Super Visa Canada: The 2025 Parent & Grandparent Guide

Super visa Canada application Canada’s Super Visa lets parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens and permanent residents visit for up to 5 years per entry, with a multi‑entry visa that can be valid for up to 10 years. It’s designed for extended family time without becoming a permanent resident. This guide gives you a plain‑English path to qualify, apply, and avoid common refusals—plus a quick comparison with the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP).

What is the Super Visa?

A temporary resident visa (TRV) with multiple entries, typically valid up to the passport or program maximum
Allows stays of up to 5 years per entry; you can request an in‑Canada extension of up to 2 years at a time if you need longer
For parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens or permanent residents (PRs). Spouses or partners of the parent or grandparent can be included on separate applications if they also qualify. Other dependants (like minor siblings) are not eligible under the Super Visa.

Super Visa vs. regular visitor visa (TRV): Regular TRVs generally allow stays of up to 6 months per entry unless the officer authorizes otherwise. The Super Visa is better for long visits and repeated entries over many years.

Who can apply for a Canada super visa: eligibility checklist

To qualify, both the applicant (parent/grandparent) and the host in Canada (child/grandchild) must meet key criteria.

Applicant (parent/grandparent)

Is outside Canada when applying (typical case)
Is admissible to Canada (no serious criminality or medical inadmissibility)
Will complete an immigration medical exam with a panel physician (either upfront or after IRCC requests it)
Will provide biometrics if required (valid up to 10 years for temporary resident applications)
Has medical insurance that meets Super Visa rules (see next section)
Shows ties and purpose of visit consistent with a temporary stay

Host in Canada (child/grandchild)

Is 18 years or older and a Canadian citizen or permanent resident
Meets the income requirement (Minimum Necessary Income based on family size—see “Proving income”)
Provides a signed invitation letter promising financial support for the stay and listing household and family members for the income test
Provides evidence of status in Canada (PR card, citizenship certificate or passport, for example)

Proof of relationship: Birth certificates, long‑form records, or official documents showing the link between the applicant and child or grandchild host. If the name changed, include change‑of‑name or marriage documents to connect the records.

Insurance rules (Canada Super Visa)

You must buy medical insurance that satisfies all of the following:

Minimum $100,000 CAD coverage
Covers health care, hospitalization, and repatriation
Valid for at least 1 year from the date you plan to enter Canada (you can adjust the start date if travel shifts)
Paid in full or paid via instalments with a deposit according to IRCC’s accepted payment options
Quotes are not accepted—you need a real policy or certificate showing names that match the passports, coverage amount, start date, and policy number
Purchased from an insurance provider that IRCC accepts (Canadian insurers and certain approved international providers)
Coverage must be maintained for the entire time you’re in Canada; if you extend your stay, renew the policy

Practical tips:

Set the start date far enough out to cover travel delays. Use insurers that allow date changes or refunds if your visa is refused or travel is postponed.
Watch deductibles: high deductibles can cut premiums but make sure the policy still fits IRCC’s definition and your risk tolerance.
Make sure the names and birth dates on the policy exactly match the travel documents.

Proving income (host): MNI/LICO explained

The host must meet or exceed the Minimum Necessary Income (MNI)—commonly tied to the Low‑Income Cut‑Off (LICO)—based on the total number of people supported. Count:

The host, spouse or common‑law partner, and their dependants in Canada
The visiting parent(s) or grandparent(s) applying under the Super Visa
Any other persons the host is financially responsible for

What to provide:

Notices of Assessment (NOAs) for the most recent 1–3 tax years (IRCC often asks for several years)
Employment letter with salary, position, and start date; recent pay stubs
Bank statements (optional but helpful), proof of other income (pensions, investments)
Household size calculation (simple table) to show how you reached your family size for MNI

Example (illustrative):

Host family: 2 adults + 2 dependent children = 4
Visiting parents: 2
Family size for MNI: 6
The host must meet the published MNI for a 6‑person family for the relevant tax year(s)

If the host’s individual income falls short, combine it with the spouse or partner’s income (if applicable) and include their documents and a note explaining the combined support.

Documents & forms (what to upload)

Create an online application in your IRCC account. Your personalized checklist will vary, but most Super Visa files include:

From the applicant (parent/grandparent):

Completed temporary resident visa application forms generated by your account
Passport (valid well beyond the planned stay) and previous visas or stamps (as requested)
Medical insurance policy that meets Super Visa rules
Biometrics (if required): attend the collection centre after IRCC issues the instruction letter
Immigration medical exam: do it upfront (upload the Info Sheet) or wait for IRCC’s instructions and then book with a panel physician
Purpose of travel note (simple itinerary, family events, caregiving reasons) and ties to home country
Proof of relationship to the host (long‑form birth certificates, etc.)

From the host (child/grandchild in Canada):

Invitation letter (see elements below)
Proof of status in Canada (PR/citizenship)
Income proofs: NOAs, employment letter, pay stubs; optional bank statements
Household size table showing how the MNI threshold is met

Invitation letter—include these elements:

Your full name, contact info, Canadian status, and address
The relationship to the applicant(s)
The length and purpose of the visit, and where the visitor will stay
A clear promise of financial support for the visitor(s) during their stay
A list of household and family members used for the income calculation
Your signature and date (scan as PDF)

Fees, processing times & typical timeline

Government fees (typical):

Visitor visa (TRV) application fee: from $100 CAD per person
Biometrics: $85 CAD per person (maximum $170 CAD for a family applying together)
Medical exam: paid to the panel physician (varies by country)

Processing times: Posted times are estimates and change frequently by country and office. Check IRCC’s tool for current averages. Actual timelines depend on your file’s complexity, medicals, security checks, and local volume.

Typical sequence: Apply online → receive biometrics instructions (if needed) and complete them → complete medical exam (upfront or on request) → respond to any additional document requests → receive decision → if approved, submit passport (if required) → receive visa and travel.

After approval & entering Canada

At the border or airport, carry:

Passport with Super Visa/TRV (or eTA, if visa‑exempt with a letter of introduction)
Super Visa insurance policy and proof of payment
Invitation letter and host’s status documents
Any proof of funds and itinerary details

The border services officer confirms your eligibility and might document your authorized stay (up to 5 years). Keep your insurance active during your entire stay. If you need longer, apply online from inside Canada to extend up to 2 years at a time before your current stay expires.

Canada Super Visa vs. Parents & Grandparents Program (PGP)

Feature	Super Visa	PGP (Parent/Grandparent PR)
Purpose	Long visits without PR	Permanent residence and eventual access to PR benefits
Stay	Up to 5 years per entry; extend 2 years	Indefinite (PR)
Who qualifies	Parents/grandparents of citizens/PRs; income & insurance requirements	Citizens/PRs can sponsor parents/grandparents; sponsors must meet income for multiple years
Processing	Year‑round applications; TRV processing times apply	Intake via interest to sponsor/invitations; processing can be lengthy
Work rights	Visitors cannot work (unless separately authorized)	PRs can work and access provincial benefits per eligibility
Medical insurance	Mandatory $100k+ private insurance for at least 1 year	PRs eventually use provincial health coverage (after waiting periods)

When to choose which: Use Super Visa for extended visits—new baby, caregiving, yearly long stays. Pursue PGP if the long‑term plan is permanent settlement and the sponsor qualifies under the income and intake rules.

Canada Super Visa: Common refusal reasons—and how to avoid them

Insurance problems

Submitting a quote instead of a paid policy, wrong names or start dates, coverage under $100,000, or missing repatriation.

Fix: Buy the correct policy. Double‑check details. Include the full policy certificate and payment proof.

The income evidence is too weak

Missing NOAs; miscounted family size; relying on unverifiable employment.

Fix: Include recent NOAs, employer letter, and pay stubs. Show how you calculated family size. Add spouse or partner income if needed.

The purpose of the visit is not credible

Vague itinerary; no explanation for long stay; weak ties to home country.

Fix: Provide a simple, believable plan (family events, caregiving, seasonal visits), return‑home factors, and travel history.

Medical/biometrics issues

Delayed medical exam; skipping biometrics; medical inadmissibility concerns.

Fix: Book biometrics promptly. Do medical upfront if you anticipate it. Respond quickly to any additional requests.

Form errors and omissions

Inconsistent dates; missing travel history; undisclosed prior refusals.

Fix: Audit your forms line‑by‑line. Keep timelines consistent across forms, LOE, and documents.

Canada Super Visa Mini checklists you can copy

Host in Canada

[ ] PR/citizenship proof
[ ] Invitation letter (support undertaking + household list)
[ ] NOAs (1–3 years), employment letter, pay stubs
[ ] Household size table meeting MNI
[ ] Contact info and address for the visitor’s forms

Parent/Grandparent applicant

[ ] Valid passport and previous visas/stamps (as requested)
[ ] Medical insurance (≥$100k, 1‑year minimum, paid)
[ ] Biometrics (if required)
[ ] Medical exam (upfront or upon request)
[ ] Proof of relationship to host
[ ] Purpose of travel + ties to home country
[ ] Completed IRCC forms via online account

Border‑day package

[ ] Passport + Super Visa/TRV or eTA with letter of introduction
[ ] Insurance policy and payment proof
[ ] Invitation letter + host’s PR/citizenship proof
[ ] Return plans/itinerary and funds (as applicable)

FAQs

Do I need to buy insurance before the visa is approved?

Yes. IRCC requires a paid policy (not a quote) that meets Super Visa rules. Choose a provider that allows date changes or refunds if your travel plans shift.

Can I pay for insurance monthly?

IRCC accepts instalment plans with a deposit from eligible insurers. Make sure the policy (not just a plan or quote) is issued and valid for at least 1 year.

Can I apply without biometrics?

Most applicants must give biometrics unless exempt. If you gave biometrics in the past 10 years, they might still be valid. Your account will confirm.

How do extensions work?

Apply online from inside Canada before your current authorized stay expires. If approved, you can get up to 2 additional years.

Does a Super Visa allow work?

No. The Super Visa is for visiting. If a parent or grandparent wants to work, they need a separate work permit and must qualify independently.

Can both parents apply together?

Yes. Each person files their own application, but you can reference the same host and supporting documents. Biometrics and medicals are done individually.

What if the host’s income changed this year?

Provide the most recent NOAs and current employment evidence (letter + pay stubs). Explain any changes and, if applicable, include the spouse or partner’s income.

What happens if my insurance expires while I’m in Canada?

Renew it before expiry. Continuous, valid insurance is expected for the duration of your stay.

Can I travel in and out during the visa’s validity?

Yes—multi‑entry lets you re‑enter while the visa is valid. Each entry might be authorized up to 5 years, subject to the border officer’s discretion and valid insurance.

Do I need a TRV or eTA separately?

If you’re from a visa‑required country, your Super Visa is a TRV label in your passport. If you’re visa‑exempt, you’ll receive an eTA linked to your passport with a letter of introduction.

Is there an age threshold for medical exams?

Medical exams are generally required for Super Visa applicants regardless of age because of the long stay and insurance requirements. Your account or the instructions will confirm.

Canada Super Visa: Snippet‑ready blurbs

What is the Super Visa in Canada? (≈55 words)

Canada’s Super Visa lets parents and grandparents of citizens or permanent residents visit for up to 5 years per entry on a multi‑entry TRV that can be valid for up to 10 years. Applicants need $100,000+ medical insurance for at least one year, a medical exam, and a host who meets the income requirement.

Super Visa insurance requirements (2025)

Coverage ≥ $100,000 CAD
Health care, hospitalization, and repatriation included
Valid ≥ 1 year from entry
Paid policy (not a quote); instalments with a deposit allowed
Canadian or approved international insurer
Maintain coverage for entire stay; renew if extended

Final word

A strong Super Visa file is simple: a real insurance policy, clear income evidence from the host, solid relationship proof, and forms that tell a consistent story of a temporary stay. Build your package around those pillars, submit early, and keep insurance active throughout the visit. That’s how families secure long, low‑stress visits in Canada.