Canada Super Visa: Bring Your Parents and Grandparents for Up to 5 Years

What Is the Super Visa?

The Super Visa is a multi-entry visitor visa specifically for parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens or permanent residents. Unlike a regular visitor visa, the Super Visa allows stays of up to 5 years per entry and is valid for up to 10 years - meaning your parents can come and stay for extended periods without constantly renewing their status.

Key Advantages Over the Regular Visitor Visa

• Stay up to 5 years per entry (vs. 6 months for a regular visitor visa)
• Valid for 10 years (multi-entry)
• Can be extended from within Canada
• No need to apply through the Parents and Grandparents Program lottery

Eligibility Requirements

Your parents/grandparents must:

• Be the parent or grandparent of a Canadian citizen or PR
• Pass an immigration medical exam
• Have valid Canadian health insurance (minimum $100,000 coverage, minimum 1-year policy)
• Be admissible to Canada

You (the sponsor) must:

• Be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident
• Meet minimum income requirements (LICO + 10%: approximately $27,500-$50,000+ depending on family size)
• Sign a letter of invitation with your income proof

How to Apply

1. Your parents apply online or at a Visa Application Centre (VAC) in their home country
2. Submit: valid passport, photos, medical exam results, proof of health insurance, invitation letter from you with income proof
3. Pay the visa application fee (~$100 CAD)
4. Processing time: varies by country - typically 4 to 12 weeks

Extending a Super Visa Stay

Your parents can extend their stay from within Canada by applying to IRCC before their current authorized period expires. Extensions can be granted in 2-year increments.

Also see: Full family sponsorship guide