Canada places a strong emphasis on family reunification, and one of the ways it supports this goal is through the Parents and Grandparents Super Visa. This visa allows Canadian citizens and permanent residents to bring their parents or grandparents to Canada for extended stays — far longer than what a regular visitor visa allows.
If you want your parent or grandparent to stay with you in Canada for an extended period, the Super Visa might be the right option. In this blog, we’ll explain who is eligible, how it differs from the regular visitor visa, and what requirements you need to meet.
What Is the Super Visa?
The Super Visa is a multi-entry temporary resident visa that allows parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens and permanent residents to stay in Canada for up to 5 years at a time, with multiple entries over a 10-year period.
Unlike a standard visitor visa — which generally allows stays of up to 6 months — the Super Visa is specifically designed for long-term family visits without the need to renew status frequently.
Who Can Apply for a Super Visa?
To be eligible, the applicant must:
- Be the parent or grandparentof a Canadian citizen or permanent resident
- Apply from outside Canada
- Be found admissibleto Canada (including criminal and medical background checks)
- Undergo an immigration medical examination
- Have medical insurancefrom either:
- a Canadian insurance providers
- an authorized foreign insurance companies
For more details on changes to health insurance requirement see here.
What Are the Sponsor’s Requirements?
The child or grandchild in Canada (the host) must:
- Provide a written invitation letterthat includes:
- A promise of financial supportfor the duration of the visit
- A list of people in the household
- A copy of their Canadian citizenship or PR status
- Meet the minimum income requirement(Low-Income Cut-Off or LICO) based on the number of family members, including the visiting parent(s)/grandparent(s). The LICO changes annually.
How Long Can a Parent or Grandparent Stay in Canada on a Super Visa?
As of July 2022, approved Super Visa holders can stay in Canada for up to 5 years per entry . The visa itself is valid for up to 10 years, allowing multiple entries.
How Is the Super Visa Different from Sponsoring Parents for Permanent Residence?
The Parents and Grandparents Sponsorship Program (PGP) allows individuals to apply for permanent residence for their parents or grandparents. However, the program:
- Has limited intakethrough a lottery system
- Involves longer processing times
- Requires the sponsor to meet higher financial requirementsand commit to a 20-year undertaking
By contrast, the Super Visa:
- Is available year-round
- Is typically processed faster(within weeks to a few months)
- Does not lead to permanent residency, but allows longer temporary stays
The Super Visa is an excellent option for those who cannot sponsor their parents through PGP or are waiting for the program to open.
Can Super Visa Holders Use Public Health Care?
No. Super Visa holders are not eligible for provincial public health insurance (such as Manitoba Health). That’s why private insurance is mandatory — it ensures they are covered during their stay and reduces strain on the public system.
How Our Immigration Law Firm Can Help You
Applying for a Super Visa can be complex. At our immigration law firm, we provide full-service support to ensure your Super Visa application is prepared accurately and submitted efficiently.
Contact us today at 204-944-8889 or email us at lawoffice@fridman.ca for personalized support.
References
- IRCC – Super Visa Overview
- IRCC – Apply for a Super Visa
- IRCC – Super Visa Income Requirements (LICO)
- IRCC – Check Application Processing Times