Super Visa
Last updated · Reviewed by RCIC Reviewer · Review cadence 45 days
Quick answer
The Super Visa is a multiple-entry Temporary Resident Visa for parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens or Permanent Residents, allowing extended stays longer than a standard visitor visa. Applicants need an invitation letter, proof of the family relationship, and private medical insurance covering their stay.
Key takeaways
- The Super Visa allows longer single-stay periods in Canada than a standard visitor visa.
- It is generally valid for up to ten years, subject to passport validity.
- Applicants must provide proof of private medical insurance meeting minimum coverage requirements.
- The host child or grandchild in Canada must meet a minimum income requirement and provide a letter of invitation.
- The Super Visa does not lead directly to Permanent Residence, unlike Parent and Grandparent Sponsorship.
Overview
The Super Visa gives parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens or Permanent Residents a practical way to spend extended time in Canada without going through full sponsorship, though it remains a temporary visa rather than a route to Permanent Residence.
Eligibility
- The applicant must be the parent or grandparent of a Canadian citizen or Permanent Resident.
- The host in Canada must meet a minimum income requirement and provide a letter of invitation.
- The applicant must obtain private medical insurance from an approved provider covering healthcare, hospitalization and repatriation for a minimum period.
- The applicant must be admissible to Canada and pass a medical examination.
Requirements
Applicants must submit proof of the relationship, the host's income documents, a signed invitation letter, and proof of medical insurance meeting the minimum coverage amount published by IRCC.
Application process
- Gather proof of relationship, income documents from the host, and an invitation letter.
- Purchase private medical insurance meeting IRCC's minimum requirements.
- Submit the Super Visa application along with a medical examination.
- Provide biometrics if required and await a decision.
Documents
- Letter of invitation from the host child or grandchild
- Proof of the host's income, such as a Notice of Assessment
- Proof of private medical insurance
- Results of a medical examination
- Proof of relationship, such as birth certificates
Costs and timelines
Application fees follow the IRCC fee schedule for Temporary Resident Visa applications, which is periodically updated, so confirm the current amount before applying.
Processing times are published as service standards and vary by country of application and case volume.
Common pitfalls
- Purchasing medical insurance that does not meet the minimum coverage amount or duration IRCC requires.
- Submitting an income document from the host that does not meet the minimum threshold.
- Forgetting to complete the required medical examination before applying.
- Confusing the Super Visa with full Parent and Grandparent Sponsorship, which leads to Permanent Residence.
Frequently asked questions
- How is the Super Visa different from a regular visitor visa?
- The Super Visa allows longer stays per visit and is generally valid for a longer overall period, but it is restricted to parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens or Permanent Residents and requires private medical insurance.
- Does the Super Visa lead to Permanent Residence?
- No, the Super Visa is a temporary visa; parents and grandparents seeking Permanent Residence would need to pursue Parent and Grandparent Sponsorship instead.
- Is medical insurance mandatory for the Super Visa?
- Yes, applicants must show proof of private medical insurance from an approved provider that meets the minimum coverage amount and duration IRCC specifies.
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Official sources
This guide is general information, not legal advice. Government requirements change. Confirm details against the official sources above, and read our editorial standards.