Super Visa: A Long-Term Option for Parents and Grandparents to Visit Canada
Parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens, permanent residents, or registered Indians now have the opportunity to visit their loved ones in Canada for extended periods through the Super Visa program. This visa allows eligible individuals to stay in Canada for up to five years per entry and grants multiple entries for a period of up to ten years.
Who Can Apply for a Super Visa?
To be eligible for a Super Visa, the applicant must have a host in Canada who is their child or grandchild. The host must meet specific criteria:
- Be at least 18 years old and currently residing in Canada.
- Hold valid status as a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or registered Indian.
- Provide proof of status, such as:
- A Canadian citizenship certificate or card.
- A permanent resident card or Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR).
- A Secure Certificate of Indian Status or a Certificate of Indian Status.
- Meet or exceed the Minimum Necessary Income (MNI) requirement for their household size.
- Provide a signed invitation letter promising financial support for the visitor’s entire stay in Canada.
The spouse or common-law partner of the child or grandchild may co-sign the letter if they are also a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.
The invitation letter must include:
- A written promise of financial support.
- A detailed list of family members, including names and birthdates, used to calculate the family size and confirm the host meets the income requirement.
Minimum Necessary Income Requirements (as of July 29, 2025)
To qualify as a host, one must meet the following income levels based on their family size:
Family Members Required 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 +$8,224
Additional Eligibility Conditions
Applicants must also meet the following conditions:
- Submit their application from outside Canada.
- Wait for instructions from the visa office on where and how to submit their passport for visa issuance.
- Be admissible to Canada and pass an immigration medical examination.
- Meet other general requirements, such as having strong ties to their home country and the intention to leave Canada at the end of their visit.
It is important to note that dependents are not allowed to be included in the Super Visa application.
Health Insurance Requirement
All Super Visa applicants must show proof of valid private medical insurance that:
- Is issued by a Canadian insurance provider or
- Is provided by an insurance company from outside Canada that:
- Is authorized under the Insurance Companies Act,
- Appears on the Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions (OSFI) list of federally regulated financial institutions,
- Issues policies during the course of their insurance business in Canada.
The insurance policy must:
- Be valid for at least one year from the date of entry.
- Cover health care, hospitalization, and repatriation.
- Have a minimum coverage of $100,000 CAD.
If the health insurance expires while the visitor is in Canada, it is the visitor’s responsibility to renew or maintain coverage throughout their stay. The policy must be valid for each entry to Canada.
Application Assessment
When assessing a Super Visa application, IRCC considers several factors, including:
- The applicant’s ties to their home country.
- The purpose of the visit.
- Family situation and financial background.
- The general economic and political stability of the applicant’s country of residence.
The applicant must demonstrate that they are a genuine visitor who will leave Canada voluntarily at the end of their authorized stay.
Source: Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada
Contact Marjorie at info@mcncanadaimmigration.com
A word of caution: You should not act or rely on the information provided in this column. It is not a legal advice. To ensure your interests are protected, retain, or formally seek advice from a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC) in good standing of CICC. The views expressed in this article do not necessarily reflect those of RCIC’s.
