Canada Super Visa FAQs for Indian Parents

Complete answers to the most common questions about the Canada Super Visa

What is the Canada Super Visa?

The Super Visa is a special long-term visitor visa for parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens or permanent residents. Unlike a regular visitor visa (6 months per stay), the Super Visa allows you to stay in Canada for up to 5 years per visit. The visa itself is valid for up to 10 years with multiple entries.

Who is eligible for the Canada Super Visa?

Only parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens or permanent residents can apply. Siblings, in-laws, aunts and uncles are not eligible. The applicant must meet standard visitor visa requirements plus the Super Visa-specific conditions (insurance, medical exam, and the host's income requirement).

Is Canadian health insurance really mandatory for the Super Visa?

Yes — it is a hard requirement. You must have private health insurance from a Canadian insurance company with minimum coverage of $100,000 CAD, valid for at least 1 year. Indian travel insurance is not accepted. Without this, your application is automatically refused. See our Super Visa Insurance Guide for provider options.

What income does my child in Canada need to earn?

Your child must meet the Low Income Cut-Off (LICO) + 30%. For a family of 3 (host + spouse + 1 child) with both parents visiting = family of 5, the required income is $73,168 CAD/year. See the complete income table by family size. Proof is the most recent Notice of Assessment (NOA) from Canada Revenue Agency.

How long does Canada Super Visa processing take from India?

Typically 8–12 weeks after biometric submission. Factor in 1–3 weeks for medical exam booking beforehand. Total timeline from starting the process to approval: 12–16 weeks in normal cases. Apply 4–5 months before your planned departure date.

Can both parents apply together on the same Super Visa application?

Yes. Both parents can be included in one combined application. Each parent needs their own health insurance policy ($100,000 CAD each), medical exam, and PCC. The host's income requirement increases when both parents are visiting — add each parent to the family size calculation.

What is the difference between Canada Super Visa and Canada Visitor Visa?

The key difference is stay duration: Super Visa allows up to 5 years per visit; regular visitor visa allows up to 6 months. Both are valid for up to 10 years. Super Visa requires Canadian health insurance, medical exam, and the host's income proof — none of which are required for a regular visitor visa. Super Visa is only for parents/grandparents of Canadian citizens/PRs.

Do I need to do a medical exam for the Super Visa?

Yes — a medical examination by an IRCC-approved panel physician in India is mandatory. The exam checks for conditions that could endanger public health or cause excessive demand on Canadian healthcare. Results are valid for 12 months. Panel physicians are available in Mumbai, Delhi, Ahmedabad, Chennai, Kolkata, and other major Indian cities.

Can I extend my stay in Canada on a Super Visa?

If you initially entered with a 2-year stamp but want to stay longer (up to the 5-year maximum), you can apply for an extension of status from inside Canada through IRCC's online portal. You'll need to show your health insurance is still valid for the extended period and that you still meet all Super Visa conditions.

Can I work in Canada on the Super Visa?

No. The Super Visa is a visitor visa — you cannot work or study in Canada. If you want to work in Canada, you need a separate work permit. Any violation of visa conditions can affect your future applications and your child's immigration status.

What is the cost of the Canada Super Visa?

IRCC application fee: $100 CAD per person (≈₹6,100). Biometrics: $85 CAD (≈₹5,200). VFS service fee: ₹2,000–3,000. Medical exam: ₹6,000–12,000. Canadian health insurance: $600–$2,500 CAD/year (varies by age and health). Total out-of-pocket cost: approximately ₹75,000–₹2,00,000 per person depending on age and health status.

Does the Super Visa lead to permanent residency?

No. The Super Visa is strictly a temporary visitor status. It does not lead to PR directly. However, if your child sponsors you through the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) — a separate immigration program — you can eventually obtain PR. The Super Visa and PGP are separate programs; many families use the Super Visa for extended visits while waiting for the PGP lottery.

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