Canada's Super Visa is designed for parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens, permanent residents and registered Indians who want to make longer family visits. It may allow an eligible visitor to stay in Canada for up to five years at a time, with multiple entries over a visa period of up to ten years.
The application involves both generations. The parent or grandparent must qualify as a visitor, while the child or grandchild in Canada must meet the host requirements. A strong application makes that complete family picture easy for an officer to understand.
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Is the Super Visa the right route for your family?
It may be worth assessing if:
- you are the parent or grandparent of an eligible host in Canada;
- your host is at least 18, lives in Canada and meets the income requirement;
- you will apply from outside Canada;
- you can obtain the required private health insurance;
- you can complete an immigration medical examination; and
- you can show that your visit is temporary and that you meet Canada's general visitor requirements.
A Super Visa is temporary resident status. It is different from permanent residence through the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP). As of October 10, 2026, IRCC has paused new PGP applications and interest-to-sponsor forms until further notice, while continuing to process existing applications. Check the current parent-sponsorship status before planning. For a shorter visit, compare the ordinary visitor-visa route.
The two sides of a Super Visa application
The host in Canada
The host must be the applicant's child or grandchild and must be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident or registered Indian. The host signs a letter of invitation, calculates the relevant family size and provides evidence of the required income. An eligible spouse or common-law partner may be able to co-sign.
Income rules changed on March 31, 2026. Depending on the family's circumstances, the assessment may use either of the two tax years before the application. In some cases, the visiting parent or grandparent's income may help cover part of the requirement. The correct calculation depends on family size and the evidence available when the application is filed.
The parent or grandparent applying
The applicant must apply from outside Canada, provide proof of the relationship to the host, complete the required medical examination and hold qualifying private health insurance for at least one year from the date of entry. IRCC also considers the purpose of the visit, finances, family circumstances and ties to the applicant's home country.
Meeting a checklist does not guarantee approval. The documents and explanations should tell one consistent story about the proposed visit.
What we review before you apply
- whether the applicant and host meet the core eligibility rules;
- family-size and income calculations;
- invitation letter and proof of the family relationship;
- health-insurance evidence;
- purpose of travel, finances and ties to the home country;
- previous Canadian applications, refusals or status history; and
- forms and supporting documents for consistency and missing information.
How the process works
- Start with a consultation. We review the family's goal, the host's status and income, and the applicant's travel and immigration history.
- Choose the appropriate service. If a Super Visa fits, we define the application scope and the documents required for this family.
- Prepare the evidence. The host and applicant gather their respective documents and address any gaps identified during the review.
- Finalize and submit. Forms, supporting documents and explanations are checked as one application before submission.
- Respond after submission. If IRCC requests additional information, the response must address the request accurately and on time.
Common questions
How long can a parent or grandparent stay in Canada?
An eligible Super Visa holder may be authorized to stay for up to five years at a time. The visa can allow multiple entries for up to ten years, subject to passport, biometrics and document validity and the decision made at entry.
Is health insurance mandatory?
Yes. The applicant must show qualifying private health insurance valid for at least one year from the date of entry. The policy must meet IRCC's current requirements. Coverage should be maintained during the stay.
Does the host need a specific income?
Yes. The minimum necessary income changes with family size, and the evidence rules can change. We calculate the relevant family size and check the current official threshold when preparing the application.
Can I apply if a parent-sponsorship application is already in process?
IRCC states that a parent or grandparent may apply for a Super Visa while a sponsorship application is being processed. The temporary application still has to meet all Super Visa and visitor requirements. Sponsorship for a spouse, partner or child follows different family-sponsorship rules.
What if there was a previous refusal?
A new application should address the reasons in the refusal and any weaknesses in the earlier evidence. Refiling the same information rarely solves the underlying problem. Read our guide to a Canadian visa or permit refusal and bring the refusal letter and previous application to the consultation if available.
Start with a clear family plan
Your consultation is a focused review of the family's circumstances and the questions that need to be resolved before filing. The consultation fee is CAD 180 plus applicable provincial taxes and is separate from representation on an application.
Book a consultation
Lyrika Immigration Services is based in Winnipeg and serves clients across Canada except Quebec and Saskatchewan. Consultations are available in English and Russian.