The Super Visa is designed for parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens and permanent residents, allowing them to visit Canada for extended periods without the need for frequent renewals. This visa allows multiple entries for up to 10 years, with each stay lasting up to 5 years. It’s an excellent option for families wanting long-term visits while maintaining flexibility.
What Is a Super Visa?
A Super Visa is a long-term visa that allows parents or grandparents of Canadian citizens and permanent residents to visit for up to 5 years at a time.
Unlike a regular visitor visa, which typically permits stays of 6 months or less, a Super Visa gives families the opportunity to reunite for longer periods without the hassle of frequent renewals. This visa is especially helpful for families who don’t wish to apply for permanent residency but still want extended visits.
Who Can Apply for a Super Visa?
The Super Visa is specifically designed for the parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens and permanent residents. The application process involves two key parties: the applicant (the parent or grandparent) and the host (the child or grandchild in Canada). Both must meet specific criteria set by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
Super Visa Canada Requirements
To be eligible for a Super Visa, both the applicant and the host in Canada must meet specific criteria:
Applicant Requirements
The person applying for the Super Visa from outside Canada must satisfy several conditions to be considered eligible. These requirements are in place to confirm their relationship to the host and their intention to respect the terms of their visit.
- Relationship: You must be the parent or grandparent of a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident of Canada.
- Letter of Invitation: You must have a signed letter from your child or grandchild inviting you to Canada. This letter must include specific details about your visit and their commitment to financially support you.
- Medical Insurance: You must show proof of having purchased Canadian medical insurance. This policy must be valid for at least one year from your date of entry and offer a minimum of $100,000 in coverage.
- Immigration Medical Exam: You must complete an upfront immigration medical exam with an IRCC-approved panel physician.
- Admissibility: You must be admissible to Canada. This means you have no serious criminal record or security concerns that would make you ineligible to enter the country.
- Ties to Home Country: You must convince an immigration officer that you will leave Canada at the end of your authorized stay. This is often demonstrated through family, property, or financial ties to your home country.
Host Requirements
The child or grandchild in Canada plays a critical role as the host. Their ability to financially support the applicant is a central part of the application. They must demonstrate that their household has sufficient income to welcome their family members.
- Status in Canada: The host must be a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident.
- Financial Support: The host must write and sign a letter promising financial support for the applicant for the duration of their visit.
- Income Requirement: The host must prove their income meets or exceeds the Low Income Cut-Off (LICO) minimum for their family size. This is a non-negotiable requirement.
Proof of income can include documents like the most recent Notice of Assessment (NOA), T4/T1 forms, pay stubs, or employment letters. Here are the LICO requirements for different family sizes:
| Size of Family Unit | Minimum Necessary Gross Income |
| 1 Person | $29,380 |
| 2 People | $36,576 |
| 3 People | $44,966 |
| 4 People | $54,594 |
| 5 People | $61,920 |
| 6 People | $69,834 |
| 7 People | $77,750 |
For each additional person beyond seven, an extra $7,916 is required.
New Super Visa Income Rules (2026 Update)
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has introduced new, more flexible options for meeting the minimum income requirement for the Super Visa. These changes make it easier for more families to qualify.
1. Extended Income Assessment Period
Previously, sponsors had to prove their income using the tax year immediately preceding the application. Now, IRCC officers can consider the sponsor’s income from either of the two taxation years before the application date. This helps sponsors who may have had a temporary drop in income in the most recent year but met the threshold in the year prior.
2. Including the Applicant’s Income
The second option allows the parent or grandparent applying for the Super Visa to contribute to the total income calculation. Under this method, the Canadian host must first meet a minimum percentage of the income threshold on their own. The applicant’s income can then be used to cover the remaining amount, helping the total figure meet the requirement.
What this means for applicants
These updates offer greater flexibility and increase the chances of a successful application for many families. Sponsors who were previously ineligible may now qualify.
If your income in the most recent tax year was slightly below the Low-Income Cut-Off (LICO) due to a job change, leave, or other circumstances, you can now use the prior year’s income if it was higher.
Additionally, if you are close to the LICO threshold, the ability to include your parent’s or grandparent’s income can make the difference in getting your application approved. This acknowledges the financial stability of the visitor and reduces the sole burden on the Canadian host.
Documents needed to prove income:
You must submit official documents from the Government of Canada to prove you meet the financial requirements. Your proof of funds must demonstrate that you meet or exceed the Low-Income Cut-Off (LICO) for your family size.
Acceptable documents include:
- Notice of Assessment (NOA): Your most recent NOA from the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) is the most common and preferred document.
- T4 or T1 Slips: Employment income slips for the most recent tax year.
- Letter of Employment: An official letter from your employer that includes your job title, salary, and date of hiring.
- Pay Stubs: A series of recent pay stubs to show consistent earnings.
- Bank Statements: Statements showing regular payroll deposits.
It is best to submit your Notice of Assessment, as it is a clear summary of your income that immigration officers rely on.
Required Documents Checklist for Super Visa
A successful Super Visa application depends on a well-organized and complete set of documents. Both the applicant and the host must contribute specific paperwork to build a comprehensive file. The following checklist outlines the essential documents needed.
Documents from the Applicant (Parent/Grandparent):
- A valid passport with at least one blank page.
- Completed application forms for a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV).
- Two recent photographs that meet IRCC photo specifications.
- Proof of relationship to the host in Canada (e.g., birth certificate).
- Proof of the upfront immigration medical exam.
- Proof of private medical insurance from a Canadian insurance company meeting the $100,000 coverage minimum for at least one year.
- Evidence of ties to the home country, such as property ownership, employment letters, or family connections.
Documents from the Host (Child/Grandchild in Canada):
- A signed letter of invitation.
- Proof of status in Canada (e.g., Canadian passport, permanent resident card, or citizenship certificate).
- Proof of income that meets the LICO threshold. This can include a Notice of Assessment (NOA) from the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA), T4 slips, or pay stubs.
- A list of household members to determine family size for the LICO calculation.
Who is NOT Eligible for a Super Visa?
While the Super Visa is an excellent option for many, not everyone will qualify. Understanding the grounds for ineligibility can help you assess your situation realistically. An application is likely to be refused if the applicant or host fails to meet the core requirements.
Common reasons for ineligibility include:
- Inadmissibility: Applicants may be deemed inadmissible to Canada for several reasons, including criminality, security risks, or medical issues that could pose a danger to public health or safety.
- Insufficient Host Income: If the child or grandchild in Canada cannot prove their income meets the LICO threshold for their family size, the application will be refused. This is one of the most common reasons for failure.
- Failure to Prove Intent to Leave: If an immigration officer is not convinced that the applicant will return to their home country at the end of their visit, the visa will be denied. Weak ties to the home country can be a significant issue.
- Incomplete or Inaccurate Application: Missing documents, incorrect information, or inconsistencies within the application can lead to a refusal.
- Invalid Medical Insurance: Failure to get valid medical insurance from a Canadian company that meets the minimum coverage and duration requirements will result in ineligibility.
At SEP Immigration, we conduct a thorough assessment to identify potential issues before an application is submitted. Our goal is to present a strong, complete case that addresses all IRCC requirements directly.
Super Visa Canada Processing Time
The processing time for a Super Visa can vary depending on the visa office and additional factors like the need for a medical exam or a police certificate.
On average, it takes about 145 days, but it could be longer or shorter depending on specific circumstances. It’s important to book your biometrics appointment early and submit all required documents to avoid delays.
Super Visa Fees
The cost of applying for a Super Visa includes several components. While the application fee is typically around CAD 100, you’ll also need to account for biometrics fees (approximately CAD 85 per person) and medical insurance costs, which vary depending on the provider and the coverage amount.
The required health insurance, which must offer at least $100,000 in coverage for emergency medical care, hospitalization, and repatriation, can be a significant expense, but it is mandatory for the application.
How to Apply for a Super Visa
Applying for a Super Visa involves several steps:
- Prepare the Documents: Gather necessary documents, including proof of relationship to your host, a letter of invitation from your child or grandchild, proof of their income (to meet the LICO), and proof of paid health insurance coverage for at least one year.
- Complete the Application: You will need to fill out an online application through the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website. Ensure you include all required documentation to avoid delays or refusals.
- Submit Biometrics: As part of the process, you will be asked to provide your fingerprints and a photo (biometrics). Book this appointment as soon as possible after submitting your application to prevent processing delays.
- Medical Exam: Undergo a medical exam with an approved physician, and submit the proof of completion along with your application.
- Wait for Processing: Processing times vary, but once approved, you’ll receive a visa in your passport. If you are from a visa-exempt country, you’ll get a letter to present to the border services officer when you arrive in Canada.
What Happens After you Apply for a Super Visa?
Once you have submitted your Super Visa application, it will go through several stages before a final decision is made. Understanding this process can help you know what to expect.
Submission and Confirmation: After you apply online, you will receive an acknowledgement of receipt. This confirms your application has entered the processing system.
Biometrics Collection: Most applicants are required to submit biometrics (fingerprints and a photograph). You will receive a Biometric Instruction Letter (BIL) and will have 30 days to go to a designated Visa Application Centre (VAC) to complete this step.
Application Review: An IRCC officer will conduct a detailed review of your application. They will check all documents, including the letter of invitation, proof of financial support, medical insurance, and ties to your home country.
Medical Examination Review: The results of your mandatory immigration medical exam will be sent directly to IRCC for review by an officer to confirm you are medically admissible to Canada.
Request for More Information: In some cases, the officer may need more information to make a decision. You may be asked to submit additional documents or attend an interview. It is critical to respond to these requests promptly.
Final Decision: After the review is complete, a final decision will be made. If your application is approved, your passport will be stamped with the visa. If it is refused, you will receive a letter from IRCC explaining the reasons for the refusal.
Difference Between Visitor Visa and Super Visa
A regular visitor visa allows individuals to stay in Canada for up to 6 months per visit. If you wish to stay longer, you must apply for an extension or leave and re-enter the country.
In contrast, the Super Visa allows parents or grandparents to stay in Canada for up to 5 years per entry without the need for renewal every six months. Additionally, the Super Visa requires proof of medical insurance and higher financial thresholds than a regular visitor visa.
Ready to spend more time with your loved ones in Canada? Start your Super Visa application with SEP Immigrants today and let us guide you through the process.
FAQs
The sponsor must meet the minimum income requirement based on their family size. Proof of sufficient income (LICO) must be provided through documents such as NOAs, T4s, pay stubs, or bank statements.
A Super Visa allows parents and grandparents to stay in Canada for up to 5 years per entry. The visa is valid for multiple entries for up to 10 years.
No, the Super Visa does not grant permanent residency (PR). It is a long-term visitor visa, and those looking for PR must apply separately through appropriate immigration programs.
Super Visa approval rates are generally high if all requirements are met. Providing thorough documentation and meeting income and medical insurance criteria increases the chances of success.
The minimum income requirement varies based on family size. For example, for a family of four, the gross income must be at least $54,594. These income thresholds must be met by the child or grandchild hosting the applicant.
