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 is issued for up to 10 years, but never beyond the validity of the passport. During this validity period, holders can enter and exit Canada multiple times, offering unparalleled flexibility for family connections.
Eligibility Criteria for the Host
The host is the child or grandchild in Canada: a Canadian citizen, a permanent resident or a registered Indian, at least 18 years old and living in Canada. As the host, 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, the low income cut-off for your household size: from $30,526 for a household of one person to $80,784 for seven, plus $8,224 for each additional person (IRCC table for 2026). The household count includes you, your dependants, the visiting parents or grandparents, and anyone you are sponsoring or have sponsored. We help you prepare comprehensive financial documentation including:
- Notice of Assessment from the Canada Revenue Agency for either of the two tax years before the application (since March 2026, one qualifying year is enough)
- Employment letter confirming your position, salary, and tenure
- Pay stubs covering recent months
- Bank statements demonstrating financial stability
The Letter of Invitation
Beyond income, the host signs a letter of invitation that promises financial support for the length of the visit, lists the people in the household, and comes with a copy of the host's proof of status in Canada.
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 hold medical insurance from a Canadian insurance company or, since January 28, 2025, from a foreign insurer authorized by the Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions to sell accident and sickness insurance in Canada. The policy must meet these specifications:
- Coverage Amount: Minimum $100,000 emergency coverage
- Validity Period: Valid for at least one year from the date of entry
- Scope: Must cover health care, hospitalization, and repatriation
- Proof Required: Policy paid in full, or in instalments with a deposit, and proof of coverage shown at each entry into Canada
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. The exam can be done upfront, before the application is filed, or when IRCC asks for it, 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 hosts 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.
To maximize your chances of approval, we recommend applying well in advance of planned travel dates, ideally four to six months before your parents or grandparents wish to visit. This timeline accounts for medical examinations, insurance procurement, and any additional documentation requests from IRCC.