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Canada Super Visa for Parents and Grandparents (2026)

Stay up to 5 years per visit. Review current 2026 Super Visa income, insurance and application requirements from IRCC.

Processing time: 4-16 weeks

Verified on: October 4, 2026

Check my eligibility Official IRCC website

Who is this program for

The Super Visa is for parents and grandparents of a Canadian citizen, permanent resident or person registered under the Indian Act. Their host must be their child or grandchild, be at least 18 and live in Canada, meet the minimum necessary income and provide an invitation letter. The applicant must apply from outside Canada, complete a medical exam and provide insurance meeting IRCC rules.

Main criteria

Be the parent or grandparent of a Canadian citizen or permanent resident

The host must meet the minimum necessary income under one of IRCC’s permitted calculation methods

Have private health insurance valid for at least one year, with at least $100,000 CAD coverage, from an eligible insurer

Pass an immigration medical exam

Receive an invitation letter from the child/grandchild in Canada

Not be inadmissible to Canada

Process steps

1. Child in Canada prepares invitation letter

The host writes an invitation letter with a promise of financial support, the people included in the family-size calculation and the status and income evidence required by IRCC.

2. Purchase medical insurance

Purchase private health insurance of at least $100,000 CAD, valid for at least one year from entry. The insurer must be Canadian or a foreign company approved by the minister; check current IRCC rules.

3. Complete medical exam

Complete a medical exam with an IRCC-designated physician in your country. The exam must be done BEFORE submitting the application.

4. Gather documents

Prepare all documents: passport, invitation letter, proof of child's funds, medical insurance policy, photos, proof of family relationship.

5. Submit application

Submit your Super Visa application online through the IRCC portal or at a Visa Application Centre (VAC).

6. Biometrics

Provide your biometrics at a designated collection point if you haven't done so in the last 10 years.

7. Receive Super Visa

If approved, submit your passport for Super Visa stamping. Once received, you can travel to Canada and stay for up to 5 years per visit.

Typical documents

Valid passport

Invitation letter from child/grandchild in Canada

Proof of child's Canadian citizenship or permanent residence

Proof of child's income (Notice of Assessment, T4, pay stubs)

Medical insurance policy ($100,000 CAD minimum, 1 year)

Immigration medical exam results

Proof of family relationship (birth certificates, marriage)

IRCC-compliant photos

Form IMM 5257 (visa application)

This list is not exhaustive. Required documents may vary depending on your situation.

Common mistakes to avoid

⚠️Child in Canada does not have minimum required income
⚠️Insufficient medical insurance (coverage or duration)
⚠️Not completing medical exam before application
⚠️Incomplete invitation letter or missing information
⚠️Insufficient proof of family relationship

Important note: Since March 31, 2026, IRCC allows more than one way to meet the minimum necessary income, including using either of the previous two tax years and, under conditions, adding part of the applicant parent or grandparent’s income. The threshold depends on family size. Processing times vary by country; check IRCC’s current official tool.

Processing time

4-16 weeks

Estimated time. May vary based on application volume.

Check current processing times

Interested in this program?

Book an appointment for a personalized consultation and check your eligibility.

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