Super Visa for Parents and Grandparents

Canada’s Super Visa allows eligible parents and grandparents to spend extended periods of time with their children or grandchildren in Canada. Unlike a regular visitor visa, a Super Visa can allow eligible visitors to remain in Canada for up to five years at a time, with multiple entries during the visa’s validity.

The application involves more than simply showing a family relationship. The host’s status and financial situation, the applicant’s health insurance, medical examination and overall temporary-resident circumstances must all be considered.

Anka Canada Immigration Consulting assists families with assessing eligibility, identifying the appropriate visitor option and preparing Super Visa applications clearly and consistently.

Services are provided by Volkan Sacilik, RCIC-IRB, CICC Licence No. R1042981. Licence status can be verified through the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants Public Register.

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What Is a Super Visa?

A Super Visa is a temporary resident option specifically for eligible parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens, permanent residents or registered Indians.

It can provide multiple entries for up to 10 years and, for eligible Super Visa holders under the current rules, allow stays of up to five years at a time. It does not provide permanent residence and does not authorize employment in Canada.

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Who May Qualify?

The applicant must be the parent or grandparent of an eligible host in Canada.

The host must generally:

• be the applicant’s child or grandchild;

• be at least 18 years old;

• live in Canada;

• be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident or registered Indian;

• meet the applicable income requirement; and

• provide a signed invitation letter.

The applicant must apply from outside Canada, complete the required immigration medical examination and provide qualifying private health insurance.

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Income and Health Insurance Requirements

Super Visa applications have specific financial requirements based on the host’s family size.

The income rules changed in March 2026. Among other options, a host may now meet the required income in either of the two taxation years before the application. In certain circumstances, where the host and any eligible co-signer meet at least 75% of the required amount, income from the visiting parent or grandparent may be used to cover the remaining amount.

Applicants must also have qualifying private medical insurance for at least one year from the date of entry, with at least $100,000 in emergency coverage. Certain foreign insurers may now qualify if they meet IRCC and OSFI requirements.

Because both the family-size calculation and the insurance rules are specific, reviewing eligibility before purchasing insurance or submitting the application can help avoid proceeding on an incorrect assumption.

Super Visa or Regular Visitor Visa?

A Super Visa is not always necessary.

If a parent or grandparent plans a relatively short visit—generally six months or less—a regular visitor visa may be more appropriate. A Super Visa is designed for families seeking the possibility of significantly longer stays.

It is also important to distinguish a Super Visa from parent and grandparent sponsorship. A Super Visa provides temporary resident status; it does not create permanent resident status.

Choosing the correct application at the beginning can prevent unnecessary expense and documentation for a program that does not match the family’s actual plans.

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What Else Does IRCC Consider?

Meeting the income and insurance requirements does not by itself guarantee approval.

Super Visa applicants must still meet the general requirements for temporary residence. IRCC may consider the purpose of the visit, the applicant’s finances and family circumstances, ties outside Canada, immigration history and whether the applicant is expected to leave Canada at the end of the authorized stay.

The application should therefore present the family relationship, financial support and proposed visit as one clear and consistent picture.

How Anka Canada Immigration Consulting Can Assist

Anka can assess whether the Super Visa is the appropriate option, review the host’s family-size and income situation, identify documentation requirements and examine the applicant’s temporary-resident circumstances before filing.

Where retained, we can prepare and review the application, organize supporting evidence and address relevant issues through representative submissions.

The goal is not simply to complete forms, but to ensure that the correct immigration route has been identified and the requirements relevant to the family’s circumstances have been properly addressed.

Important Information

Canadian immigration requirements and policies can change. The appropriate application depends on your individual circumstances and the rules in force at the relevant time. Information on this page is general and does not guarantee approval of any immigration application.