Migration Overseas
Since 1998
Reunite with your parents and grandparents in Canada for up to 5 years at a time.
The Super Visa is a multi-entry visa that provides multiple entries for a period up to 10 years. The key difference from a regular visitor visa is that the Super Visa allows an individual to stay for up to 5 years at a time in Canada, while a regular 10-year multiple entry visa only allows a stay of six months per entry.
This visa is specifically designed for parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens and permanent residents who want to spend extended time with their family in Canada. It does not lead to permanent residence. IRCC paused intake of new Parents and Grandparents Program applications on 15 July 2026, until further notice, and the pause does not affect the Super Visa. See our Parents and Grandparents Program page for that status.
The child or grandchild who invites you must prove that their household meets the minimum necessary income (often called the LICO threshold). The requirement is based on family size. This is IRCC's current table, last updated on 29 July 2025 (amounts in CAD):
| Family Size | Minimum Income (CAD) |
|---|---|
| 1 person (host only) | $30,526 |
| 2 persons | $38,002 |
| 3 persons | $46,720 |
| 4 persons | $56,724 |
| 5 persons | $64,336 |
| 6 persons | $72,560 |
| 7 persons | $80,784 |
| Each person over 7 | Add $8,224 |
Family size includes the host, the host's spouse or common-law partner, dependent children of the host and their partner, the parents or grandparents applying, other Super Visa applicants the host has invited under a letter of invitation still in effect, and anyone the host or co-signer has sponsored whose undertaking is still in effect.
IRCC changed how the host's income is assessed for applications in processing or submitted on or after 31 March 2026. Option 1: the host (with a co-signer, if any) meets or exceeds the minimum in either of the 2 tax years before the application is submitted, shown by the CRA notice of assessment. Option 2: the host and co-signer reach at least 75% of the minimum in the year before the application, and the visiting parent or grandparent adds their own income to cover the rest. The combined amount must meet the minimum, and the visitor must show proof, stating the currency, that they will keep earning income while in Canada.
Source: IRCC pages on proof of financial support and the 31 March 2026 notice. Checked on 6 November 2026. Confirm the current table on IRCC's page before you apply.
Get expert guidance on preparing a complete Super Visa application.
Free ConsultationThe Super Visa allows parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens and permanent residents to stay in Canada for up to 5 years per visit without needing to renew their status.
Super Visa allows stays of up to 5 years at a time (vs up to 6 months for a regular visitor visa), can be valid for up to 10 years, and requires private health insurance of at least CAD 100,000 and proof that the host meets the minimum necessary income.
Requirements include private health insurance from a Canadian insurer or an OSFI-authorised foreign insurer (at least CAD 100,000 emergency coverage, valid for 1 year from entry), an immigration medical exam, a signed invitation letter and a host child or grandchild who meets the minimum necessary income.
The host child or grandchild must meet or exceed the minimum necessary income for their family size. IRCC's table, updated 29 July 2025, runs from CAD 30,526 for 1 person to CAD 80,784 for 7 people, plus CAD 8,224 for each additional person. The Super Visa test is the table amount itself; the minimum plus 30% test belongs to Parents and Grandparents Program sponsorship. Since 31 March 2026 the host can meet the minimum in either of the 2 tax years before applying.
The premium is set by the insurer and depends on age, health, coverage and policy terms, so compare quotes from several insurers. The policy must give at least CAD 100,000 in emergency coverage, be valid for at least one year from entry and be paid for (a quote is not accepted as proof).
No, Super Visa is strictly for visiting family. You cannot work or access Canadian healthcare (hence the insurance requirement).
Processing times vary by country and by how complete the application is, and IRCC states its estimates are not a maximum or a guarantee. Check the current time for your country on IRCC's processing times tool, and allow extra time for the medical exam and for collecting documents.
Each visit allows a stay of up to 5 years at a time. A Super Visa holder who is already in Canada can apply to extend the stay from inside Canada; IRCC refers to extensions of 2 years. After leaving Canada, you can re-enter on the same visa for another stay while it remains valid, with health insurance valid for each entry.
Since 31 March 2026 there are two routes. The host (with a co-signer, if any) can meet the minimum in either of the 2 tax years before the application. Or, if the host and co-signer reach at least 75% of the minimum in the year before applying, the visiting parent or grandparent's own income can cover the rest, with proof that it will continue while in Canada. A spouse or common-law partner who is a citizen, permanent resident or registered Indian can co-sign. For a stay of 6 months or less, a regular visitor visa is the alternative.
Yes, both parents or grandparents can apply at the same time. IRCC states that dependants cannot be included in a Super Visa application, so each person submits their own application. The host's family size for the income test includes every Super Visa applicant the host is supporting.
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