Super Visa: How to Bring Your Parents and Grandparents to Canada

One of the most common questions we hear from newcomers to Canada is: how can I bring my parents or grandparents to visit? The Super Visa is often the best answer — it's a multi-entry visa valid for up to 10 years that allows stays of up to five years per entry, far longer than a standard visitor visa.

Here's everything you need to know to apply successfully.

What Makes the Super Visa Special?

Unlike a regular visitor visa that allows stays of up to six months, the Super Visa offers:

• —Multi-entry access valid for up to 10 years (limited by passport expiry)
• —Stays of up to 5 years per entry — no need to leave and re-enter every six months
• —No need to apply for visitor record extensions during the stay

This makes it ideal for parents and grandparents who want to spend extended time with family in Canada without the hassle of repeated applications.

Who Can Apply?

The Super Visa is available to parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens or permanent residents. The applicant must:

• —Be the parent or grandparent of a Canadian citizen or permanent resident
• —Have a signed invitation letter from their child or grandchild in Canada
• —Pass an immigration medical exam conducted by an approved panel physician
• —Have no criminal inadmissibility issues

The Income Requirement

The host in Canada (your child or grandchild) must demonstrate they meet the Minimum Necessary Income (MNI) threshold for three consecutive tax years. This is based on the Low Income Cut-Off (LICO) plus 30%.

Here are the current thresholds:

• —1 person: $30,526 CAD
• —2 persons: $38,002 CAD
• —3 persons: $46,720 CAD
• —4 persons: $56,724 CAD
• —5 persons: approximately $64,336 CAD
• —6 persons: approximately $72,560 CAD
• —7+ persons: add approximately $8,000 per additional person

Family size includes the host, their spouse, their dependents, the Super Visa applicant(s), and any previously sponsored persons. All three years must meet the threshold — not just the most recent year.

Medical Insurance Requirement

This is a critical and often misunderstood requirement. The applicant must have private medical insurance from a Canadian or approved international provider with:

• —Minimum $100,000 coverage
• —Valid for at least one year from the date of entry
• —Coverage for healthcare, hospitalization, and repatriation

Important: the insurance must be active at the time of application. Quotes or pending policies are not accepted. However, IRCC now accepts monthly payment plans from approved insurers, which makes coverage more accessible.

The Invitation Letter

The invitation letter from the host in Canada is one of the most important documents. It must include:

• —The host's full name, address, and contact information
• —The number of people currently living in the household
• —A commitment to provide financial support during the visit
• —Details about the planned visit (duration, activities)
• —Proof of the family relationship

Many applications are weakened by vague or incomplete invitation letters. Take the time to make it thorough and specific.

Proof of Income

The host must provide:

• —Notice of Assessment (NOA) from the Canada Revenue Agency for three consecutive tax years
• —Recent pay stubs or employment letter
• —Bank statements showing consistent income

Proof of Relationship

You'll need to establish the family connection with documents such as:

• —Birth certificates
• —Marriage certificates
• —Other civil status documents linking the applicant to the host

Fees

• —Application processing fee: $100 CAD
• —Biometrics: $85 CAD
• —Medical exam: $200 to $450 CAD (varies by physician)
• —Medical insurance: varies by provider and age of applicant

Processing Times

As of early 2026, Super Visa processing takes approximately 132 to 211 days depending on the applicant's country of origin. Plan well in advance.

Tips for Success

1. 01Start early. Processing times are significant, so begin months ahead of any planned visit.
2. 02Make the invitation letter detailed. Include everything IRCC expects — vague letters lead to refusals.
3. 03Ensure insurance is active, not pending. Buy the policy before submitting your application.
4. 04Verify income for all three years. If even one year falls short, the application will be refused.
5. 05Medical exam results are valid for 12 months. Time your exam accordingly.
6. 06Show strong ties to home country. Even though the Super Visa allows long stays, officers still want to see that the applicant intends to return home.

Conclusion

The Super Visa is a wonderful option for reuniting families in Canada. With proper preparation — particularly around the income requirement, insurance, and invitation letter — applications have a strong chance of success.

DOCERE can help you draft a thorough invitation letter, verify income compliance, and review your complete application before submission. Contact us to get started.