Canada Super Visa FAQs — Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a Super Visa and a regular visitor visa for Canada?

The Super Visa is a long-stay visitor visa for parents and grandparents. IRCC states that it provides multiple entries for up to 10 years and lets you visit your child or grandchild for 5 years at a time. A regular visitor visa is generally for shorter stays, and the border services officer decides the length of each stay. The Super Visa is only for parents and grandparents whose child or grandchild in Canada is a citizen, permanent resident or registered Indian, and it adds requirements a regular visitor visa does not have: private medical insurance, an immigration medical exam, and a host invitation letter showing the minimum necessary income. Official source: IRCC – Super visa for parents and grandparents.

How long can I stay in Canada with a Super Visa?

IRCC states that if you applied for a Super Visa on or after 22 June 2023, you are eligible to stay in Canada for 5 years at a time, and the visa allows multiple entries for up to 10 years. The border services officer decides the authorised stay on entry, and it is your responsibility to keep valid visitor status. A Super Visa cannot be valid for longer than your biometrics, and your passport must stay valid. If you need to stay longer, you can apply to extend your stay from inside Canada before your status expires; an extension is a separate application and is not guaranteed. See IRCC – length of stay on a Super Visa.

Can both parents apply together for the Super Visa?

Yes, but each parent or grandparent applies on their own application, because IRCC does not allow dependants to be included in a Super Visa application. The host's invitation letter lists the people counted in the family size used to work out the minimum necessary income, and that count includes the Super Visa applicants the host will support. Each applicant also needs their own insurance policy and medical exam.

What income does my Canadian child need to earn to sponsor my Super Visa?

The host (your child or grandchild in Canada) must meet IRCC's minimum necessary income for their family size. The amount depends on how many people are counted and IRCC updates it periodically, so we do not quote a fixed figure here. Check the current table on IRCC – proof of financial support, then see our Super Visa financial requirements page for how income is assessed and which documents support it.

What insurance is required for the Super Visa?

IRCC requires private medical insurance with a minimum of CAD $100,000 emergency coverage that is valid for at least 1 year from the date of entry and for each entry to Canada, covers health care, hospitalisation and repatriation, and is paid in full or in instalments with a deposit (quotes are not accepted). It must come from a Canadian insurance company or from a foreign insurer authorised by the Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions (OSFI). See our Super Visa insurance guide and IRCC – insurance and medical exam requirements.

Can I work in Canada on a Super Visa?

No. IRCC states that a Super Visa does not authorise you to work or study in Canada. Working would require a separate permit issued by IRCC, if you qualify.

Can I extend my stay beyond 5 years without leaving Canada?

Possibly. If you are inside Canada, you can apply to extend your stay before your current status expires. IRCC decides whether to approve an extension and for how long, so it is not guaranteed. Keep your passport and medical insurance valid, and check IRCC's current instructions and fee for extending a visitor stay: IRCC – length of stay on a Super Visa.

How do I apply for the Super Visa?

IRCC directs applicants to apply through its online portal. You must be outside Canada when you apply, and dependants cannot be included. Review the Super Visa documents checklist before applying. Processing times change, so check IRCC’s processing times tool and read our Super Visa processing time guide for what the estimate does and does not cover. No processing time is a guarantee.

What are the eligibility requirements for the Super Visa?

See our complete Canada Super Visa eligibility guide for a full breakdown of all requirements, including the family relationship, health insurance, and income proof criteria. The official criteria are on IRCC – who can apply.

Will I need a medical exam?

Yes. IRCC requires proof that you had a medical exam with an approved panel physician. Follow IRCC's instructions on when and where to take the exam. Completing the exam does not by itself mean your application will be approved.

Can the Super Visa be refused?

Yes. IRCC officers decide each application individually, and a Super Visa can be refused, for example if the host does not meet the minimum necessary income, the insurance does not meet IRCC's conditions, documents are incomplete, or the officer is not satisfied that you will leave Canada at the end of your authorised stay. Ensure all required documents are complete before applying.