Super Visa for Parents & Grandparents: Complete Guide
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What Is the Super Visa?
The Super Visa is a special multi-entry visa for parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens and permanent residents. It allows extended visits of up to 5 years per stay — much longer than a regular visitor visa (6 months).
The Super Visa is an excellent alternative for families waiting for the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) or who prefer a temporary arrangement.
Super Visa vs. Regular Visitor Visa
| Feature | Super Visa | Regular Visitor Visa |
|---|---|---|
| Stay duration | Up to 5 years per visit | 6 months |
| Validity | Up to 10 years | Up to 10 years |
| Entry type | Multiple entry | Multiple entry |
| Insurance | Required ($100K, 1 year) | Not required |
| Income requirement | Yes (LICO) | No |
| Status | Temporary resident (visitor) | Temporary resident (visitor) |
| Work | ❌ Cannot work | ❌ Cannot work |
| Healthcare | ❌ Private insurance only | ❌ Private insurance only |
Eligibility
Child/Grandchild (Inviter) Requirements
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Status | Canadian citizen or permanent resident |
| Income | Meet Low Income Cut-Off (LICO) |
| Invitation letter | Written invitation with details of visit |
Parent/Grandparent (Applicant) Requirements
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Relationship | Parent or grandparent of the Canadian inviter |
| Medical exam | From a panel physician |
| Health insurance | Minimum $100,000 coverage, valid for 1 year, from a Canadian insurance company |
| Admissibility | Pass security and criminal checks |
Income Requirements (LICO)
The inviting child/grandchild must meet the Low Income Cut-Off:
| Family Size | Minimum Income |
|---|---|
| 2 persons | $35,107 |
| 3 persons | $43,159 |
| 4 persons | $52,403 |
| 5 persons | $59,460 |
| 6 persons | $67,065 |
| 7+ persons | $74,669 |
Note: Family size includes the inviter, their spouse/dependents, and the visiting parents/grandparents.
Health Insurance Requirements
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Minimum coverage | $100,000 CAD |
| Duration | Valid for at least 1 year from date of entry |
| Provider | Must be a Canadian insurance company |
| Coverage | Healthcare, hospitalization, and repatriation |
| Proof | Must show proof at port of entry |
| Prepaid | Must be paid in full or show proof of payment plan |
How to Apply
- Inviter prepares — income proof (NOAs, T4s), invitation letter
- Applicant prepares — medical exam, insurance, passport, photos
- Submit online — through IRCC's portal
- Biometrics — fingerprints and photo at a visa application centre
- Processing — typically 2–3 months
- Decision — Super Visa stamped in passport
Processing Times
| Stage | Typical Time |
|---|---|
| Application submission | Immediate |
| Biometrics | 1–2 weeks |
| Processing | 2–3 months (varies by country) |
| Total | 2–4 months |
Tips
- Buy insurance before applying — you need a valid policy at application time
- Super Visa holders can stay 5 years — extended from the previous 2-year limit
- No work authorization — Super Visa holders cannot work in Canada
- No government healthcare — private insurance is their only coverage
- Can apply while waiting for PGP — many families do this
- Extension possible — can extend stay without leaving Canada
Source: IRCC — Super Visa
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