The Canada Super Visa is a special visa that allows parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens or permanent residents to stay in Canada for up to 5 years per visit, with a validity of up to 10 years.
For those who immigrated to Canada years ago and now have the Canadian Citizenship or permanent residency, the Canada Super Visa offers a special opportunity to bring their parents or grandparents to Canada for extended stays.
This visa is a kind of visitor visa, and it allows families to reunite and spend more time together, creating lasting memories without the worry of having to leave every few months. Unlike a standard visitor visa, the Super Visa allows for extended stays, giving families the chance to spend more time together, creating unforgettable memories.
If you’ve ever dreamed of extra family hugs, birthdays, or simply more time with your loved ones in Canada, the Super Visa might be exactly what you’re looking for. And the best part? Applying for it doesn’t have to be stressful or confusing.
Take the first step today to reunite with your family!
Quick Facts About the Super Visa
Here are the basics at a glance:
| Feature | Super Visa Details |
|---|---|
| Who can apply? | Parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens or permanent residents |
| Length of stay | Up to 5 years per entry |
| Validity | Multi-entry, up to 10 years (depends on passport) |
| Medical insurance | At least 1 year from a Canadian company, minimum coverage of $100,000 |
| Financial support | Must be provided by a child or grandchild in Canada who meets the income level (LICO) |
| Medical exam | Required, done by an approved doctor |
| Application type | Online application, from outside Canada |
What is the Canada Super Visa, Exactly?
The Canada Super Visa is a unique program designed specifically for parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens or permanent residents.
Here’s why it stands out:
- It allows visits of up to 5 years at a time, giving you more time to be with family.
- It’s a multi-entry visa, valid for up to 10 years (depending on your passport).
- Unlike the standard visitor visa (which typically only allows stays of up to 6 months), the Super Visa is all about keeping families together for longer periods.
For families, this visa feels like more than just paperwork; it’s a way to make more memories together without the pressure of frequent departures.
❓ Super Visa vs Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP)
A common question families ask is whether they should apply for the Super Visa or the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP). Here’s how the two compare:
Super Visa
- Ideal for long visits (not permanent residency).
- Stay up to 5 years per visit, with a visa valid for up to 10 years.
- Requires proof of medical insurance and financial support.
Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP)
- Offers permanent residency in Canada.
- Allows parents and grandparents to live, work, and eventually apply for citizenship.
- Limited spots are available each year, with a lottery system for selection.
- Requires the child or grandchild to meet strict income requirements for several years.
Which one should you choose?
If your goal is to live permanently in Canada, the PGP is the way to go, but it’s much harder to get. If you’re looking to enjoy longer visits without moving permanently, the Super Visa is the better choice.
❓ Super Visa vs Visitor Visa
It’s easy to confuse these two. Let’s make it simple:
| Feature | Super Visa | Visitor Visa |
|---|---|---|
| Who it’s for | Parents & grandparents of Canadian citizens/PRs | Anyone visiting Canada |
| Length of stay | Up to 5 years per entry | Up to 6 months per entry |
| Validity | Up to 10 years (multi-entry) | Usually up to 10 years, but for shorter stays |
| Insurance | Must have 1 year of Canadian medical insurance, $100,000 coverage | Not required |
| Financial support | Must show proof of financial support from a child/grandchild | Not required |
| Best for | Long family visits | Short trips or holidays |
If you want to come for a wedding, a short visit, or a holiday, the visitor visa is enough.
But if you want long, peaceful stays with family, the Super Visa is the smarter choice.
Requirements for Super Visa
The process of applying for a Super Visa is straightforward once you know what’s needed. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Letter of Invitation
- Written by your child or grandchild in Canada.
- Includes a promise to financially support you and proof of their Canadian status.
- Proof of Relationship
- Documents, like a birth certificate, to confirm your parent or grandparent relationship.
- Financial Support (LICO)
- Your child or grandchild must meet the Low Income Cut-Off (LICO) to show they can support you. They’ll provide financial proof like tax documents, job letters, and bank statements.
- Medical Insurance
- Must come from a Canadian insurance company, covering at least $100,000 for one year, and include health care and hospitalization.
- Medical Exam & Biometrics
- You’ll need a health exam from an approved doctor and possibly fingerprints or a photo taken for biometrics.
What Is LICO / Minimum Necessary Income (MNI)
LICO stands for Low Income Cut-Off, which is the minimum income level a sponsor must meet to support their parent or grandparent. For the Super Visa, it’s called Minimum Necessary Income (MNI), and it includes LICO plus a little more.
Here are the updated income levels:
| Family Size | Minimum Income Required (CAD) |
|---|---|
| 1 person | $30,526 |
| 2 persons | $38,002 |
| 3 persons | $46,720 |
| 4 persons | $56,724 |
| 5 persons | $64,336 |
| 6 persons | $72,560 |
| 7 persons | $80,784 |
| Each additional person beyond 7 | + $8,224 per person |
How to Apply for a Canada Super Visa
Here’s a simple step-by-step guide to applying:
- Prepare
Make sure you’re a parent or grandparent of a Canadian citizen or permanent resident. Have your family prepare the invitation letter and proof of income. - Collect Documents
- Passport, invitation letter, proof of relationship, income documents, and medical insurance.
- Apply Online
Fill out the application on the IRCC website, upload documents, and pay the required fees. - Complete Medical Exam and Biometrics
Book your medical exam and provide biometrics (fingerprints and photo) if required. - Wait for Processing
Processing times vary, but you’ll be notified if additional documents are needed. - Receive Your Visa
If approved, you’ll get a visa sticker in your passport, and you can travel to Canada for up to 5 years per visit.
Common Challenges & Helpful Tips
While the process is straightforward, there are common challenges that many families face:
Challenges
- Missing documents, especially financial proofs
- Getting the right kind of medical insurance
- Failing to meet the income requirement (LICO)
- Forgetting medical exams or biometrics
Tips to Make It Easier
- Double-check your documents and use a checklist
- Make sure your medical insurance covers $100,000 for a full year
- Get the financial documents from your child or grandchild early
- Schedule your medical exam as soon as possible
Conclusion
The Canada Super Visa is not just a visa; it’s an opportunity to be closer to your children and grandchildren in Canada, for years at a time, not just a few months. It’s about creating lasting memories together, birthdays, everyday moments, and everything in between.
If you’re ready to make these precious family moments a reality, the Super Visa could be the perfect option for you.
✅ Ready to apply? Fill out our quick assessment form today to see if you qualify and start your journey toward making unforgettable memories in Canada.
FAQs
Yes. You can apply for an extension from inside Canada. Extensions are usually granted in 2-year blocks.
No. It’s only for long visits. If you want permanent residency, the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) is the right option.
Border officers can refuse entry. Always carry proof of your insurance with you.
The inviter’s family plus anyone they already support financially, including the parent or grandparent applying.
Yes. Both can apply, as long as the child or grandchild in Canada meets the income requirement for the full household.
