Super Visa is an extended-stay visitor program that can allow eligible parents and grandparents to spend longer periods with their child or grandchild in Canada.
This multiple-entry temporary resident visa is for the parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens, permanent residents and people registered under the Indian Act.
For applications submitted on or after June 22, 2023, an approved applicant who is admitted to Canada can generally stay for up to five years at a time. The visa itself can provide multiple entries for up to 10 years, although its actual validity may be shorter because of the passport, biometrics or visa validity period.
A valid Super Visa does not guarantee entry to Canada. A border services officer makes the final decision on admission and the authorized period of stay.
The Super Visa program is different from permanent residence sponsorship because it does not make the parent or grandparent a permanent resident of Canada.
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Who Can Apply For A Super Visa
Both the person applying and the host in Canada must meet specific eligibility requirements.
The host must be the applicant’s biological or adopted child or grandchild.
The host must be at least 18 years old, live in Canada and be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident or registered Indian.
The host must also meet the applicable minimum necessary income requirement and provide a signed letter of invitation.
The applicant must apply from outside Canada and must be eligible to enter Canada as a temporary resident.
The applicant must also complete an immigration medical examination and obtain private health insurance that meets the program’s rules.
Applicants must satisfy the general requirements for visitors, including showing that they are genuine visitors who will leave Canada at the end of their authorized stay.
IRCC may consider the applicant’s ties to their home country, the purpose of the visit, family circumstances and financial situation.
How Long Can A Super Visa Holder Stay In Canada
The visa can allow an eligible parent or grandparent to remain in Canada for up to five years per entry, provided the applicant is admitted and meets the applicable requirements.
The visa itself can provide multiple entries for up to 10 years. The actual validity may be shorter if the passport or biometrics expire sooner, or if the visa officer issues a shorter period.
A border services officer still makes the final decision about admission and the authorized period of stay when the applicant arrives in Canada.
Visa-exempt applicants may also apply for this program even though they do not normally need a visitor visa to travel to Canada.
If approved, a visa-exempt applicant receives a letter to present to a border services officer. The applicant may also need an electronic travel authorization when travelling by air.
The Super Visa itself is not a work permit or study permit. A person who wants to work or study may need separate authorization, depending on the activity and applicable exemption.
Super Visa Income Requirement
The host must demonstrate enough income to support the family members included in the calculation and the visiting parent or grandparent.
Family size can include the host, the host’s spouse or common-law partner, dependent children, the people applying for it, people the host is already hosting under an applicable Super Visa invitation, and people covered by certain sponsorship undertakings that remain in effect.
IRCC’s current income table lists the following minimum amounts in Canadian dollars:
| Family size | Minimum income |
|---|---|
| 1 | $30,526 |
| 2 | $38,002 |
| 3 | $46,720 |
| 4 | $56,724 |
| 5 | $64,336 |
| 6 | $72,560 |
| 7 | $80,784 |
| Each additional person | Add $8,224 |
The host should calculate the complete family size before selecting the income threshold because the total may include people who are not currently living in the host’s home or are not currently in Canada.
How Hosts Can Prove Their Income
Under the current rules, the host and eligible co-signer may meet the income requirement using income from either of the two taxation years before the application is submitted.
The preferred proof is a Canada Revenue Agency notice of assessment for the host and co-signer, if applicable.
IRCC may also accept documents such as T4 or T1 forms, recent pay stubs, an employer letter, bank statements, pension statements and evidence of rental income when a notice of assessment is unavailable.
The spouse or common-law partner of the host may co-sign the invitation letter and combine income with the host if they meet the applicable requirements.
Other relatives, such as the host’s siblings, cannot co-sign the invitation.
Using The Visitor’s Income
Under the rules that came into effect on March 31, 2026, the visiting parent or grandparent’s income may help cover the remaining amount if the host and co-signer, if applicable, meet at least 75% of the applicable minimum income.
The applicant must provide documents supporting their income, while the host and co-signer must provide their own income evidence.
IRCC states that applications already in process on March 31, 2026, and applications submitted on or after that date are assessed under the updated income approach.
Super Visa Health Insurance Requirements
Applicants must provide proof of private health insurance for at least one year from the date of entry into Canada.
The policy must cover health care, hospitalization and repatriation.
The policy must provide at least $100,000 in emergency coverage and must be valid for each entry to Canada.
The policy must be paid in full or purchased through an instalment arrangement that includes a deposit. A quote alone is not accepted as proof of coverage.
Insurance may be issued by a Canadian insurance company or by an eligible company outside Canada. A foreign insurer must meet the applicable approval and Canadian-business requirements, including the requirements administered through the Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions.
Applicants should carry proof of valid insurance when entering Canada because a border services officer may request to review it.
If the policy will expire before the applicant leaves Canada, the applicant should renew the coverage to maintain insurance during the stay.
Documents Needed For A Super Visa
The personalized IRCC document checklist controls the final package because requirements can vary according to the applicant’s circumstances and country of application.
Common documents include the following:
- A valid passport or travel document.
- A signed invitation letter from the child or grandchild in Canada.
- Proof of the host’s Canadian citizenship, permanent residence or status as a registered Indian.
- Proof of the family relationship between the applicant and the host.
- Documents showing the host’s family size and income.
- Proof of private health insurance meeting the program’s requirements.
- Proof of an immigration medical examination with an approved panel physician.
- Forms and supporting documents requested by the visa office or online checklist.
- Biometrics, if required.
The invitation letter must identify the people included in the family-size calculation and must confirm the host’s commitment to support the applicant for the length of the authorized stay.
Incomplete or unclear documents can lead to delays or the return of an application.
How To Apply For A Super Visa
- Confirm that the applicant and host meet the eligibility requirements.
- Calculate the host’s family size and applicable income threshold.
- Prepare the invitation letter, income evidence and relationship documents.
- Arrange the required medical examination and obtain compliant health insurance.
- Apply online through the IRCC Portal while outside Canada.
- Upload the personalized documents and pay the required fees.
- Provide biometrics after receiving instructions, if applicable.
- Respond promptly to any request from IRCC or the visa office.
When completing the online questionnaire, applicants should select the option indicating that they want to visit their children or grandchildren for more than six months.
Applicants should avoid making non-refundable travel arrangements until IRCC has approved the application and the required travel document or approval letter is available.
Super Visa Fees And Processing Times
The application fee is currently Can$100 per applicant for a multiple-entry temporary resident visa.
The biometrics fee is currently Can$85 when biometrics are required.
Visa-exempt applicants do not pay the Super Visa application fee or biometrics fee. If approved, they may still need an electronic travel authorization for air travel.
Processing times vary by country and depend on application completeness, verification requirements, biometrics and the time taken to respond to IRCC requests.
Applicants should check the official processing-time tool for the country where they are applying rather than relying on a general estimate.
Super Visa Compared With A Visitor Visa
A regular visitor visa may be more suitable when a parent or grandparent intends to stay for six months or less.
This program is designed for longer family visits and requires additional evidence, including a qualifying host, medical examination, income support and private health insurance.
It does not guarantee admission or automatically provide a 10-year stay in Canada.
Parents and grandparents who want permanent status must consider a separate permanent residence pathway, such as an available family sponsorship process, if they meet its requirements.
Key Points For Super Visa Applicants
- The applicant must apply from outside Canada.
- The host must be an eligible child or grandchild who lives in Canada.
- The host must meet the income requirement based on the full family size.
- The applicant must have qualifying private health insurance for at least one year.
- The applicant must complete an immigration medical examination.
- The applicant must satisfy the general rules for temporary visitors.
- The program can allow stays of up to five years per entry for eligible applicants admitted to Canada, but a border officer controls admission and the authorized period of stay.
- The visa can provide multiple entries for up to 10 years, subject to the visa’s actual validity.
- The program provides temporary status and is not permanent residence.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long can parents and grandparents stay in Canada with a Super Visa?
A Super Visa can allow eligible parents and grandparents to stay in Canada for up to five years at a time, subject to the decision of a border services officer.
How much does a Super Visa cost?
The Super Visa application fee is currently Can$100 per applicant. Biometrics, when required, cost Can$85.
Can a Super Visa applicant use the visiting parent’s income?
Yes. Under the current rules, the visiting parent or grandparent’s income may help cover the remaining amount when the host and co-signer meet at least 75 percent of the applicable minimum and the required documents are provided.
Does a Super Visa lead to permanent residence?
No. A Super Visa is a temporary resident visa. Permanent residence requires a separate immigration pathway and application.
Does a Super Visa require private medical insurance?
Yes. Applicants must provide qualifying private health insurance for at least one year from the date of entry, with at least $100,000 in emergency coverage and coverage for health care, hospitalization and repatriation.
Fact-Checked: Fact-checked against current IRCC and Canada.ca Super Visa pages, income guidance and 2026 ministerial instructions on October 11, 2026.
Disclaimer: Immigration requirements and fees can change. Applicants should confirm the latest IRCC instructions and personalized document checklist before applying.
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