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Last Updated: October 28, 2026
Canada Super Visa: Eligibility, Fees and Income Requirements
The Canada Super Visa allows parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens, permanent residents and people registered under the Indian Act to stay in Canada for up to 5 years per visit on a multiple-entry visa valid for up to 10 years. With the Parents and Grandparents Program paused, the Super Visa is the best option for families planning extended visits to Canada. It allows parents and grandparents to spend more time with their loved ones and celebrate special occasions together.
What Is a Canada Super Visa?
The Canada Super Visa is a temporary resident visa designed for parents and grandparents who want to visit their families in Canada for extended periods. It permits multiple entries while the visa remains valid for up to 10 years, with stays of up to 5 years per visit.
Applicants must meet the eligibility requirements, including having a child or grandchild in Canada who meets the minimum income requirement and obtaining qualifying private medical insurance. Super Visa holders cannot work in Canada, but the visa allows them to enjoy longer visits and spend more time with their families.
Canada Super Visa Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for a Canada Super Visa, you must be the parent or grandparent of a Canadian citizen, permanent resident or person registered under the Indian Act. Your child or grandchild must be at least 18 years old, live in Canada, meet the minimum income requirement and provide a letter of invitation. You must also apply from outside Canada, be admissible to Canada, have qualifying private medical insurance and undergo an immigration medical exam.
- Family relationship: The host must be your biological or adopted child or grandchild.
- Host’s status in Canada: The host must be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident or person registered under the Indian Act, be at least 18 years old and live in Canada.
- Minimum income: The host must meet the minimum income requirement for their family size.
- Letter of invitation: The host must provide a signed letter confirming financial support during your visit.
- Private medical insurance: You must have qualifying insurance with at least CAD 100,000 in emergency coverage, valid for a minimum of 1 year from your date of entry.
- Medical exam: You must complete an immigration medical exam with an IRCC-approved panel physician.
- Application from outside Canada: You must be outside Canada when you submit your application.
- Admissibility: You must be allowed to enter Canada.
- Intent to leave: You must satisfy the officer that you will leave Canada at the end of your authorized stay.
Canada Super Visa Documents Checklist
When applying for a Canada Super Visa, you must provide documents confirming your identity, relationship to your host, medical insurance coverage and your host’s ability to support you financially during your stay.
Documents from the Applicant
- Valid passport
- Private medical insurance: Proof of qualifying insurance valid for at least 1 year from your date of entry.
- Proof of relationship: Your host’s birth or baptismal certificate, or another official document confirming that you are their parent or grandparent.
- Proof of income: Required if you contribute toward the minimum income requirement.
- Immigration medical exam: Proof that you completed an immigration medical exam with an IRCC-approved panel physician.
- Use of a Representative form (IMM 5476): Required if you appoint a representative to handle your application.
Documents from the Host in Canada
- Signed letter of invitation confirming financial support during your visit
- Proof of Canadian citizenship, permanent residence or registration under the Indian Act
- Proof of income: a Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) notice of assessment, or other accepted income documents if a notice is unavailable
- Co-signer’s proof of status and income, if applicable
Translation Requirements
Documents not in English or French must include an English or French translation. If the translator is not certified, an affidavit confirming their language proficiency and the translation’s accuracy is also required.
Canada Super Visa Income Requirements
To apply for a Canada Super Visa, your child or grandchild in Canada must meet the minimum income requirement for their family size. The required annual income ranges from CAD $30,526 for one person to CAD $80,784 for a family of seven, with an additional CAD $8,224 for each extra person.
| Family size | Minimum annual income (CAD) |
|---|---|
| 1 person | $30,526 |
| 2 people | $38,002 |
| 3 people | $46,720 |
| 4 people | $56,724 |
| 5 people | $64,336 |
| 6 people | $72,560 |
| 7 people | $80,784 |
| Each additional person | Add $8,224 |
Canada Super Visa Health Insurance Requirements
Applicants must have private medical insurance to apply for a Canada Super Visa. The policy must:
- Provide at least CAD 100,000 in emergency medical coverage.
- Remain valid for at least 1 year from the date of entry into Canada.
- Cover health care, hospitalization and repatriation.
- Be issued by a Canadian insurance company or a foreign insurer authorized by the Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions (OSFI) to provide accident and sickness insurance in Canada and listed among its federally regulated financial institutions.
- Be paid in full or through instalments with a deposit. Insurance quotes alone are not accepted.
How to Apply for a Canada Super Visa?
Parents and grandparents can apply for a Canada Super Visa online through the IRCC Portal by completing the application form, uploading the required documents and paying the fees. Applicants must apply from outside Canada and provide biometrics if required.
Step 1: Sign in to the IRCC Portal
Visit the IRCC Portal to start your application.
Step 2: Complete the application form
Select “Visitor visa or super visa,” then “To visit my children or grandchildren for more than 6 months (super visa).” Answer all questions accurately.
Step 3: Upload the required documents
Follow your personalized checklist to upload your passport, proof of medical insurance, immigration medical exam documents, invitation letter and proof of your host’s income.
Step 4: Pay the application fees
Pay the Super Visa application fee and the biometrics fee, if required.
Step 5: Submit your application
Review your application and supporting documents before submitting them online.
Step 6: Give your biometrics
If required, wait for your biometrics instruction letter and book an appointment to provide your fingerprints and photograph.
Step 7: Receive your visa decision
Wait for IRCC’s decision. If approved, follow the instructions for passport submission and visa issuance before travelling to Canada.
Canada Super Visa Fees
The Canada Super Visa costs CAD 100 per person, plus CAD 85 per person for biometrics, if required. Applicants from visa-exempt countries do not pay these fees. Health insurance and the immigration medical exam are charged separately.
| Fee | Amount (CAD) | Who pays |
|---|---|---|
| Super Visa application | $100 per person | Applicants who are not from visa-exempt countries |
| Biometrics | $85 per person | Applicants required to provide biometrics |
| Extend your stay as a visitor | $100 per person | Super Visa holders applying to extend their stay |
| Restore visitor status | $246.25 per person | Visitors who need to restore their status in Canada |
Canada Super Visa Processing Time
The Canada Super Visa processing time varies depending on the country where you apply. Processing typically takes around 35 to 105 days, although waiting times may be longer in some countries.
Super Visa vs. Visitor Visa: Which Is Better?
A Canada Super Visa suits parents and grandparents planning extended family visits, with stays of up to 5 years per visit. A regular Visitor Visa is suitable for shorter family visits, tourism and other temporary trips, generally for up to 6 months.
| Factor | Super Visa | Visitor Visa |
|---|---|---|
| Who can apply | Parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens, permanent residents or people registered under the Indian Act | Visitors who meet Canada’s visitor visa requirements |
| Length of stay | Up to 5 years per visit | Usually up to 6 months |
| Entries | Multiple entries | Single or multiple entry, depending on the visa issued |
| Host income requirement | Required | Not required |
| Private medical insurance | Required, with at least CAD 100,000 in emergency coverage | Not generally required |
Common Reasons for Canada Super Visa Refusal
You can improve your chances of Super Visa approval by meeting the application requirements and submitting complete supporting documents. Applications may be refused for these reasons:
- Insufficient host income: The host does not meet the minimum income requirement for their family size.
- Inadequate medical insurance: The policy is only a quote, is not valid for at least 1 year, or does not meet the insurance requirements.
- Incomplete documents: Required forms or supporting evidence are missing or unclear.
- Weak home-country ties: The applicant does not sufficiently demonstrate their intention to leave Canada at the end of the authorized stay.
- Unclear visit purpose: The application does not clearly explain the planned visit.
- Admissibility concerns: Medical, criminal or other issues make the applicant inadmissible to Canada.
How Can Y-Axis Help You?
Y-Axis is a leading overseas immigration consultancy in Canada, providing expert guidance throughout your Canada Super Visa application process.
- Super Visa eligibility assessment for you and your host
- Guidance on preparing the required documents
- Application support for form completion and submission
- Medical insurance guidance to meet Super Visa requirements
- Expert advice on income criteria and eligibility requirements
*Planning to bring your parents to Canada? Contact Y-Axis for personalized guidance on your journey.
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