Parent and Grandparent Super Visa
If you are the parent or grandparent of a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, the Super Visa allows you to visit your family in Canada for long periods without becoming a permanent resident. It is a multiple‑entry visa that can be valid for up to 10 years and, under current rules, you may be allowed to stay in Canada for up to 5 years per entry, with the option to apply for an extension of up to 2 additional years while in Canada.
Who can apply?
To qualify for the Parent and Grandparent Super Visa, you must:
- Be the parent or grandparent of a Canadian citizen or permanent resident (dependent children cannot be included in this application).
- Apply from outside Canada and be admissible to Canada (no medical, criminal or immigration violations that would make you inadmissible).
- Intend to visit Canada temporarily and leave at the end of your authorized stay.
- Meet the financial, medical insurance, and medical examination requirements.
When you apply, an officer will assess whether you are a genuine temporary visitor by looking at:
- Your ties to your home country (employment, property, family, financial situation).
- The purpose of your visit and your travel history.
- Your overall family and economic situation.
- The stability of your home country.
- An invitation or support letter from your child or grandchild in Canada.
Financial support and minimum income
Your child or grandchild in Canada must agree in writing to support you financially during your stay and must meet a minimum income requirement based on their family size. Family size includes the sponsor, their spouse or partner, dependent children, and the parents or grandparents they want to invite.
IRCC uses Minimum Necessary Income (MNI), which is tied to the Low Income Cut‑Off (LICO) and updated regularly. Recent guidance for Super Visa sponsors shows that from 2025 the required income is LICO plus an additional 30%, calculated over the three most recent tax years before the application. As an illustration of current figures, published 2025 minimums are approximately:
| Size of family unit | 2025 minimum income requirement (approx.) |
| 1 person (the sponsor) | 30,526 CAD |
| 2 persons | 38,002 CAD |
| 3 persons | 46,720 CAD |
| 4 persons | 56,724 CAD |
| 5 persons | 64,336 CAD |
| 6 persons | 72,560 CAD |
| 7 persons | 80,784 CAD |
| More than 7 persons, for each additional person | add 8,224 CAD |
These numbers are updated periodically by the Government of Canada, so it is important to check the latest official table or consult a licensed immigration professional before applying.
To prove income, your child or grandchild typically provides documents such as:land2air+2
- Notices of Assessment (NOA) or income slips from the Canada Revenue Agency.
- Employment letters stating position, salary, and length of employment.
- Recent pay stubs or bank statements.
- For self‑employed sponsors, a letter from an accountant confirming annual income.
Mandatory medical insurance
Super Visa applicants must have private medical insurance that meets all current Super Visa requirements.
Your insurance must:
- Be issued by a Canadian insurance company or a foreign insurer that is authorized to provide Super Visa coverage in Canada.
- Be valid for at least 1 year from the date you plan to enter Canada.
- Provide a minimum of 100,000 CAD in coverage for health care, hospitalization, and repatriation.
- Be fully paid (quotes or unpaid policies are not accepted); some policies may allow deposits or installments if they meet IRCC rules.land2air+1
You must submit proof of medical insurance with your application, and you may be asked to show it again when you arrive at the Canadian port of entry.
Medical examination
In most cases, you must complete an immigration medical examination by a panel physician approved by the Government of Canada before a decision is made on your application. The results are sent directly to IRCC, and the officer will use them to decide if you are medically admissible.
Key benefits of the Super Visa
Compared with a regular visitor visa, the Parent and Grandparent Super Visa offers several advantages:cicnews+1
- Multiple entries for up to 10 years (depending on passport validity and IRCC decision).
- Ability to stay in Canada for up to 5 years per entry, with the possibility of applying to extend your stay by up to 2 additional years.
- Opportunity to spend extended time with your children and grandchildren while maintaining your residence outside Canada.
How MDSVISA Immigration Services can help
At MDSVISA Immigration Services, we assist Canadian families and their parents and grandparents with every step of the Super Visa process:
- Assessing eligibility of both the sponsor and the applicant.
- Reviewing income documents to confirm that the minimum income requirement is met.
- Guiding you on suitable medical insurance options that meet Super Visa rules.
- Preparing and submitting a complete application package with supporting documents.
- Providing follow‑up support if IRCC requests additional information or clarification.
If you want to invite your parents or grandparents to Canada for an extended stay under the Super Visa program, contact us today for a consultation. We can help you understand the latest requirements and prepare a strong application tailored to your family’s situation.
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