Quick Answer
A Super Visa lets parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens and permanent residents visit for up to 5 years at a time, with multiple entries over a 10-year validity — far longer than a regular visitor visa’s typical 6 months. The trade-off: you must buy qualifying private medical insurance and your child or grandchild must meet a minimum income threshold. As of June 2026, super visa processing times have dropped to some of the fastest levels of the year.
Super Visa vs. Regular Visitor Visa
| Super Visa | Regular visitor visa | |
|---|---|---|
| Who can apply | Parents & grandparents of citizens/PRs only | Anyone eligible |
| Length of each stay | Up to 5 years | Usually up to 6 months |
| Validity | Up to 10 years, multiple entry | Varies |
| Medical insurance required | Yes — mandatory | No |
| Income requirement on host | Yes — minimum necessary income | No formal requirement |
Who Can Be the Host
The inviting child or grandchild in Canada must be:
- A Canadian citizen or permanent resident (a temporary resident cannot host a super visa)
- Able to meet the minimum necessary income (LICO) for their family size, including the visiting parents/grandparents being counted
- Willing to sign a letter of invitation and commitment of financial support
This guide explains general super visa rules. It is not legal or insurance advice. Insurance requirements and income thresholds change, and individual cases vary. Confirm the current minimum income and insurance coverage requirements on canada.ca before applying, and speak with a licensed insurance broker about a compliant policy.
The Medical Insurance Requirement
This is the part that trips up most applicants. The visiting parent or grandparent must have medical insurance that is:
- From a Canadian insurance company, or an approved foreign insurer (rules expanded in recent years to allow some foreign insurers)
- Valid for at least 1 year from the date of entry
- Coverage of at least $100,000 for healthcare, hospitalization, and repatriation
- Proof of paid coverage (or a payment plan) at the time of application
Typical cost: $1,500–$4,000+ per year per person depending on age and health. This is a real, recurring cost families must budget for.
Income Requirement (LICO)
The host must show they meet the Low Income Cut-Off for their family size. Family size includes the host, their dependants, AND the parents/grandparents being invited. Approximate annual figures:
| Total family size (incl. visitors) | Minimum income (approx.) |
|---|---|
| 2 people | ~$39,000 |
| 3 people | ~$48,000 |
| 4 people | ~$58,000 |
| 5 people | ~$66,000 |
| 6 people | ~$74,000 |
Figures are based on Statistics Canada LICO and update annually — verify the current table before applying. Income is proven with Notices of Assessment, T4s, employment letters, and pay stubs.
How to Apply: Step by Step
- Host gathers income proof (Notice of Assessment, employment letter, pay stubs) and writes a letter of invitation
- Parent/grandparent buys qualifying medical insurance (or gets a binding quote)
- Applicant completes the visitor visa application online, selecting the super visa
- Submit supporting documents: relationship proof, host’s income, insurance proof, applicant’s ties to home country
- Pay the $100 visitor visa fee plus $85 biometrics
- Complete biometrics at a VAC
- Await decision — processing times in mid-2026 are among the fastest of the year for many countries
Super Visa vs. PGP (Parents and Grandparents Program)
The super visa is for visiting; the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) grants permanent residence. The PGP is a lottery with very limited spots and long waits. The super visa is the practical option for families who want their parents in Canada long-term without waiting for the PGP lottery, or as a bridge while waiting.
Common Reasons for Refusal
- Host income below the LICO threshold
- Insurance that does not meet the $100,000 / 1-year / repatriation rules
- Weak evidence the parent/grandparent will return home (ties to home country)
- Incomplete relationship documentation
- Inconsistencies between the invitation letter and supporting documents
FAQ
Can the parent work on a super visa?
No. The super visa is a visitor status. It does not authorize work. The visitor can stay long-term but cannot be employed in Canada.
Can I extend a stay beyond 5 years?
You can apply to extend your status from within Canada, but you must maintain valid medical insurance and meet visitor requirements. Plan carefully before the 5-year mark.
Does the parent get provincial health coverage?
Generally no — that is exactly why private medical insurance is mandatory. Visitors are not covered by provincial health plans.
Canadianow is an independent publisher, not a law firm or insurance provider. Verify current income and insurance rules on canada.ca. Last reviewed: June 2026.
Sources
- IRCC — Super visa for parents and grandparents
- IRCC — Super visa medical insurance requirements
- Statistics Canada — Low Income Cut-Off (LICO) table
Written by Canadianow Editorial Team. Last reviewed: June 2026.
