CanadaSuper Visa
A long-stay visa letting parents and grandparents stay up to five years per entry, valid for up to ten years.
Who this is for
- Parents of a Canadian citizen or permanent resident
- Grandparents of a Canadian citizen or permanent resident
- Families who did not receive a Parents and Grandparents Program invitation
- Anyone wanting long visits without waiting years for sponsorship
Eligibility at a glance
- You must be the parent or grandparent of the host — no other relationship qualifies
- Your host must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident
- Your host's household income must meet the minimum necessary income (plain LICO) for the household size
- You must hold at least $100,000 in medical insurance covering health care, hospitalization and repatriation, valid for at least one year from entry, from a Canadian insurer or an IRCC-approved foreign insurer
- You must complete an immigration medical examination
This is a summary of the requirements, not legal advice. Requirements change, so always check the official IRCC page before you apply.
Documents you will need
The guide includes a template for 2 of these, and explains every one.
How long it takes, by country
IRCC service standard for this service is 112 days. Published figures move weekly.
| Applying from | Current processing time |
|---|---|
| India | 77 days |
| Pakistan | 105 days |
| Nigeria | 35 days |
| Philippines | 103 days |
| United States | 68 days |
Questions people actually ask
What income does my child in Canada need?
The minimum necessary income (plain LICO) for the household size including the visiting parents — roughly $56,724 for a household of four and $72,560 for six. Note this is the plain LICO figure, not the higher LICO+30% used for permanent sponsorship. Since 31 March 2026 either of the two preceding tax years may be used, and where your host reaches at least 75% of the minimum your own income can make up the rest.
Can I buy insurance from an insurer in my own country?
Since January 2025 IRCC also accepts policies from approved foreign insurers, not only Canadian ones. The policy must still meet the $100,000 and one-year requirements.
Is this better than sponsorship?
It is faster and far more certain — the Parents and Grandparents Program runs around 30 months and is invitation-only. The Super Visa is not permanent residence, but many families use it while waiting.