Parent & Grandparent Super Visa
A multiple-entry visa that allows parents and grandparents to stay in Canada for up to 5 years at a time — valid for up to 10 years.
5 Years
Per Entry
10 Years
Visa Validity
Multiple
Entries
What is the Super Visa?
The Parent and Grandparent Super Visa is a long-stay multiple-entry visa that allows parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens, permanent residents, or registered Indians to visit Canada for up to 5 years at a time. Unlike a regular visitor visa — which typically allows stays of up to 6 months — the Super Visa offers extended stays and multiple entries over a validity period of up to 10 years. It is one of the most popular options for families who want to spend extended time together in Canada while a permanent residence sponsorship application is being considered or pending.
Super Visa vs Regular Visitor Visa
A regular visitor visa typically allows stays of up to 6 months per entry. The Super Visa allows stays of up to 5 years per entry — making it ideal for parents and grandparents who want to spend extended time with their family in Canada without repeatedly applying for extensions.
Who Can Apply
The Super Visa has requirements for both the applicant (parent/grandparent) and the host (child/grandchild in Canada). Both must meet their respective requirements.
Letter of Invitation
The letter of invitation must be written and signed by the host — your child or grandchild in Canada. It is a central document in the application, and our RCIC drafts it on your behalf to ensure it is complete and consistent with the rest of your file.
The Letter Must Include
Co-Signing the Letter
Only one other person may co-sign the letter of invitation — the host's spouse or common-law partner — and only where they are a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or registered Indian. No other family member may co-sign, including the host's siblings or parents, even if they live in Canada. Where a co-signer is used, their income may be combined with the host's income to meet the MNI requirement.
Health Insurance Requirements
You must have proof of a valid health insurance policy on each entry to Canada. If your insurance will expire before you leave Canada, you must renew the policy to maintain continuous coverage.
Your Insurance Policy Must
Insurance brokers and claims administrators are not insurance companies. Ensure your policy is issued directly by the insurer — not arranged through a broker only.
If using a foreign insurer, the policy must include a written statement confirming it was issued while the company was conducting insurance business in Canada. Without this statement, the policy may not be accepted. Our RCIC reviews insurer eligibility before you purchase.
Minimum Necessary Income (MNI)
The host must meet or exceed the minimum income threshold based on their family size. The income table below was updated by IRCC on July 29, 2025.
Minimum Income by Family Size — Super Visa Host
| Number of Family Members | Minimum Income (CAD) |
|---|---|
| 1 person | $30,526 |
| 2 people | $38,002 |
| 3 people | $46,720 |
| 4 people | $56,724 |
| 5 people | $64,336 |
| 6 people | $72,560 |
| 7 people | $80,784 |
| Each additional family member | + $8,224 |
Who is Included in Family Size?
Proving the Host's Income
There are two ways the host can demonstrate they meet the MNI requirement. IRCC accepts either approach. Determining which applies to your family — and assembling the supporting evidence correctly — is a key part of the strategy our RCIC manages for you.
Option 1 — Full Income
PreferredThe host's total income meets or exceeds the MNI in either of the two tax years before the application is submitted.
Required document
Option 2 — 75% Threshold + Applicant Top-Up
The host's income in the year before the application was at least 75% of the MNI, with the remaining gap covered by the applicant's own income — provided the combined total meets or exceeds the MNI. This option is helpful when the host's income is close to, but not quite at, the threshold.
Documents the host (or co-signer) can provide
Documents the applicant can provide to top up
Important: The applicant's income documents must show the currency in which they are paid.
Accepted Proof of Host Status
You must prove that the host is one of the following:
If a co-signer is used, the same proof of status must be provided for the co-signer.
Proof of Relationship
You must prove you are the parent or grandparent of the host. Accepted documents include:
Note for Visa-Exempt Countries
Even if you do not need a visitor visa to enter Canada (visa-exempt countries), you can still apply for a Super Visa to benefit from the extended 5-year stay. If approved, IRCC will issue you a letter to present to a border services officer when you arrive. If you travel by air, you may also need to apply for an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) separately. The eTA is linked to your passport, so you must travel with the passport used to apply for both the eTA and the Super Visa.
Super Visa vs Parent & Grandparent Sponsorship
Many families ask whether to apply for a Super Visa or the Parent and Grandparent Program (PGP) sponsorship. Here is how they compare — and importantly, you can apply for both simultaneously:
| Factor | Super Visa | PGP Sponsorship |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Extended visit — temporary | Permanent residence |
| How long they can stay | Up to 5 years per entry | Permanently |
| Processing time | Typically faster | Varies — intake is limited annually |
| Income requirement | MNI required (host) | MNI required for 3 consecutive years (sponsor) |
| Health insurance required | Yes — min $100,000 coverage | No |
| Work authorization | No | Yes — as a PR |
| Path to citizenship | No | Yes — after meeting residency obligations |
| Can be done simultaneously | Yes — can apply while PGP is pending | Separate application |
You can apply for a Super Visa while a PGP sponsorship application is pending — or withdraw a sponsorship application and apply for a Super Visa instead. Our RCIC can advise on the best strategy for your family.
Government Processing Fees
Government fees are set by IRCC and are subject to change without notice. Additional fees may apply depending on the applicant's country of residence and local visa office requirements. Always verify current fees at canada.ca before applying.
IRCC Government Fees — Super Visa
| Fee Item | Amount (CAD) |
|---|---|
| Super Visa Application Fee (per person) | $100 CAD |
| Biometrics (if required, per person) | $85 CAD |
Important: Government fees are payable directly to IRCC and are separate from Asteco's professional fees. Fees are subject to change by IRCC at any time.
How Asteco Can Help
Super Visa applications involve two sets of requirements — for the applicant and the host — and errors in either can lead to refusals. Our team ensures every document is in order before submission.
Disclaimer: Super Visa requirements, income thresholds, and processing times are established by IRCC and are subject to change without notice. The income table on this page reflects IRCC's published figures as of July 29, 2025. Government fees and program requirements may be updated at any time. This page is for general information only and does not constitute legal or immigration advice. Consult our RCIC before making any immigration decisions.
Quick Info
Disclaimer: Income thresholds and program requirements are subject to change by IRCC at any time without notice.