Family & sponsorship
Canadian Canada Super Visa
A visa for the parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens and permanent residents, allowing extended visits to family in Canada.
Expert reviewed Official guidance referenced
Important information
Immigration rules and fees can change. This information is for general guidance only and does not constitute legal advice. Always check the latest requirements on the official Canada government website before you apply.
On this page
- Official name
- Super Visa (parents and grandparents)
- Route type
- Long-stay family visa
- Validity
- Multiple-entry visa, valid for up to 10 years
- Maximum stay
- Up to 5 years per entry
- Stays may be extended from within Canada.
- Number of entries
- Multiple entry
- Health insurance
- Private medical insurance with at least 1 year of coverage from your date of entry
- From a Canadian insurer or an approved insurer outside Canada; you must show proof on each entry.
- Income requirement
- Host must meet the minimum necessary income (based on the LICO threshold)
- IRCC uses the Low Income Cut-Off for a community of 500,000 or more.
Who can apply
- Parents of Canadian citizens or permanent residents
- Grandparents of Canadian citizens or permanent residents
What you can do
- Visit family in Canada for extended periods
- Enter Canada multiple times during the visa's validity
Requirements
- Be the parent or grandparent of a Canadian citizen or permanent resident (dependants of a parent or grandparent cannot be included on the same application)
- Have a signed letter of invitation from your child or grandchild in Canada, promising financial support for the length of your stay
- Show proof that your host meets the minimum necessary income, based on the Low Income Cut-Off (LICO) for their family size
- Have valid private medical insurance covering you for at least one year from your date of entry, with proof shown on each entry to Canada
- Be admissible to Canada, and have an immigration medical exam
How to apply
- Your child or grandchild in Canada prepares a signed letter of invitation and gathers proof they meet the minimum income requirement
- Arrange private medical insurance with at least one year of coverage
- Complete the super visa application online through your IRCC secure account and pay the fees
- Complete an immigration medical exam
- Give your biometrics if instructed, submit the application, and send your passport as directed if approved
Documents you may need
- A valid passport
- A signed letter of invitation from your host child or grandchild in Canada
- Proof the host meets the minimum necessary income (e.g. Notice of Assessment, employment letter, pay slips)
- Proof of your relationship to the host (e.g. birth certificate)
- Proof of valid private medical insurance with at least one year of coverage
- Results of your immigration medical exam
Frequently asked questions
A super visa lets eligible parents and grandparents stay for up to 5 years per entry and is valid for up to 10 years, whereas most visitors are admitted for about 6 months. In return, applicants must show a host who meets an income threshold and hold private medical insurance.
Official sources
For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always refer to the official government sources.
Verified against official gov.uk sources · last reviewed 2026-08-21. Information only — not legal advice.
Related Canadian visas
- FAMILYPARTNERPERMANENT RESIDENCESpouse or Common-Law Partner SponsorshipLets a Canadian citizen or permanent resident sponsor their spouse, common-law partner or conjugal partner for permanent residence in Canada.View visa details
- FAMILYPARENTS GRANDPARENTSPERMANENT RESIDENCEParents and Grandparents Sponsorship (PGP)Lets eligible Canadian citizens and permanent residents sponsor their parents and grandparents for permanent residence, subject to an income requirement and an invitation-based intake.View visa details
- FAMILYCHILDRENPERMANENT RESIDENCEDependent Child SponsorshipLets a Canadian citizen or permanent resident sponsor their dependent children, including adopted children, for permanent residence.View visa details
