Super visa for parents and grandparents
Parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens, permanent residents, or registered Indians who want to visit for a long stay without applying for permanent residence.
Steps, in order
- The host child or grandchild in Canada writes and signs a letter of invitation and confirms they meet the minimum necessary income for their family size.
- The applicant, from outside Canada, arranges private health insurance valid for at least one year from entry and completes an immigration medical exam.
- Apply online with the invitation letter, proof of relationship, proof of the host's status, insurance, and medical exam.
- If approved, travel with the visa or letter as instructed; each entry can allow a stay of up to five years, with extensions possible from inside Canada.
Who is eligible — the essentials
- The host must be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or registered Indian, at least 18 years old, living in Canada, and meeting the minimum necessary income.
- The applicant must apply from outside Canada, be admissible, show qualifying health insurance, and take a medical exam.
- Even visa-exempt parents and grandparents can use a super visa to get the longer authorized stay.
Documents you will usually need
- Signed letter of invitation from the host child or grandchild
- Proof of the host's status in Canada and of the family relationship
- Proof of private health insurance valid for at least one year from entry
- Proof of a completed immigration medical exam
- Evidence the host meets the minimum necessary income
Common mistakes
- Buying insurance that does not cover the full first year or is not from a qualifying insurer.
- Miscalculating family size for the income test, especially when previous sponsorships are still in effect.
- Confusing the super visa with permanent residence sponsorship — it is a temporary visit document.
Official source
General information only — not legal advice. Immigration rules change. Always check the official source above before applying.