The Super Visa
A Faster Pathway to Family Reunification in Canada
Standard Visitor Visa
6
Months
Super Visa
5
Years
The Super Visa allows parents and grandparents to stay for up to 5 consecutive years per visit, a significant increase over a standard visitor visa.
What is the Super Visa?
It's a multi-entry visitor visa for parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens and permanent residents. It provides a reliable, long-term option for families to spend extended time together without the uncertainty of the permanent residency sponsorship lottery.
Who Can Apply? A Dual Checklist
For the Applicant (Parent/Grandparent)
- ✓Must be the parent/grandparent of a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.
- ✓Must apply from outside Canada and be admissible.
- ✓Pass a mandatory immigration medical exam.
- ✓Show proof of private Canadian medical insurance of at least $100,000 for one year.
For the Sponsor (Child/Grandchild)
- ✓Must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.
- ✓Provide a signed letter of invitation with a promise of financial support.
- ✓Meet the minimum Low Income Cut-Off (LICO) for their family size.
Sponsor Income Requirement (LICO)
The sponsor must demonstrate they meet the minimum income necessary to support their family and the visiting relatives. The required amount increases with the size of the family unit.
The Application Process in 4 Steps
Super Visa vs. PGP Sponsorship
While both pathways unite families, they serve different purposes. The Super Visa is for long-term visits, whereas the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) is for permanent residency. Key differences include processing time and application accessibility.
Average Processing Time
The Super Visa is processed significantly faster, allowing families to reunite in months, not years.
Application Opportunity
The Super Visa is always open, while the PGP is a limited-intake lottery, making it highly competitive.
