Super Visa allows parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens or permanent residents to visit Canada for up to 5 years per entry, with the option to extend for 2 additional years from inside Canada.

Important: You must be outside Canada to apply. If already in Canada, apply for a visitor record extension instead.

Applicant: Required Documents

Identity Documents

Valid passport

  • All biography, signature, visa, and stamp pages

  • Must be valid for duration of intended stay

Digital photo

Application Forms

Proof of Relationship to Host

Must prove you are parent or grandparent of host:

  • Your birth certificate showing host as your child

  • Host's birth certificate showing you as parent

  • Passport biography pages showing family information

  • Other official documents establishing relationship

Medical Insurance from Canadian Provider

Mandatory requirements:

  • Valid for at least 1 year from date of entry

  • Minimum $100,000 emergency coverage

  • Covers healthcare, hospitalization, and repatriation

  • Premium paid in full or installments with deposit

  • Must be from Canadian insurance company

Insurance quotes NOT accepted - must show proof of purchase and payment.

Immigration Medical Exam

Required for all super visa applicants:

  • Complete exam at panel physician before applying for super visa

Learn more about Immigration Medical Exam (IME)

Your Financial Documents

Demonstrate financial independence:

  • Bank statements (6 months)

  • Proof of employment and income (if working)

  • Pension and retirement statements (if applicable)

  • Investments (fixed deposits, bonds, stocks)

  • Rental income proof (if applicable)

  • Income tax returns (3 years)

  • Net worth certificate

  • Property ownership documents

Purpose: Show you can support yourself and won't need social assistance in Canada.

Host Documents (Critical Requirements)

Your host is your child or grandchild who is a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.

Letter of Invitation

Must include:

About you (person being invited):

  • Full name, date of birth, address, phone number

  • Relationship to host

  • Purpose and length of stay

  • Where you'll stay in Canada

  • How you'll pay for expenses

  • Planned departure date

About host (person inviting):

  • Full name, date of birth, address, phone numbers

  • Job title and employment details

  • Immigration status in Canada

  • Family details (spouse, dependents, number in household)

Proof of Canadian Status

At least one of:

  • Canadian citizenship certificate

  • Canadian birth certificate

  • Canadian passport

  • PR card (both sides)

  • Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR)

Proof Host Meets Minimum Income

This is mandatory - host must meet minimum income requirements based on family size.

Required documents:

  • Notice of Assessment (NOA) or T4/T1 for most recent tax year

  • Employment letter (salary, job title, description, hiring date)

  • Recent pay stubs (last 3-6 months)

  • Bank statements

  • Employment Insurance benefit statements (if applicable)

  • Other investment or savings statements

Minimum income thresholds (LICO + 30%):

Family Size

Minimum Annual Income Required

1 person

~$28,000 CAD

2 people

~$34,800 CAD

3 people

~$42,800 CAD

4 people

~$51,900 CAD

5 people

~$58,900 CAD

6 people

~$66,400 CAD

7+ people

~$73,900 CAD

Note: Check current LICO requirements on IRCC website as amounts change yearly.

Dependent Spouse (if applicable)

If your spouse is also applying:

Application Fees

Fees:

  • Super visa application: $100 CAD per person

  • Biometrics: $85 CAD per person

Key Differences: Super Visa vs Regular Visitor Visa

Feature

Super Visa

Regular Visitor Visa

Who can apply

Parents/grandparents only

Anyone

Stay duration

Up to 5 years per entry

Usually 6 months

Medical insurance

Mandatory ($100K+)

Not required

Host income

Must meet minimum

Not required

Medical exam

Required upfront

Usually not required

Processing priority

Standard

Standard

Multiple entry

Yes

Yes

Extension from Canada

Yes (2 more years)

Yes (6 months typically)

Important Reminders

✅ Host must meet minimum income - this is the most common refusal reason

✅ Medical insurance mandatory - purchase before applying, not just quotes

✅ Medical exam required - complete before submission

✅ Proof of relationship essential - official documents only

✅ Must apply from outside Canada - cannot apply while visiting

✅ Include host's financial documents - NOA and employment proof critical

✅ Show ties to home country - demonstrate intention to respect conditions

Common Refusal Reasons

  • Host doesn't meet minimum income requirement

  • Insufficient proof of relationship

  • Medical insurance not meeting requirements (quotes instead of paid policy)

  • Lack of ties to home country

  • Incomplete host documentation

  • Invalid or insufficient medical exam

Signature Authorization (Optional)

Provide clear signature on white paper with blue pen for digital insertion, or manually sign forms and send scanned copies.