Super visa for parents and grandparents

What is a Super Visa?

The Super Visa is a long-term visitor visa for parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens and permanent residents. It allows eligible family members to stay in Canada for up to 2 years at a time without the need for frequent renewals. The Super Visa is designed to facilitate longer visits and strengthen family connections.


Find Out if the Super Visa is Right for You

The Super Visa is ideal if:

  • You Want an Extended Stay: You seek a long-term visit option rather than a standard visitor visa.
  • You Have Canadian Family: You are a parent or grandparent of a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.
  • You Meet the Financial Criteria: You can meet the financial requirements set by the Canadian government.


Who Can Apply for the Super Visa?

The Super Visa is specifically designed for the parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens and permanent residents. To apply for a Super Visa, applicants must meet the following criteria:

Eligibility Criteria

a. Relationship to Canadian Citizen or Permanent Resident:

- Parents: Biological or adoptive parents of a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.
- Grandparents: Biological or adoptive grandparents of a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.

b. Proof of Relationship:

- Documentation: You must provide documents that prove your relationship to the Canadian citizen or permanent resident. This can include birth certificates, adoption papers, marriage certificates, or other relevant documentation showing your connection.

Requirements for the Sponsor


a. Canadian Sponsor:

- Status: The sponsor must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.
- Proof of Status: Provide evidence of your Canadian citizenship or permanent residency status, such as a copy of your Canadian passport, citizenship certificate, or permanent resident card.
- Financial Support: The sponsor must provide a written commitment to support you financially during your stay. They need to meet the minimum income requirements set by the Canadian government to ensure they can support you without the need for social assistance.

b. Income Requirements:

- Minimum Income Level: The sponsor must demonstrate that their income meets or exceeds the Low Income Cut-Off (LICO) for their family size, including the applicant and any other dependents. The income threshold can vary based on the number of people in the sponsor's household.
- Proof of Income: This may include recent tax returns, pay stubs, and employment letters.

Additional Eligibility Requirements

a. Medical Insurance:

- Coverage: You must obtain private medical insurance from a Canadian insurance company. The policy must cover at least $100,000 in medical emergencies and be valid for at least one year from the date of entry into Canada.
- Documentation: Provide proof of the insurance coverage with your application.

b. Health Requirements:

- Medical Examination: You may be required to undergo a medical exam to ensure you do not pose a health risk to the Canadian public. This exam is typically conducted by an approved panel physician.

c. Intent to Leave Canada:

- Evidence of Intent: You must demonstrate that you intend to leave Canada at the end of your authorized stay. This can be shown through evidence of ties to your home country, such as property ownership, family connections, or ongoing employment.

Accompanying Family Members

- Dependents: If you have dependent children or grandchildren who will be accompanying you to Canada, they will need to apply for their own visas. Each dependent must meet the visa requirements individually.

Requirements You Need to Meet to Get a Super Visa


1. Financial Requirements:

  • Support from Canadian Sponsor: Your sponsor (the Canadian citizen or permanent resident) must provide a written commitment to support you financially during your stay.
  • Minimum Income Level: The sponsor must meet the minimum income requirements, which vary based on the size of the family.

2. Health Insurance:

  • Medical Insurance: You must obtain private medical insurance from a Canadian insurance company covering at least $100,000 in medical emergencies. The insurance must be valid for at least one year.

3. Additional Requirements:

  • Good Health: You may need to undergo a medical exam to ensure you do not pose a health risk.
  • Intention to Leave: You must demonstrate your intention to leave Canada at the end of your authorized stay.

How to Apply

1. Gather Required Documents:

  • Proof of Relationship: Documents showing your relationship to the Canadian citizen or permanent resident (e.g., birth certificates, marriage certificates).
  • Financial Documents: Evidence of your sponsor’s income and their written commitment to support you.
  • Medical Insurance: Proof of valid medical insurance coverage.
  • Travel Documents: A valid passport and any other travel documents required.

2. Complete the Application Form:

  • Find the Application Form: Download the application form for the Super Visa from the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website.
  • Fill Out the Form: Complete the form accurately, providing all necessary information.

3. Submit the Application:

  • Apply Online or By Mail: You can submit your application online through the IRCC website or by mail to the appropriate visa office.

4. Pay the Application Fee:

  • Fee Payment: Pay the application fee, which is required to process your application. Check the IRCC website for the current fee amount.

The Documents You Need


Documents Required:

  • Application Form: Completed and signed Super Visa application form.
  • Proof of Relationship: Documents verifying your relationship with your Canadian family member.
  • Financial Proof: Sponsor’s proof of income and written commitment to support.
  • Medical Insurance: Documentation of valid medical insurance coverage.
  • Passport: A valid passport with at least one blank page.


After You Apply


1. Application Processing:

  • Processing Times: Processing times for the Super Visa can vary. Check the IRCC website for estimated processing times.
  • Additional Information: You may be asked to provide additional information or attend an interview.

2. Decision Notification:

  • Visa Decision: You will be notified of the decision on your application. If approved, you will receive a Super Visa allowing you to enter Canada.

3. Travel to Canada:

  • Prepare for Arrival: Ensure you have all required documents and medical insurance in place before traveling to Canada.

4. Maintain Valid Status:

  • Comply with Visa Conditions: Adhere to the conditions of your Super Visa, including maintaining valid health insurance and departing Canada before the visa expires.


Check processing times


Processing times can change based on various factors. For the most current information, we recommend regularly checking with the official immigration or application authority. 


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