Super Visa
The Parent and Grandparent Super Visa allows the parents and grandparents of Canadian Citizens and Permanent Residents to come to Canada as visitors. The Super Visa is a multiple-entry visa valid for 10 years.
Most visitors to Canada may visit for up to six months when they first enter Canada. With the parent and grandparent Super Visa, eligible parents and grandparents can visit family and stay in Canada for up to 5 years at a time, whereas a 10-year multiple entry visitor visa only allows a stay of six months per entry.
Program Requirements
- The applicants must be parents or grandparents of a Canadian Citizen or a Permanent Resident.
- The applicants (parent and grandparent) must have a signed letter (Invitation Letter) from the child or grandchild who invites them to Canada that includes:
- A promise of financial support for the duration of your visit.
- The list and number of people in the household of this person.
- A copy of this person’s Canadian Citizenship or Permanent Resident document.
- The applicants (parent and grandparent) must have proof of private medical insurance from a Canadianinsurance company or an insurance company outside Canada that has been approved by the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship.
- This medical insurance needs to:
- be paid in full, or in instalments with a deposit (quotes aren’t accepted).
- be valid for at least 1 year from the date you’ll enter Canada.
- cover your health care, hospitalization and repatriation.
- provide for at least $100,000 emergency coverage.
- You must also
Apply for a super visa from outside Canada
Have your visa printed outside Canada (wait for visa office instructions)
Be allowed to enter Canada
take an immigration medical exam
Meet certain other conditions
- The Applicant’s (parent and grandparent) child or grandchild must meet the low-income cut-off (LICO) requirements.
Income Requirements [Low Income Cut Off (LICO)] for Super Visa
Income Table 2023
| Family Size Sponsor(s) + Dependent Children + Parent(s)/Grandparent(s) | Minimum necessary gross income (CAD) |
| 1 | $27,514 |
| 2 | $34,254 |
| 3 | $42,100 |
| 4 | $51,128 |
| 5 | $57,988 |
| 6 | $65,400 |
| 7 | $72,814 |
| More than 7 persons, for each additional person, add | $7,412 |
Key Points
- Unlike regular visitor visas, the Super Visa allows individuals to stay in Canada for up to five years per visit without the need for visa extensions.
- Dependent children can not be included in super visa applications. Only parents or grandparents, together with their spouses or common-law partners, may be included in super visa application.
- Super visa can only be applied from outside of Canada.
- The processing time for Super Visa applications varies, but it is generally faster compared to other visa categories.
Super Visa Insurance FAQ’s
Super Visas are typically valid for up to 10 years, allowing for multiple entries. Each visit can last up to Five(5) years at a time.
You need at least $100,000 CAD of coverage.
Super Visa now allows you to stay in Canada for up to five years. But if you still wish to extend your stay in Canada beyond the validity of your Super Visa, you would need to apply for an extension and pay the applicable fees.
No, the Super Visa is specifically for visiting family members in Canada and does not allow you to work or study.
There is no age restriction to apply for a Super Visa. You can apply for your parents and/or grandparents up to any age.
You must be covered for one year.
You can get a full refund on your insurance with proof that your visa was denied.
You can contact your insurance provider to change your dates of coverage, as long as you contact them before the effective date.
If you are travelling to Canada with a Super Visa, you must purchase a one-year policy in order to be eligible. Once you have returned home, you can apply for a partial refund (with proof of your early return, provided you have no claims on file).
Once you are back home, you can apply for a partial refund (with proof of your early return, provided you have no claims on file).
No! Policies can only be issued for one year at a time. However, once you are nearing the end of your first year, you can renew your plan.
Visitors to Canada plans allow side trips, provided at least 51% of the coverage dates are spent in Canada. The trip must also commence and end in Canada.
Yes! Travellers up to age 79 can be covered for most pre-existing medical conditions, provided they meet certain stability requirements. For travellers aged 80 and over, coverage of pre-existing conditions may be offered after a detailed medical questionnaire and underwriter approval.
Yes! You can take a deductible to lower your premium.