A Parent and Grandparent ‘Super Visa’ allows an individual to travel to and stay in Canada for up to five years at a time in order to visit their children or grandchildren. It is an ideal option for someone who wants to visit Canada for longer than the six months typically allowed by a visitor visa, but who is unwilling or unable to wait for or acquire permanent residence under the Parents and Grandparents Sponsorship Visa Program.
Who can apply for a Parent and Grandparent Super Visa?
To be eligible to apply for this visa, you must:
- intend to be hosted by your child or grandchild, who:
- is a citizen or permanent resident of Canada, or a ‘registered Indian’
- is aged at least 18
- lives in Canada
- can give a formal, written guarantee of financial support for the duration of your visit
- take an immigration medical exam (if you are applying from or have recently visited certain countries)
- be located outside Canada when you submit your application
- have a private health insurance policy lasting at least one year and providing at least CAD $100,000 emergency cover
Your sponsor (i.e. your child or grandchild) will also need to meet minimum income requirements in order to support your application. The precise amount required will depend on the size of their family.
| Number of family members | Annual gross income required |
| 1 | CAD 29,380 |
| 2 | CAD 36,576 |
| 3 | CAD 44,966 |
| 4 | CAD 54,594 |
| 5 | CAD 61,920 |
| 6 | CAD 69,834 |
| 7 | CAD 77,750 |
| If more than 7 people, for each additional person add: | CAD 7,916 |
Bank statements, payslips, employment contracts and tax certificates are examples of documents accepted as proof of funds for potential sponsors.
What does a Parent and Grandparent Super Visa offer?
A Parent and Grandparent Super Visa allows holders to:
- visit their children or grandchildren in Canada for up to five years at a time
- enter Canada multiple times over a period of ten years
This visa does not confer any rights to work or study in Canada. You must also be prepared to demonstrate when entering Canada that you have genuine intentions to leave Canada at or before the end of your stay. You should therefore ensure that your passport is up-to-date and has a significant number of years’ validity remaining.
Individuals who would normally not require a visa to visit Canada due to an exemption can still apply for a Parent and Grandparent Super Visa and potentially benefit from the longer stay period. You may still have to apply for an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) if travelling to Canada by air.
How do I apply for a Parent and Grandparent Super Visa?
In order to apply for this super visa, you will need:
- a letter of invitation from your child or grandchild, which should include:
- a promise to financially support you during your stay
- the names and dates of birth of each family member included in the calculation of family size (for the income requirement)
- proof that your child or grandchild (either alone or with their spouse or common-law partner) meets the minimum income requirement
- proof of your child or grandchild’s citizenship, permanent residence or registered Indian status
- proof of your relationship with your child or grandchild (e.g. a birth certificate)
- proof that you have suitable health insurance
- results from your medical exam (if applicable)
Once you have gathered your supporting information, you can submit your application online. You should be prepared also to book an appointment to provide your fingerprints and photograph (biometrics) at a Visa Application Centre.
The cost of applying for a Parent and Grandparent Super Visa is around CAD $100 for the application itself, plus CAD $85 for submitting your biometrics. If you require a medical exam, you should expect to pay between CAD $200 and CAD $300 or equivalent.
The processing time for Canadian Super Visa applications typically ranges from two to five months, but can vary depending on your personal situation and whether any additional information is required by Canadian authorities to reach a decision.