Guide to IMM 5487: Document Checklist for Super Visa
By WelcomeAide Team
What Is the Super Visa and the IMM 5487?
Quick tip: download the official IMM5487 first, then fill it while following this guide: Download IMM5487 form (official IRCC).
The Super Visa is a special type of visitor visa that allows parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens or permanent residents to visit Canada for extended periods — up to 5 years at a time without needing to renew their status. It is a multi-entry visa valid for up to 10 years (or until the passport expires, whichever comes first).
The IMM 5487 is the document checklist specific to Super Visa applications. It outlines all the documents you need to include with your application, beyond the standard visitor visa requirements. The Super Visa has additional requirements, particularly around health insurance and the financial capacity of the host child or grandchild in Canada.
For newcomers to Canada who want to bring their parents or grandparents for extended visits, the Super Visa is often the best option — especially given the multi-year wait times for the Parents and Grandparents permanent residence sponsorship program.
Eligibility for the Super Visa
To qualify for a Super Visa, the following conditions must be met:
- The applicant must be a parent or grandparent of a Canadian citizen or permanent resident
- The child or grandchild in Canada must sign a letter of invitation
- The child or grandchild must meet the Minimum Necessary Income (MNI) threshold
- The applicant must have valid Canadian health insurance from a Canadian insurance company for at least one year from the date of entry
- The applicant must complete an immigration medical examination
- The applicant must be admissible to Canada (no criminal inadmissibility, security concerns, etc.)
Documents Required on the IMM 5487 Checklist
1. Standard Visitor Visa Documents
The Super Visa application includes all the documents required for a regular visitor visa:
- Completed IMM 5257 (Application for Visitor Visa)
- Completed IMM 5645 (Family Information Form)
- Valid passport (bio page and relevant stamps)
- Two passport-size photographs (35mm x 45mm, IRCC specifications)
- Proof of ties to home country
2. Letter of Invitation from Your Child or Grandchild
This is a mandatory document specific to the Super Visa. The letter must include:
- The inviter's full name and date of birth
- The inviter's status in Canada (citizen or permanent resident) — include a copy of their citizenship certificate, PR card, or Canadian passport
- The inviter's address and contact information in Canada
- A list of the people in the inviter's household (family size is important for income calculations)
- A promise to financially support the parent/grandparent during their stay
- The inviter's signature and date
3. Proof of the Inviter's Income (Minimum Necessary Income)
The child or grandchild in Canada must demonstrate they meet the Minimum Necessary Income (MNI) for their family size. The MNI is based on the Low Income Cut-Off (LICO) and is updated annually. For 2026, approximate thresholds are:
- 1 person (inviter only): ~$29,000 CAD
- 2 persons: ~$36,000 CAD
- 3 persons: ~$44,000 CAD
- 4 persons: ~$54,000 CAD
- 5 persons: ~$61,000 CAD
- 6 persons: ~$69,000 CAD
- 7+ persons: ~$76,000+ CAD
Important: When calculating family size, include the inviter, their spouse/partner, their dependent children, anyone they are currently sponsoring, and the parent(s)/grandparent(s) applying for the Super Visa.
Acceptable proof of income includes:
- CRA Notice of Assessment (NOA): For the most recent tax year. Obtainable through CRA My Account at https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/e-services/digital-services-individuals/account-individuals.html
- Employment letter: Stating position, salary, and length of employment
- T4 or T4A slips: From the most recent tax year
- Recent pay stubs
- Bank statements
If the inviter is self-employed, provide the NOA plus business financial statements. If the inviter's spouse/partner is co-signing, include their income documentation as well.
4. Proof of Canadian Health Insurance
This is a unique requirement for the Super Visa and one of the most important. The health insurance must:
- Be from a Canadian insurance company
- Cover health care, hospitalization, and repatriation
- Provide a minimum coverage of $100,000 CAD
- Be valid for at least one year from the date of entry into Canada
- Include proof that the premium has been paid in full or a payment plan is in place
Popular Canadian insurance providers for Super Visa coverage include Manulife, Blue Cross, Allianz, TuGo, and GMS. Shop around for the best rates — premiums vary significantly based on the applicant's age and health history. Expect to pay between $1,500 and $5,000+ CAD per year for elderly applicants.
Tip for newcomers: Purchase the insurance policy before submitting the Super Visa application. Include a copy of the policy certificate showing the coverage amount, validity period, and proof of payment. Some insurance companies offer policies that can be cancelled with a refund if the visa is refused.
5. Immigration Medical Examination
All Super Visa applicants must complete a medical examination by an IRCC-designated panel physician. This is mandatory regardless of the applicant's age or health. The exam includes:
- Physical examination
- Chest X-ray
- Blood tests (including for syphilis and HIV)
- Urinalysis
Results are sent directly to IRCC. Book the exam early as panel physicians can be booked weeks in advance. Find a panel physician at https://secure.cic.gc.ca/pp-md/pp-list.aspx.
6. Proof of Relationship
You must prove that the applicant is indeed the parent or grandparent of the inviter. Acceptable documents include:
- Birth certificate of the child/grandchild showing the parent's name
- Baptismal certificate or other official record of birth
- Family record book (livret de famille or equivalent)
Documents not in English or French must be accompanied by certified translations.
How to Apply for the Super Visa
- The parent or grandparent gathers all documents on the IMM 5487 checklist
- Create an IRCC online account or use a visa application centre (VAC) for paper submissions
- Complete the IMM 5257, IMM 5645, and upload all supporting documents
- Pay the fees: $100 CAD (visitor visa fee) + $85 CAD (biometrics fee)
- Submit the application
- Provide biometrics at a designated collection point within 30 days of receiving the instruction letter
- Complete the immigration medical exam (if not done before applying)
- Wait for a decision — processing times vary by country
Super Visa vs. Regular Visitor Visa vs. PGP Sponsorship
Understanding the differences helps you choose the right option:
- Regular visitor visa: Allows entry for up to 6 months at a time. No income requirement for the host, no mandatory health insurance. Must apply for an extension or leave and re-enter to stay longer
- Super Visa: Allows stays of up to 5 years at a time. Requires income proof and health insurance. Does not lead to permanent residence
- PGP (Parents and Grandparents Program) sponsorship: Leads to permanent residence, but wait times can be several years. Requires meeting income thresholds for 3 consecutive years. Subject to an annual intake cap
Many families use the Super Visa as a bridge — bringing parents to visit while waiting for their PGP sponsorship application to be processed.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Health insurance not from a Canadian provider: International travel insurance from your home country does not qualify. The policy must be from a Canadian insurance company
- Coverage below $100,000: Ensure the policy meets the minimum coverage amount
- Income calculation errors: Remember to count ALL household members when determining your family size for the MNI
- Missing the medical exam: Unlike regular visitor visas, the medical exam is mandatory for Super Visa applications
- Expired insurance at time of entry: The insurance must be valid for at least one year from the date of entry, not the date of application. Time your purchase accordingly
Tips for Newcomers
- File your Canadian taxes: You need your CRA Notice of Assessment to prove income. File your taxes early each year
- Compare insurance quotes: Prices vary widely. Websites like PolicyMe, Kanetix, and insurdinary.ca let you compare Super Visa insurance quotes from multiple providers
- Help your parents with the process: If your parents are not comfortable with online applications, help them or hire a representative. The application is submitted by the parent/grandparent, not by the inviter
- Consider the 5-year stay: With recent changes, Super Visa holders can stay up to 5 years per entry. Plan accordingly for health insurance renewals during their stay
The Super Visa is a wonderful way to reunite with your parents or grandparents in Canada for an extended period. Follow the IMM 5487 checklist carefully, ensure your health insurance meets all requirements, and provide strong financial documentation. With a complete and well-organized application, you can look forward to welcoming your family to Canada.
Download This Form
Before you submit anything, download the latest official file here: Download IMM5487 form (official IRCC). Always use the latest version.
Related internal guides
Official external resources
- Download IMM5487 form (official IRCC)
- IRCC forms and guides library
- IRCC document checklists
- CRA forms and publications
- IRCC processing times
- WelcomeAide Blog — browse all newcomer guides and updates
- Ask WelcomeAide AI — get personalized answers to immigration questions
- Newcomer Checklist — track your immigration and settlement steps
- Rights Guide — understand legal rights and protections in Canada
- Settlement Programs — find settlement and integration support services
- How to Complete IMM 5710: Document Checklist for Study
- How to Fill Out IMM 0104: Authority to Release Personal Info
- Guide to IMM 5708: Document Checklist for Visitor Visa
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