Parent and Grandparent Super Visa: Complete Guide to Extended Family Visits in 2026

The Parent and Grandparent Super Visa is a multi-entry visa that allows parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens and permanent residents to visit Canada for extended periods—up to 5 years at a time (recently increased from 2 years). Unlike regular visitor visas with shorter stay durations, the Super Visa provides a practical solution for families who want their parents or grandparents to spend significant time in Canada while pursuing permanent residence sponsorship or simply enjoying extended family visits.

This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about the Parent and Grandparent Super Visa in 2026, including eligibility requirements for both sponsors and applicants, mandatory medical insurance requirements, application process, processing times, comparison with regular visitor visas, and how the Super Visa fits into your broader family reunification strategy including permanent residence sponsorship.

Ready to bring your parents to Canada? Get a free assessment to determine Super Visa eligibility and learn about the application process.

What is the Parent and Grandparent Super Visa?

The Parent and Grandparent Super Visa is a special multi-entry visa designed specifically for parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens and permanent residents. Introduced in 2011 and enhanced over the years, the Super Visa allows eligible parents and grandparents to stay in Canada for up to 5 years per entry without needing to renew their status—a significant improvement from the 6-month maximum stay typically allowed on regular visitor visas.

Key Features of the Super Visa

• Extended Stay Duration: Up to 5 years per entry (previously 2 years, increased in 2022)
• Multi-Entry Visa: Valid for up to 10 years, allowing multiple entries to Canada
• No Status Extensions Needed: Stay for full 5 years without applying for visitor record extensions
• Faster Processing: Often processed faster than regular visitor visas
• Family Reunification: Enables extended family time while awaiting permanent residence processing
• No Work or Study: Does not authorize work or study in Canada

Who Can Apply for Super Visa?

The Super Visa is available to:

• Parents: Biological or adoptive parents of Canadian citizens or permanent residents
• Grandparents: Grandparents of Canadian citizens or permanent residents

Note that step-parents and parents-in-law are not eligible for the Super Visa—they must apply for regular visitor visas instead.

Super Visa Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for a Super Visa, both the applicant (parent/grandparent) and the sponsor (child/grandchild in Canada) must meet specific requirements.

Requirements for Applicants (Parents/Grandparents)

• Relationship: Be a parent or grandparent of a Canadian citizen or permanent resident
• Letter of Invitation: Receive a signed letter of invitation from your child or grandchild in Canada
• Medical Insurance: Provide proof of Canadian medical insurance valid for at least one year from a Canadian insurance company, covering at least CAD $100,000
• Medical Examination: Complete medical examination with panel physician
• Admissibility: Meet standard visitor visa admissibility requirements (no criminal inadmissibility, security concerns, or medical inadmissibility)
• Ties to Home Country: Demonstrate intention to leave Canada at the end of authorized stay

Requirements for Sponsors (Children/Grandchildren in Canada)

• Canadian Status: Be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident
• Minimum Income: Meet minimum necessary income (MNI) threshold based on family size
• Proof of Income: Provide Notices of Assessment from Canada Revenue Agency for most recent tax year
• Letter of Invitation: Provide detailed letter committing to financial support during visit
• Proof of Relationship: Provide documents proving parent-child or grandparent-grandchild relationship
• Residency in Canada: Live in Canada (permanent residents) or prove intent to return (citizens abroad)

Income Requirements for Sponsors

Sponsors must demonstrate they meet the minimum necessary income to support their visiting parents or grandparents. Income requirements are based on family size and are lower than those required for permanent residence sponsorship.

2024-2026 Minimum Income Thresholds

For Super Visa applications in 2026, sponsors must meet income thresholds based on family size (sponsor + family members + visiting parents/grandparents):

• Family size 1: CAD $28,356
• Family size 2: CAD $35,304
• Family size 3: CAD $43,402
• Family size 4: CAD $52,674
• Family size 5: CAD $59,761
• Family size 6: CAD $67,400
• Family size 7 or more: Add CAD $7,639 for each additional person

These amounts are updated annually and represent the Low Income Cut-Off (LICO) thresholds. Always verify current amounts on the IRCC website when applying.

Calculating Family Size

Include in family size calculation:

• Yourself (the sponsor)
• Your spouse or common-law partner
• Your dependent children
• Your parents or grandparents applying for Super Visa
• Any other persons you've previously sponsored (if undertaking still in effect)

Proving Income

Acceptable proof of income includes:

• Notice of Assessment (NOA) from Canada Revenue Agency for most recent tax year
• T4 slips, T1 tax returns
• Employment letter stating position, salary, and length of employment
• Pay stubs covering recent period
• Proof of other income sources if applicable

Mandatory Medical Insurance Requirements

One of the Super Visa's unique requirements is mandatory medical insurance. This ensures visitors won't burden Canada's healthcare system and protects families from unexpected medical costs.

Insurance Specifications

Super Visa medical insurance must meet these criteria:

• Minimum Coverage: At least CAD $100,000
• Duration: Valid for minimum one year from date of entry to Canada
• Canadian Insurance Company: Must be purchased from Canadian insurance provider
• Emergency Medical Coverage: Cover emergency healthcare, hospitalization, and repatriation
• Proof Required: Must provide proof of insurance payment with application
• Pre-existing Conditions: Check policy carefully regarding pre-existing medical conditions

Typical Insurance Costs

Super Visa insurance costs vary based on age, health status, coverage amount, and insurer. Approximate annual premiums:

• Ages 60-64: CAD $1,500-2,500 per year
• Ages 65-69: CAD $2,000-3,500 per year
• Ages 70-74: CAD $2,500-4,500 per year
• Ages 75-79: CAD $3,500-6,000 per year
• Ages 80+: CAD $5,000-10,000+ per year

Pre-existing conditions, higher coverage limits, and deductible options affect pricing. Compare multiple Canadian insurers specializing in Super Visa coverage.

Choosing Insurance Providers

When selecting Super Visa insurance:

• Verify the insurer is Canadian and IRCC-approved for Super Visa purposes
• Understand pre-existing condition coverage and waiting periods
• Check for coverage stability requirements (some policies require medical examination)
• Review claim processes and customer service reputation
• Consider deductible options to manage costs
• Ensure policy is renewable for subsequent years

The Super Visa Application Process

Step 1: Sponsor Prepares Documents

The Canadian sponsor (child or grandchild) gathers:

• Letter of invitation (detailed, signed letter committing to financial support)
• Proof of Canadian status (citizenship certificate, PR card, or passport)
• Proof of income (NOA, T4s, employment letter)
• Proof of relationship (birth certificates, adoption papers showing family connection)
• Proof of residency in Canada (utility bills, lease, property tax bills)

Step 2: Applicant Obtains Medical Insurance

Parents/grandparents purchase Canadian medical insurance meeting all Super Visa requirements and obtain proof of payment and coverage details.

Step 3: Complete Medical Examination

Parents/grandparents complete medical examination with an IRCC-approved panel physician in their country. Medical results are electronically sent to IRCC.

Step 4: Gather Applicant Documents

Parents/grandparents collect:

• Valid passport
• Completed application forms (IMM 5257, IMM 5645 or IMM 5707)
• Recent photographs meeting specifications
• Letter of invitation from sponsor
• Sponsor's supporting documents (income proof, relationship proof)
• Medical insurance proof
• Medical examination results (sent electronically by panel physician)
• Proof of ties to home country
• Police certificates if required

Step 5: Submit Application

Apply through:

• Online: Most applicants apply online through IRCC portal
• Paper: Submit paper application to visa application centre or office in home country
• Biometrics: Provide fingerprints and photo at visa application centre (CAD $85 fee)

Step 6: Pay Fees

Super Visa application fees:

• Application fee: CAD $100 per person
• Biometrics fee: CAD $85 per person
• Total: CAD $185 per applicant

Step 7: Processing and Decision

IRCC processes the application, which typically takes several weeks to a few months depending on the country of application. Processing times vary by visa office.

Step 8: Receive Super Visa

If approved, parents/grandparents receive:

• Super Visa stamped in passport (multi-entry visa valid up to 10 years)
• Letter of introduction for border officer
• Instructions for travel to Canada

Step 9: Entry to Canada

Upon arrival in Canada:

• Present Super Visa, letter of introduction, and proof of insurance to border officer
• Officer determines length of stay (up to 5 years)
• Entry recorded in passport or visitor record
• Begin authorized stay in Canada

Super Visa vs. Regular Visitor Visa

Understanding the differences between Super Visa and regular visitor visas helps determine the best option for your family.

Super Visa Advantages

• Extended Stay: Up to 5 years per entry vs. 6 months for regular visitor visa
• No Extensions Needed: Can stay full 5 years without applying for visitor record extensions
• Multiple Entries: Valid for up to 10 years with unlimited entries
• Priority Processing: May receive faster processing than regular visitor visas
• Family Reunification: Designed specifically for extended family visits

Super Visa Requirements (vs. Regular Visitor Visa)

• Medical Insurance: Mandatory for Super Visa, not required for regular visitor visa
• Medical Examination: Required for Super Visa, only required for regular visa in certain circumstances
• Income Requirements: Sponsor must meet MNI for Super Visa, no income requirement for regular visitor visa
• Application Process: More documentation required for Super Visa
• Cost: Higher upfront costs (insurance, medical exam) for Super Visa

When to Choose Regular Visitor Visa

Consider regular visitor visa if:

• Planning shorter visits (under 6 months)
• Sponsor doesn't meet income requirements
• Applicant has health issues making insurance cost-prohibitive
• Want simpler application with fewer requirements
• Applicant is step-parent or parent-in-law (not eligible for Super Visa)

Extending Your Stay on Super Visa

Initial Stay Duration

When entering Canada on a Super Visa, border officers typically grant stays up to 5 years. However, the officer has discretion to grant shorter periods based on individual circumstances.

Extending Beyond 5 Years

If you wish to stay longer than the authorized period (up to 5 years), you must apply for a visitor record extension at least 30 days before your current authorized stay expires. Extension applications require:

• Completed extension application forms
• Valid medical insurance for extension period
• Explanation for extension request
• Application fee (CAD $100)
• Continued sponsor support

Leaving and Re-entering Canada

With a valid Super Visa, parents/grandparents can leave and re-enter Canada multiple times during the visa validity period (up to 10 years). Each re-entry can be authorized for another period up to 5 years, subject to border officer discretion.

Super Visa and Permanent Residence Sponsorship

Many families use the Super Visa as a bridge while pursuing permanent residence sponsorship through the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP).

Using Both Programs Simultaneously

You can:

• Submit interest to sponsor forms for PGP while parents hold Super Visa
• Have parents visit on Super Visa while awaiting PGP invitation and processing
• Continue Super Visa visits even after submitting PGP permanent residence application

Key Differences Between Super Visa and PGP

• Super Visa: Temporary status, parents remain foreign nationals, can visit for extended periods
• PGP Sponsorship: Leads to permanent residence, parents become permanent residents with right to live in Canada indefinitely
• Income Requirements: Super Visa has lower income thresholds than PGP sponsorship
• Processing Times: Super Visa processes in weeks/months, PGP takes 20-24 months after invitation
• Healthcare: Super Visa requires private insurance, permanent residents access provincial healthcare

Strategic Approach

Many families pursue both options: using Super Visa for immediate family time while building qualifying income for eventual PGP sponsorship. This provides flexibility and ensures family connections remain strong throughout the permanent residence process.

Common Super Visa Application Challenges

1. Insufficient Sponsor Income

Not meeting minimum income requirements is a common refusal reason. Verify your income meets thresholds before applying and ensure you provide complete, accurate proof of income documentation.

2. Inadequate Medical Insurance

Insurance must meet all IRCC requirements: Canadian provider, minimum CAD $100,000 coverage, valid at least one year, emergency coverage. Ensure you purchase appropriate insurance and provide clear proof of payment.

3. Weak Letter of Invitation

Vague or incomplete letters of invitation undermine applications. The letter should be detailed, clearly commit to financial support, explain the visit purpose, and include all required sponsor information and documentation.

4. Failure to Demonstrate Ties to Home Country

Like all temporary resident applications, Super Visa requires demonstrating intention to leave Canada. Provide evidence of property ownership, employment, family ties, or other connections to home country showing intention to return.

5. Medical Inadmissibility

Serious health conditions may result in medical inadmissibility. Address health concerns proactively and consider how pre-existing conditions affect insurance costs and coverage.

Frequently Asked Questions About Super Visa

Ready to Apply for Parent and Grandparent Super Visa?

The Parent and Grandparent Super Visa provides an excellent opportunity to bring your parents or grandparents to Canada for extended family time. With proper preparation, adequate income documentation, appropriate medical insurance, and complete applications, you can successfully reunite your family while pursuing long-term permanent residence goals.

Get Expert Super Visa Assistance from VisaVio

VisaVio Immigration Consultants specializes in Super Visa applications and family reunification strategies. As a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC R710392), Azadeh Haidari-Garmash has helped numerous families successfully bring parents and grandparents to Canada through Super Visa and permanent residence sponsorship.

Additional Super Visa and Family Sponsorship Resources

Explore more family immigration information:

• Parents and Grandparents Sponsorship - Permanent residence for parents
• Family Sponsorship Overview - All family sponsorship categories
• Spousal Sponsorship - Sponsor your spouse or partner
• Immigration Blog - Latest Super Visa updates and family stories
• Immigration News - Breaking updates on visitor programs
• Service Fees - Transparent pricing for our services

About the Author: This guide was prepared by VisaVio Immigration Consultants, led by Azadeh Haidari-Garmash, a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC R710392) registered with the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants. All information is current as of January 2026 and based on official IRCC guidelines.