The Parent and Grandparent Super Visa is one of the most practical immigration options Canada offers for families who want to have their parents or grandparents nearby without waiting years for a permanent residency program. Introduced in 2011 and enhanced in 2022, the Super Visa allows parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens and permanent residents to stay in Canada for up to 5 years at a time on a single entry. with a visa that remains valid for up to 10 years.
This guide explains how the Super Visa works, who qualifies, the income and insurance requirements, and how it compares to permanent sponsorship.
What Is the Super Visa?
The Super Visa is a type of multiple-entry visitor visa specifically for parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens or permanent residents. Unlike a standard TRV that allows stays of up to 6 months per entry, the Super Visa allows a single continuous stay of up to 5 years. The visa itself is valid for up to 10 years, allowing multiple trips during that period.
IRCC extended the maximum single stay from 2 years to 5 years in July 2022, making the Super Visa significantly more useful for families.
Key Super Visa Facts
| Feature | Super Visa | Regular TRV |
|---|---|---|
| Maximum single stay | 5 years | 6 months |
| Visa validity | Up to 10 years | Up to 10 years |
| Multiple entries? | Yes | Yes (if multiple-entry) |
| Medical insurance required? | Yes. minimum $100,000 | No |
| Income requirement (sponsor)? | Yes. LICO+30% current year | No |
| Medical exam required? | Yes | Sometimes |
| Who can apply? | Parents/grandparents of Canadian citizens/PRs | Anyone eligible |
| Processing time | Typically 3–8 weeks | Varies by country |
Who Can Apply for a Super Visa?
The Super Visa applicant must be the parent or grandparent of a Canadian citizen or permanent resident. Step-parents and adoptive parents also qualify. The Canadian child or grandchild (referred to as the "host") must meet income requirements and provide a signed commitment to financially support the visitor.
The Income Requirement (LICO+30%)
The host. the Canadian child or grandchild. must demonstrate that their household income meets the Low Income Cut-Off (LICO) plus 30% for the year prior to the application. This is a one-year requirement (unlike the three-year requirement for the permanent PGP sponsorship program).
2024 LICO+30% thresholds (for 2025 applications):
| Household Size | Minimum Income Required |
|---|---|
| 2 persons | $32,270 |
| 3 persons | $39,672 |
| 4 persons | $48,167 |
| 5 persons | $54,630 |
| 6 persons | $61,613 |
| 7 persons | $68,598 |
The host provides a Notice of Assessment (NOA) from the Canada Revenue Agency as proof of income. If the NOA is not yet available, an Option C Printout from CRA serves as an alternative.
The Medical Insurance Requirement
This is one of the most important. and often most expensive. requirements of the Super Visa. The parent or grandparent must purchase private Canadian medical insurance from a Canadian insurance company with at least $100,000 in coverage. The policy must:
- Be valid for a minimum of one year from the planned arrival date
- Cover health care, hospitalization, and repatriation
- Be purchased from a Canadian insurance provider
Annual premiums for Super Visa insurance vary significantly depending on the applicant's age and pre-existing health conditions. Typical ranges:
- Ages 45–60: $1,500–$2,500 per year
- Ages 61–70: $2,500–$4,000 per year
- Ages 71–80: $4,000–$8,000+ per year
- Pre-existing conditions: premiums increase significantly, or coverage may be excluded
Insurance can be purchased from major Canadian insurers including Manulife, Sun Life, Allianz, and others. Comparison shopping matters. premiums for the same coverage can vary significantly between providers.
Unlike a standard TRV, the Super Visa application requires proof that valid insurance has been purchased before the application is submitted. You cannot submit the application without it.
Other Requirements
- Immigration medical exam (IME) with an IRCC-designated Panel Physician
- Proof of the family relationship (birth certificates tracing the relationship)
- A letter from the Canadian host confirming: relationship, current status in Canada, household size, and commitment to provide financial support
- The host's most recent NOA or Option C Printout
- No criminal inadmissibility issues
How to Apply
The Super Visa is applied for through an IRCC Secure Account online, or through a Visa Application Centre in the parent's or grandparent's country. The application process is similar to a standard TRV, with the addition of the insurance documentation, family relationship proof, and host income documents.
Processing time is typically 3–8 weeks from the date of a complete application, though this varies by visa office.
Super Visa vs Permanent Sponsorship
The Super Visa and the Parent and Grandparent Program (PGP) serve different purposes:
- The PGP grants permanent residency. parents and grandparents can live in Canada indefinitely, access provincial healthcare, and eventually apply for citizenship. But it involves a years-long wait and a 20-year financial undertaking.
- The Super Visa is temporary. it does not lead to permanent residence, and holders must purchase private medical insurance. But it can be obtained in weeks, not years.
Many families pursue both: a Super Visa first to get parents here quickly, while the PGP application works its way through the system. Your parents can be in Canada on a Super Visa when the PR application is finalized.
Extending or Renewing the Super Visa
If your parents or grandparents are in Canada on a Super Visa and want to extend their stay, they must apply to extend before the authorized period on their status document expires. The extension must still meet all Super Visa requirements. including valid medical insurance. If the 10-year visa has expired or is close to expiry, a new Super Visa application is required from outside Canada.
Want help applying for a Super Visa? Our licensed RCICs handle the full application process, including reviewing income documentation and insurance requirements.
Book a ConsultationSummary
- Super Visa: for parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens/PRs
- Allows stays of up to 5 years per entry, visa valid up to 10 years
- Host must meet LICO+30% income for the current year
- Applicant must have at least $100,000 Canadian medical insurance coverage
- Medical exam required
- Processing: typically 3–8 weeks
- Does not lead to permanent residence
Have questions about your visitor visa application? A licensed RCIC can review your situation and help you put together the strongest possible application.
Book a ConsultationThis article is for general information only and does not constitute immigration advice. Immigration rules change frequently. For advice specific to your situation, consult a licensed RCIC.