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Pathway

Canada Parent and Grandparent Super Visa

Canada Other
Pathway overview

At a glance

If your child or grandchild is a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or person registered under the Indian Act, the Parent and Grandparent Super Visa may let you visit for longer periods. It can allow multiple entries for up to ten years and, for current applications, stays of up to five years at a time.

Host
Your child or grandchild, age 18 or over and living in Canada, with citizenship, permanent residence, or Indian Act registration
Financial support
The host must meet the income rules and sign a letter promising support
Health requirements
Medical exam and at least CAD 100,000 insurance for one year; paid in full or installments with a deposit

Summary

Canada’s super visa allows eligible parents and grandparents to make extended family visits, including while permanent-residence sponsorship is closed or uncertain. It remains temporary visitor permission. It requires a qualifying Canadian host, income support, private health insurance, a medical exam, and visitor-intent evidence.

This visitor route remains open while the permanent Parents and Grandparents Program is paused. A Super Visa gives temporary visitor status; it does not itself lead to permanent residence.

Could this pathway work for you?

Eligibility

The applicant must apply from outside Canada and have a host who:

Income rules changed on March 31, 2026. The current instructions can allow qualifying income evidence from either of the two preceding tax years, and in the alternative calculation may combine qualifying recent Canadian host income with documented applicant income. Family size and existing financial support commitments must be counted correctly; use IRCC's current form and table.

The applicant must also:

Prepare documents from both the host and visitor
  1. Check the family connection An eligible parent or grandparent applies from outside Canada.
  2. Confirm the host's support Check the host's Canadian status, residence, family size, income, and signed invitation.
  3. Complete the visitor application Arrange insurance that meets the rules and provide the remaining documents.

The Super Visa allows a temporary visit. It does not give permanent residence.

What This Route Allows

An approved applicant can seek entry for up to five years per visit. A person in Canada may apply before status expires for an extension of up to two years; approval is not automatic.

Visa-exempt applicants can also qualify. They receive an IRCC letter for the border and may separately need an electronic travel authorization for air travel. Each entry remains subject to examination, valid insurance, and immigration entry requirements.

What This Route Is Not

The Super Visa is not permanent residence, does not authorize ordinary work or study, and does not guarantee entry. Dependents cannot be included in the application; a spouse or other traveling relative needs their own status.

Provincial health coverage should not be assumed. The holder must maintain qualifying private insurance during the stay and show proof on request and on re-entry.

Next Steps

  1. Confirm the exact parent or grandparent relationship and the host's Canadian status and residence.
  2. Calculate family size and income using IRCC's post-March 31, 2026 instructions and current income table.
  3. Obtain the signed invitation letter and the correct tax and recent-income evidence, including any permitted co-signer or applicant income.
  4. Purchase an insurance policy that meets the rules and verify the actual underwriter against IRCC's foreign-insurer rules if it is not Canadian.
  5. Complete the immigration medical exam and prepare documents about your plans for a temporary visit, identity, family connection, finances, and entry eligibility.
  6. Apply from outside Canada and carry current insurance and supporting documents on every entry.

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Discussed in these reports

Other routes in Canada.

Sources