1
Applicant
Parent or Grandparent
The applicant must be the parent or grandparent of an eligible host in Canada and must apply from outside Canada.
Eligibility Snapshot
Start with the relationship, host and applicant requirements
A Super Visa is not a general visitor visa. It is specifically for eligible parents and grandparents visiting an eligible host in Canada for extended stays.
2
Host in Canada
Eligible Child or Grandchild
The host must be at least 18, live in Canada, have qualifying Canadian status and meet the income requirement.
3
Applicant Conditions
Insurance + Medical + Visitor Test
The applicant needs qualifying private health insurance, an immigration medical exam and must still satisfy normal temporary-resident and admissibility requirements.
Important: a Super Visa is still a temporary resident process. Family relationship and income alone do not guarantee approval. IRCC also considers the purpose of visit, home-country ties, finances and whether the applicant is a genuine temporary visitor.
Major 2026 Update
Super Visa income is now assessed in two different ways
Starting March 31, 2026, IRCC introduced more flexible income calculations. Use this quick viewer for the current published minimum by family size, then use SIA's full calculator for a complete assessment.
Family size can include the host, spouse/common-law partner, dependent children, Super Visa applicants, certain previously hosted Super Visa holders and people still covered by sponsorship undertakings.
Open Full Eligibility Calculator →Current minimum necessary income$38,002for a family size of 2
Option 1100%host/co-signer can meet full amount in either of the 2 preceding tax years
Option 2$28,502host/co-signer needs at least 75%; applicant income may cover the balance
Current published table: 1 = $30,526; 2 = $38,002; 3 = $46,720; 4 = $56,724; 5 = $64,336; 6 = $72,560; 7 = $80,784; add $8,224 for each additional person. IRCC can update these figures, so confirm immediately before filing.
Private Medical Insurance
The policy must satisfy every Super Visa insurance condition
1Y
Minimum 1 Year
Coverage must be valid for at least one year from the date of entry to Canada and valid for each entry.
$
$100,000 Minimum
The policy must provide at least CAD $100,000 in emergency coverage and cover health care, hospitalization and repatriation.
✓
Canadian or Approved Foreign Insurer
Coverage may come from a Canadian insurer or an insurance company outside Canada that meets the current ministerial approval requirements.
A quote alone is not accepted. The policy must be paid in full or under an accepted instalment arrangement with a deposit, and proof should be available for border review.
Document Planning
Build the application around proof, not just forms
Host / Invitation Package
- Signed invitation letter with promise of financial support
- Proof of Canadian citizenship, permanent residence or registered Indian status
- Proof of relationship to the parent or grandparent
- Family-size calculation
- Income evidence under the chosen 2026 income method
Applicant Package
- Valid passport and identity documents
- Qualifying private medical insurance
- Immigration medical examination
- Evidence of purpose, finances and home-country ties
- Travel history and other supporting evidence relevant to temporary residence
Longer Visits
Up to 5 years at a time under current rules
Super Visa ≠ Permanent Residence
For Super Visa applications made on or after June 22, 2023, eligible travellers can generally stay in Canada for up to 5 years at a time. They must continue to maintain valid visitor status and either leave Canada or apply to extend their stay before authorized status expires.
Application Roadmap
A clean six-step Super Visa process
1
Confirm relationshipCheck applicant-host relationship and host status.2
Count family sizeInclude every person required by IRCC's family-size rules.3
Choose income methodAssess Option 1 or the new Option 2 calculation.4
Arrange insuranceConfirm insurer, duration, coverage and payment requirements.5
Medical + documentsComplete the immigration medical and supporting evidence.6
Apply & prepare travelSubmit from outside Canada and follow visa-office instructions.Frequently Asked Questions
Quick Super Visa answers
Can the visiting parent or grandparent's income now help?
Yes, under the March 31, 2026 Option 2 method, the host and co-signer must first show at least 75% of the required amount. The Super Visa applicant's qualifying income may then be added to cover the balance, with evidence that the income will continue while in Canada.
Does a visa-exempt parent still benefit from a Super Visa?
Yes. A visa-exempt eligible applicant can still receive Super Visa recognition for an extended stay, but may separately need an eTA for air travel depending on their circumstances.
Does approval guarantee five years at the border?
The Super Visa program permits extended stays under current rules, but admission remains subject to examination at the port of entry and the traveller must continue to meet entry requirements.
Check the full Super Visa eligibility before buying insurance
Family size, income method, insurance and applicant circumstances should be reviewed together before filing.
Official Information Sources
Figures and rules on this page were checked against IRCC. Official amounts and requirements can change, so confirm the current IRCC sources before you apply.
Information reviewed: August 28, 2026. Information is general and does not guarantee visa issuance or entry to Canada.
