closed?
Use Super Visa as an alternative while awaiting PR sponsorship .
4. Can I apply inside Canada?
No—you must apply from outside Canada and the visa must be issued abroad .
5. What if I don’t meet MNI?
Your application will be refused; consider using a co-signer (spouse/common-law) .
6. How long is processing?
Typically 2–6 months, sometimes 8–12 weeks post-biometrics.
7. When does insurance need to start?
From the date of entry and cover the entire 5-year stay.
8. Do children count in family size?
Yes—the total family size affects MNI in invitation letters.
