What Makes the Super Visa Different?
While a regular visitor visa permits stays of up to 6 months, the Super Visa revolutionizes family visits by enabling your parents or grandparents to remain in Canada for up to 5 consecutive years. This extended duration eliminates the stress of frequent renewals and provides families with precious time together.
The Super Visa remains valid for 10 years or until the passport expires, whichever comes first. During this validity period, holders can enter and exit Canada multiple times, offering unparalleled flexibility for family connections.
Eligibility Criteria for Sponsors
As the Canadian sponsor, you must demonstrate your ability to financially support your visiting parents or grandparents. The following requirements apply:
Financial Requirements
You must meet Canada's minimum necessary income threshold, which varies based on your family size. This income requirement ensures that your visiting family members will not need to access Canadian social assistance. We help you prepare comprehensive financial documentation including:
- Notice of Assessment from the Canada Revenue Agency for the most recent tax year
- Employment letter confirming your position, salary, and tenure
- Pay stubs covering recent months
- Bank statements demonstrating financial stability
Additional Sponsor Obligations
Beyond financial capacity, sponsors must provide a written commitment to support their parents or grandparents during their stay. This includes ensuring they have suitable accommodation and will not require social assistance.
Requirements for Super Visa Applicants
Your parents or grandparents must satisfy several important requirements to qualify for a Super Visa:
1. Medical Insurance Coverage
This is a mandatory and non-negotiable requirement. Applicants must obtain Canadian medical insurance from an approved provider that meets these specifications:
- Coverage Amount: Minimum $100,000 coverage
- Validity Period: Valid for at least one year from entry date
- Scope: Must cover healthcare, hospitalization, and repatriation
- Proof Required: Paid policy confirmation must be submitted with application
We partner with reputable insurance providers to help your family secure appropriate coverage at competitive rates.
2. Medical Examination
All Super Visa applicants must complete an Immigration Medical Examination (IME) with an IRCC-approved panel physician. This exam must be completed before submitting the application and typically includes a physical examination, chest X-ray, and blood tests if required.
3. Relationship Documentation
Clear proof of the parent-child or grandparent-grandchild relationship is essential. Acceptable documents include birth certificates, marriage certificates, or adoption papers. We ensure all documents are properly translated and certified when necessary.
How MTK Immigration Services Can Help
Navigating the Super Visa application process requires careful attention to detail and thorough documentation. Our comprehensive services include:
- Complete eligibility assessment for both sponsors and applicants
- Financial documentation review and preparation guidance
- Medical insurance arrangement and policy verification
- Immigration medical examination coordination
- Application form completion and submission
- Supporting document compilation and organization
- Application tracking and follow-up with IRCC
- Guidance on extending stays beyond the initial 5-year period
Processing Times and Application Tips
Super Visa processing times vary by country of application, typically ranging from a few weeks to several months. Applications submitted from countries with Canadian visa application centres generally process more efficiently.
To maximize your chances of approval, we recommend applying well in advance of planned travel dates—ideally 4-6 months before your parents or grandparents wish to visit. This timeline accounts for medical examinations, insurance procurement, and any additional documentation requests from IRCC.

