Want your parents or grandparents to stay longer than a typical visitor visa allows? The Parent and Grandparent Super Visa let’s eligible family members visit Canada for up to 5 years per entry on a multi-entry visa valid up to 10 years, but approval hinges on meeting specific eligibility and insurance requirements. Below is a plain-English checklist plus the exact documents, fees, and timelines to expect.
What is a Canadian Super Visa?
The Super Visa is a specific type of visa. Visas in general authorize a non-citizen to enter, move within, or leave a given country. In most situations, a successful visa application requires a valid passport.
The key factors that distinguish the Super Visa offered by the Canadian Government from other types of visas include:
Eligibility: This visa is intended for parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens and permanent residents. No other individual can successfully apply for this visa to enter Canada.
Length of stay: The Government of Canada recently updated its Super Visa length of stay policies. Super Visa holders can now stay in Canada for five years per entry on this multi-entry visa. They can also request an extension of up to two years. The total duration of the visa remains at 10 years.
Restrictions: Super Visas are intended to reunite families, not to provide access to work or educational opportunities. A Super Visa by itself does not authorize holders to work or study in Canada.
With this additional context about Super Visas, let’s look at the requirements to qualify and enter the country.
Eligibility and income support (LICO)
Your child or grandchild in Canada must promise financial support and show they meet or exceed Low Income Cut-Off (LICO) for their family size (they can co-sign with a spouse/partner). Acceptable proofs include recent NOA, T4/T1, employer letter, EI statements, accountant letter if self-employed, and other income proofs.
As of July 29, 2025 - minimum gross income starts at $30,526 for a 1-person family unit and scales up by family size. Always verify the current table before applying.
The medical insurance requirements
To be approved (and to enter at the border), you must show active medical insurance that:
Is from a Canadian insurance company or from an insurer outside Canada approved by the Minister (when designated by IRCC).
Is paid in full (no quotes; instalments aren’t accepted under the current guide).
Provides at least $100,000 coverage.
Covers health care, hospitalization, and repatriation.
Is valid for a minimum of one year from your date of entry.
Tip: Keep coverage continuous during your stay and on re-entry, and ensure your passport remains valid, border officers check both.
How to apply (step-by-step)
Confirm eligibility & gather proofs Invitation letter (with household composition), relationship evidence, and income proofs that meet LICO.
Purchase qualifying medical insurance Make sure it meets all IRCC specs and is paid in full; keep the policy confirmation.
Complete forms & pay fees Submit the super visa (TRV) application online where possible and pay application + biometrics (if applicable).
Give biometrics (most applicants) at an approved centre.
Wait for a decision and, if approved, bring your letter of introduction and insurance proof to the border.
