Super Visa for parents and grandparents

A Super Visa is a visitor visa for eligible parents and grandparents, usually allowing a stay of up to 5 years per entry; the multiple-entry visa may be valid for up to 10 years, depending on the decision and passport. It is not permanent residency (PR), and the permitted length of stay is determined by the border officer.

The inviter must be a biological or legally adopted child or grandchild, at least 18 years old, residing in Canada, and be a Canadian citizen, a Canadian permanent resident, or a registered Indian. Those who only hold a work permit or study permit do not meet the inviter requirements for this category.

Under the regulations effective March 31, 2026, there are 2 ways: (1) the income of the inviter and co-signers meets the required level in one of the two tax years prior to the application date, proven by the CRA Notice of Assessment; or (2) the inviter/co-signer's income in the previous year reaches at least 75% of the required level, then the eligible income of the invited parent/grandparent is added to make up the shortfall. Evidence of the ability to maintain income while in Canada must be provided. Not all cases automatically allow the parent's income to be added.

According to the IRCC table published on July 29, 2025: family size of 2: 38,002 CAD; 3: 46,720 CAD; 4: 56,724 CAD; 5: 64,336 CAD; 6: 72,560 CAD; 7: 80,784 CAD. Over 7 people add 8,224 CAD per person. The levels are updated by IRCC and must be re-checked at the time of application.

Add the inviter, spouse/common-law partner (separated cases may also need to be included), dependent children, the parent/grandparent to be invited, any other persons who have been invited under a still-valid Super Visa, and any person for whom the inviter still has ongoing financial obligations under a sponsorship. It does not only count those living in the same household.

They can co-sign the invitation letter and have their income added if the inviter's spouse/common-law partner also has Canadian citizenship, is a Canadian PR, or is a registered Indian under the regulations. The inviter's siblings or other relatives cannot co-sign instead.

Insurance from a Canadian insurance company or a non-Canadian company that meets IRCC/OSFI requirements; the insurance must be valid for at least one year from the date of entry, cover medical care, hospitalization, and repatriation, with emergency coverage of at least 100,000 CAD. It must be paid in full or in installments with a deposit; quotes only are not accepted. Proof of insurance is required at each entry, and the insurance must be maintained/renewed if necessary.

Under IRCC requirements, the Super Visa applicant must be outside Canada when applying and must be issued a visa by a visa office outside Canada. If the parent is currently in Canada, their current status and options for maintaining or extending their visitor status should be reviewed; it cannot automatically be switched to a Super Visa from within Canada.

Typically, this includes a passport, personal identification and proof of relationship with the inviter, an invitation letter, valid medical insurance, a medical exam result from a designated doctor, financial documents, and supporting documents proving the purpose of the visit and the ability to leave Canada on time. Forms, biometrics, and additional documents depend on the application.

A signed invitation letter with a commitment to provide financial support and a list of family members used to calculate income (name, date of birth); proof of citizenship/PR/registered Indian status; a birth certificate or other proof of relationship; the CRA Notice of Assessment (NOA), and, where applicable, T4/T1 forms, pay stubs, an employment confirmation letter, and bank statements/proof of income. If there is a co-signer, corresponding documents are required.

Yes. The Super Visa applicant must undergo a medical exam with an IRCC-designated panel physician; a regular medical certificate cannot be used instead.

No. A visa does not guarantee entry; a CBSA officer will assess eligibility at the port of entry. Super Visa holders must also continue to meet the requirements and present valid medical insurance if requested.

A Super Visa is a temporary residence category for long-term family visits and does not automatically lead to PR. The parent/grandparent sponsorship program has its own eligibility and financial requirements, and the two programs should not be confused.

KeyApply collects information, assists with preparing/reviewing the application checklist, coordinates with authorized immigration experts for immigration advice and representation when necessary, and guides you through the steps for documentation, income, insurance, and medical exams. The final decision rests with IRCC. Book an appointment at https://keyapply.com/pages/appointment or contact 647-805-1500 or info@keyapply.com.