01
Parent or Grandparent
The applicant must be the parent or grandparent of an eligible host in Canada.
FAMILY
Super Visa
Help eligible parents and grandparents spend extended periods with their family in Canada through the Super Visa program.
Assess Super Visa EligibilityPARENTS & GRANDPARENTS
What Is a Super Visa?
The Super Visa is a temporary resident option designed specifically for eligible parents and grandparents of qualifying hosts in Canada.
It allows eligible visitors to stay in Canada for much longer periods per visit than a standard visitor visa normally allows.
For applications made on or after June 22, 2023, eligible Super Visa holders may stay in Canada for up to five years at a time.
A Super Visa can provide multiple entries to Canada for a period of up to 10 years, subject to passport validity and immigration requirements.
APPLICANT ELIGIBILITY
Who Can Apply for a Super Visa?
The Super Visa is limited to qualifying parents and grandparents and has requirements for both the visitor and their host in Canada.
02
Apply From Outside Canada
The Super Visa application must currently be submitted while the applicant is outside Canada.
03
Eligible Host
The applicant must have an eligible child or grandchild in Canada who meets the program's host requirements.
04
Medical Insurance
The applicant must provide proof of qualifying private health insurance for at least one year from the date of entry.
05
Immigration Medical Exam
A Super Visa applicant must complete an immigration medical examination.
06
Admissibility & Visitor Requirements
The applicant must be admissible to Canada and satisfy the officer that they meet the requirements of a genuine temporary visitor.
HOST IN CANADA
Who Can Host a Super Visa Applicant?
The applicant's child or grandchild in Canada must satisfy specific host requirements.
✓
At Least 18 Years Old
The host must currently be at least 18 years old.
✓
Lives in Canada
The host must live in Canada when supporting the Super Visa application.
✓
Eligible Canadian Status
The host must have qualifying status in Canada, such as Canadian citizenship, permanent residence or qualifying registration under the Indian Act.
✓
Meet the Income Requirement
The required family income must be met using one of IRCC's current Super Visa income assessment methods.
✓
Invitation Letter
The host must provide a signed letter inviting the parent or grandparent to Canada.
✓
Financial Support
The invitation includes a commitment to financially support the applicant during the visit.
FINANCIAL REQUIREMENT
The Host Must Meet a Minimum Income Requirement
Super Visa applications require the applicable minimum necessary income to be met based on the host's family size.
Family size can include the host, their spouse or partner, dependent children, the parents or grandparents being invited and certain people covered by existing sponsorship commitments.
Under the current rules, the host and eligible co-signer may meet the full income requirement in either of the two tax years before the application.
Alternatively, if the host and co-signer meet at least 75% of the required amount for the year before the application, qualifying income of the visiting parent or grandparent may be added to meet the remaining amount.
Two Income Assessment Options
Since March 31, 2026, IRCC allows more flexibility in how Super Visa applicants demonstrate the required family income.
Review My Family IncomeHEALTH INSURANCE
Super Visa Medical Insurance Requirements
Qualifying private health insurance is a core requirement of the Super Visa program.
01
At Least One Year
The policy must be valid for at least one year from the applicant's date of entry.
02
At Least $100,000 Coverage
The policy must provide at least $100,000 in emergency health coverage.
03
Health Care & Hospitalization
Coverage must include qualifying health care and hospitalization expenses.
04
Repatriation
The policy must include repatriation coverage as required by the program.
05
Qualifying Insurer
Coverage may come from a qualifying Canadian insurer or an eligible foreign insurer meeting Canada's current requirements.
06
Actual Policy Required
A quotation alone is not sufficient. The applicant must provide proof of qualifying insurance coverage.
Super Visa holders should maintain qualifying health insurance throughout their stay in Canada and must have valid coverage for each entry to Canada.
2026 INSURANCE RULES
Some Foreign Insurance Companies Can Now Qualify
Super Visa insurance is no longer limited exclusively to policies issued by Canadian insurance companies.
A policy from a company outside Canada may qualify if that insurer meets the current federal requirements, including the applicable authorization and Canadian insurance-business conditions.
Insurance brokers and claims administrators are not themselves insurers, so applicants should confirm the identity and eligibility of the company actually underwriting the policy.
Check the Insurer, Not Just the Broker
The company issuing or underwriting the insurance policy must satisfy the applicable Super Visa insurance requirements.
Review My InsuranceMEDICAL REQUIREMENT
Immigration Medical Examination
Super Visa applicants are required to complete an immigration medical examination.
The examination must be completed according to IRCC's medical instructions and generally must be performed by an approved panel physician.
The medical examination is separate from the private insurance requirement. Applicants need to satisfy both requirements.
Insurance and Medical Exam Are Different
Purchasing Super Visa insurance does not replace the required immigration medical examination.
Review My ApplicationLENGTH OF STAY
Stay in Canada for Up to Five Years at a Time
The Super Visa is particularly useful for families who want parents or grandparents to make extended visits to Canada.
5
Up to Five Years Per Visit
Applicants who applied for a Super Visa on or after June 22, 2023 are currently eligible for stays of up to five years at a time.
10
Multiple Entries
The Super Visa can provide multiple entries to Canada for a validity period of up to 10 years.
✓
Status Must Remain Valid
Super Visa holders remain responsible for maintaining valid visitor status while they are in Canada.
✓
Extensions May Be Available
Eligible Super Visa holders in Canada may apply to extend their authorized stay before their existing status expires.
SUPER VISA OR VISITOR VISA?
Choosing the Appropriate Visitor Option
A Super Visa and a regular visitor visa both provide temporary status, but they are designed for different situations.
S
Super Visa
Designed specifically for qualifying parents and grandparents who want longer stays with family in Canada.
V
Visitor Visa
A regular visitor visa may be more appropriate for shorter visits or applicants who do not qualify for the Super Visa program.
TEMPORARY RESIDENCE
A Super Visa Is Still Temporary Status
Even though a Super Visa allows long visits, it does not provide permanent residence.
IRCC may consider the applicant's purpose of travel, finances, family circumstances, ties to their home country and whether they will leave Canada at the end of their authorized temporary stay.
Having children or grandchildren in Canada is expected in a Super Visa case, but the applicant must still satisfy the requirements that apply to temporary visitors.
Super Visa Is Not Permanent Residence
It allows extended family visits but does not itself give the parent or grandparent permanent resident status.
Learn About PGP SponsorshipWORK & STUDY
A Super Visa Does Not Authorize Work or Study
Super Visa holders are visitors to Canada.
A Super Visa does not by itself authorize the holder to work in Canada.
It also does not automatically authorize studies that require a study permit.
If a Super Visa holder wants to work or undertake studies requiring authorization, they must separately determine whether they qualify for the appropriate permit.
Visitor Status Only
Long-term visitor status should not be confused with authorization to work or study.
Discuss My OptionsAPPLICATION PROCESS
A Typical Super Visa Process
A strong application addresses both the Super Visa-specific requirements and the general requirements for temporary visitors.
1
Confirm Eligibility
Review the applicant's family relationship, immigration history and host eligibility.
2
Confirm Host Income
Calculate family size and confirm that the applicable minimum income requirement is met using one of IRCC's current Super Visa income assessment methods.
3
Arrange Insurance & Medical
Obtain qualifying private health insurance and complete the required immigration medical examination.
4
Prepare the Application
Gather the invitation, relationship, financial, travel and temporary-residence supporting documentation.
5
Submit & Complete Processing
Apply from outside Canada and complete biometrics or additional requirements requested by IRCC.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Meeting the Income and Insurance Requirements Does Not Guarantee Approval
The minimum income, medical insurance and medical examination requirements are important parts of a Super Visa application, but they are not the only factors IRCC considers.
The applicant must also meet Canada's general temporary resident and admissibility requirements.
Travel history, purpose of visit, financial circumstances, family connections and ties outside Canada can all be relevant to the overall assessment.
Planning a Long Visit With Family?
AddPlus Immigration Solutions Inc. can review the host's income, family size, insurance, applicant's immigration history and supporting documents to help prepare a clear Super Visa application.
Contact UsMORE TIME WITH FAMILY
Help Your Parents or Grandparents Visit Canada Longer
Tell us about the applicant, your family size, host income and travel plans, and let our team help you understand the Super Visa requirements and application process.
Request Assistance