Canada Super Visa Eligibility for Parents & Grandparents

Who can apply, what your child in Canada must prove, and all eligibility conditions explained

Who Can Apply for the Canada Super Visa?

Who Can Apply for the Canada Super Visa?

You are eligible to apply if you are the parent or grandparent of a Canadian citizen or Canadian permanent resident. You must also meet immigration admissibility requirements (no serious criminal history, no health conditions that would be a risk to Canada's public health or excessive demand on health services).

Eligibility Requirements Checklist

1. Family Relationship

You must be the biological or legally adopted parent or grandparent of the inviting Canadian resident. Step-parents and step-grandparents are also eligible. Provide a birth certificate or legal adoption documents to prove the relationship.

2. Invitation from Canadian Child or Grandchild

Your Canadian child or grandchild must provide a signed invitation letter confirming you are their parent/grandparent and that they have committed to financially supporting you during your visit. The letter must state the expected duration of stay and the number of people in their household.

3. Minimum Income of the Inviting Person

This is a hard requirement. The person inviting you must meet the minimum necessary income (Low Income Cut-Off) for their family size. This threshold is published by IRCC and updated annually — check the current LICO + 30% figure for your exact household size on the official IRCC website. Proof includes Notice of Assessment, T4 slips, or employment letter.

4. Canadian Health Insurance

You must purchase at least CAD $100,000 in Canadian health insurance coverage from a Canadian insurance provider. The policy must be valid for a minimum of 1 year from your entry date. Private travel insurance from India is not accepted.

5. Valid Passport

Your passport must be valid for the entire duration of your intended stay in Canada. IRCC recommends having at least 6 months' validity beyond your planned departure date.

6. Medical Examination

A medical examination by a designated panel physician (DMP) may be required. IRCC will send you an instruction letter if needed. Some nationalities and certain age groups are more likely to be asked for a medical exam.

7. Biometrics

Most Indian applicants are required to provide biometrics (fingerprints and a digital photograph). You'll be directed to a VFS Global Application Centre in India for biometric collection after submitting your online application.

How Long Can You Stay with a Super Visa?

The Super Visa allows you to stay in Canada for up to 5 years per visit. This can be extended by another 2 years from within Canada. The visa itself is valid for 10 years (or until passport expiry), allowing multiple visits over that period.

Super Visa vs. Regular Visitor Visa

Unlike a standard TRV which only allows stays of 6 months, the Super Visa is specifically designed for parents and grandparents wanting extended stays. The key tradeoff is the mandatory health insurance requirement and the income proof from the inviting family member.

Applying for the Super Visa

Review the Canada Super Visa documents checklist and check estimated processing times. For common questions, see our Super Visa FAQs.