The Super Visa is a type of visa available for parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens and permanent residents who want to visit their family in Canada for an extended period of time. It was introduced by the Government of Canada to facilitate longer stays for family members of Canadian citizens and residents. The Super Visa allows eligible individuals to stay in Canada for up to 2 years without the need for renewal.
Canada Super Visa for parents and grandparents of Canadian Citizen or permanent Residents (Super Visa) Immigration Canada has created the new Parent and Grandparent Super Visa. This visa will be valid for up to 10 years and will allow an applicant to remain in Canada for up to two (2) years at a time.

Requirement of the Sponsor

• A letter of invitation from their child or grandchild residing in Canada.
• Most recent copy of the notice of assessment.
• Most recent copy of the child or grandchild’s T4 or T1.
• Original letter from the child or grandchild’s employer stating their job title, job description and salary.
• Child or grandchild’s employment insurance pay stubs.
• Proof of the applicant’s parental relationship to the child or grandchild (e.g., a copy of the child or grandchild’s birth certificate, baptismal certificate or other official document naming the applicant official document as the parent).
• Proof of private medical insurance valid for a minimum of one year with a Canadian insurance company (a copy of the insurance certificate or policy) that provides a minimum coverage of $100,000.

Parents or Grandparents

• Complete an Immigration Medical Examination
• Be a genuine visitor who will leave by choice at the end of the visit
• Have strong ties to their home country.
• The maximum validity for the multiple entries Super Visa is ten years, or one month prior to the applicant’s passport’s expiry, whichever is earlier.

Within that time, Super Visa holders can remain in Canada for periods of up to two years but on the other hand, a regular visitor visa is usually valid for a maximum period of six months.

Key features of the Super Visa include

Longer Stay

The Super Visa allows eligible parents and grandparents to stay in Canada for up to 2 years without needing to renew their status.

Multi-Entry

Super Visa holders can enter and leave Canada multiple times during the validity of the visa, which can be up to 10 years.

Eligibility

To be eligible for a Super Visa, applicants must meet certain requirements, including being the parent or grandparent of a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, having a letter of invitation from the Canadian sponsor, meeting certain minimum income requirements, having valid Canadian medical insurance coverage, and passing a medical examination.

Medical Insurance

Super Visa applicants are required to have valid Canadian medical insurance coverage for at least one year from a Canadian insurance company.

Income Requirements

Sponsors must meet a minimum income threshold to demonstrate their ability to financially support the applicant during their stay in Canada.

Application Process

The application process for the Super Visa includes submitting various documents, such as a letter of invitation, proof of relationship, proof of financial support, and medical insurance coverage. Applicants also need to undergo a medical examination.

Processing Time

The processing time for a Super Visa application can vary, but it typically takes several months. It's important to apply well in advance of the intended travel date.

It's worth noting that the Super Visa is distinct from a regular visitor visa, as it allows for longer stays and is designed specifically for parents and grandparents. Regular visitor visas typically have shorter durations of stay and require more frequent renewals.

As immigration policies and regulations can change over time, it's recommended to visit the official website of the Government of Canada or consult with a qualified immigration professional for the most up-to-date and accurate information regarding the Super Visa program.

How long you can stay in Canada

The date you apply for your super visa may affect how long you can stay in Canada.

If you apply on or after June 22, 2023

You’re eligible to stay for 5 years at a time.

If you applied before June 22, 2023

You can only stay in Canada for the length of time the border officer granted you when you entered Canada. For example, if you were granted 2 years, you can stay in Canada for 2 years.

As a super visa holder, you need to renew and/or maintain your medical insurance while in Canada and on re-entry.