Super Visa (Parents and Grandparents)
Embassy required
- Maximum stay
- 1825 days
- Processing time
- Varies by country, typically 4-20 weeks
- Fee
- CAD $100 (visitor visa fee) + $85 (biometrics) = CAD $185
- Validity
- Up to 10 years, multiple entries
- Entry
- Multiple entry
Extended multiple-entry visa allowing parents and grandparents to visit for up to 5 years per entry without renewal. Valid for up to 10 years. Requires child/grandchild host in Canada who meets minimum income. Mandatory private health insurance with minimum CAD $100,000 coverage from Canadian or authorized foreign insurer. Must apply from outside Canada. Alternative to Parents and Grandparents sponsorship program.
Eligibility
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Nationality
Must be a parent or grandparent of a Canadian citizen or permanent resident. Must be from a visa-required country. Must apply from outside Canada.
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Financial
Host child/grandchild must meet minimum income threshold based on total family size (including the visiting parent/grandparent). Must purchase qualifying private health insurance.
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Health
Must pass immigration medical examination by designated panel physician. Must not be inadmissible on health grounds.
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Criminal record
Must be admissible to Canada.
Documents you need
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Passport
Blank pages required: 1; Validity months: 6
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Photo
Count: 2; Specifications: 35mm x 45mm, white background, taken within last 6 months
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Invitation letter
Host requirements: Signed letter from child/grandchild who is Canadian citizen/PR, at least 18, living in Canada, includes promise of financial support, family size, and housing details
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Biometrics appointment
Booking url: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/campaigns/biometrics/where-to-give-biometrics.html; Location: Visa Application Centre
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Sponsor financial
Minimum income: Based on family size: 1 person $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; Required documents: Notice of Assessment from CRA, employment letter, bank statements
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Health exam
Panel physician required: Yes, must use IRCC-designated panel physician; Validity months: 12
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Private health insurance
Coverage territory: Canada - must cover healthcare, hospitalization, and repatriation. Valid minimum 1 year from date of entry. Must be from Canadian insurer or authorized foreign company on OSFI list.; Minimum coverage: CAD $100,000
How to apply
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Document gathering
Obtain invitation letter from host, proof of host's income (CRA Notice of Assessment for 3 years), purchase qualifying health insurance, and complete medical exam.
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Online application
Submit Super Visa application online through IRCC portal. Upload all supporting documents including insurance proof, invitation letter, and host income proof.
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Fee payment
Pay CAD $100 visitor visa processing fee plus CAD $85 biometrics fee.
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Biometrics
Provide biometrics at designated Visa Application Centre.
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Processing wait
Wait for processing. Times vary by country of application.
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Visa collection
Submit passport for Super Visa stamp at VAC if approved.