Super Visa — Parent/Grandparent Super Visa

Canada•North America

Open

Super Visa — Parent/Grandparent Super Visa

Residency Pathway

At a Glance

Processing Time

2–5 months

Estimated Cost

From CAD $100

Other charges may apply

Stay Duration

5 years

Renewable

Renewal

Renewable

Family

Not specified

PR Pathway

None

Sponsor

No job offer needed

Work

Remote not required

Apply Now Official Information

Living in Canada

Cost of Living

12% cheaper than United States

Avg SalaryCA$48,000

Quality of Life

170/200

Full Country Guide

Overview

Multi-entry visa for parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens/PRs, allowing stays up to 5 years per visit.

The Canadian Super Visa is a multiple-entry temporary resident visa for parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens and permanent residents. It grants authorized stays of up to 5 years per entry with a visa validity of up to 10 years, far exceeding what a standard visitor visa allows.

Applicants must obtain private medical insurance from a Canadian provider—minimum CAD 100,000 coverage for at least 1 year—and undergo an immigration medical exam. The host in Canada must meet a LICO-based minimum income threshold. The visa does not grant work rights or a pathway to permanent residence.

This visa is ideal for parents and grandparents who want to spend extended periods with family in Canada without navigating the permanent immigration system.

Curious about life in Canada?

Discover cost of living, salary benchmarks, tax rates, and quality of life — everything you need to know before you make the move.

Explore Guide

Stay & Extensions

Initial grant

5 years

Conversion Paths

Visas you can typically switch to from this status.

Canada

Family Sponsorship

ValidityPermanent residence

Processing12 months – 2.0 years

View Visa Details

Requirements

PUBLISHED REQUIREMENTS

Must be the parent or grandparent of a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or registered Indian.

Must be outside Canada at the time of application.

Must have a signed letter of invitation from the child or grandchild in Canada (who must be at least 18 years old).

The host (child/grandchild) must meet the minimum necessary income (LICO) requirements.

Must provide proof of private medical insurance from a Canadian insurance company (or approved foreign provider) valid for at least 1 year with at least CAD 100,000 coverage.

Must undergo an immigration medical examination.

KEY CRITERIA

Min. Income

30,526 CAD/yr

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Valid passport.

Letter of invitation from the child or grandchild in Canada.

Proof of relationship (e.g., birth or marriage certificates).

Proof of host's income (e.g., Notice of Assessment, T4/T1, pay stubs).

Proof of valid private medical insurance (minimum 1 year, CAD 100,000 coverage).

Proof of ties to the home country (to demonstrate intent to return).

Advantages & Considerations

Key Benefits

Allows parents and grandparents to stay in Canada for up to 5 years at a time without needing to renew status.
Valid for up to 10 years, allowing multiple entries.
Provides a long-term solution for family reunification compared to standard visitor visas.
Not subject to the lottery system used for the Parent and Grandparent Program (PGP) permanent residence.

Worth Knowing

Does not grant permanent resident status.
The host must meet strict minimum income requirements.
Private medical insurance can be a significant ongoing cost.
Processing times can vary; applicants must be prepared for potential delays.
Applicants must prove they will leave Canada at the end of their authorized stay.