SUPER VISA CANADA 2026

WHAT THE SUPER VISA ACTUALLY GIVES YOUR FAMILY

The Super Visa is a multiple-entry visitor visa issued exclusively to parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens or permanent residents. It gives them something the standard visitor visa cannot: the ability to stay continuously for up to 5 years per visit, on a visa that remains valid for 10 years from issuance. That means your parents can arrive in January and stay through the following January — and the January after that — without leaving and re-entering.

Unlike the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP), the Super Visa is not a lottery. There is no annual cap on approvals, no randomized selection process, and no waiting for IRCC to open an intake window. If your parents meet the eligibility requirements, they apply — and in most cases, receive a decision within a few weeks to a few months depending on the visa office handling their application. For families waiting on a PGP file that may take 2–4+ years to resolve, the Super Visa is the practical bridge that keeps everyone together in the meantime.

The Super Visa is particularly valuable because the same visa can be reused across multiple entries over its 10-year validity. Your parents can visit, return home, and come back again — and each time they enter Canada, they can stay up to 5 years. No renewal required mid-stay if they plan their trips properly.

SUPER VISA ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

The eligibility rules apply to two parties: the Canadian host (the citizen or PR child or grandchild) and the applicant (the parent or grandparent applying for the visa). Both must meet their respective requirements for the application to succeed.

The Canadian host must:

• Be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident currently residing in Canada
• Meet the Minimum Necessary Income (MNI) threshold for their household size (see income table below)
• Provide a signed invitation letter confirming they will financially support the visiting parent or grandparent during the stay

The parent or grandparent applicant must:

• Be the parent or grandparent of the Canadian host (biological, adoptive, or step-parent relationships all qualify)
• Obtain private Canadian medical insurance with at least CAD $100,000 coverage, valid for a minimum of one year from entry
• Complete an Immigration Medical Examination (IME) with an IRCC-designated panel physician in their home country
• Be admissible to Canada — no criminal history, no active removal orders, no security concerns
• Demonstrate genuine intent to return to their home country at the end of the authorized stay (ties to home country: property, family members, employment, financial assets)
• Have a valid travel document (passport) with sufficient remaining validity to cover the proposed visit

2025 INCOME REQUIREMENTS — LICO+30% TABLE

The Minimum Necessary Income (MNI) for the Super Visa is calculated at the Low Income Cut-Off (LICO) plus 30%. Your household size for this calculation includes every person in your Canadian household plus the parent(s) or grandparent(s) you are inviting. IRCC updates these figures annually — the figures below are based on 2025 LICO thresholds. Confirm current-year figures on the IRCC website before submitting your application.

Household Size	Minimum Necessary Income (LICO+30%)	Example Scenario
2 people	~$35,700 CAD	You (single) + 1 parent
3 people	~$43,900 CAD	You + spouse + 1 parent
4 people	~$54,700 CAD	You + spouse + 2 parents
5 people	~$61,800 CAD	You + spouse + 1 child + 2 parents
6 people	~$69,700 CAD	You + spouse + 2 children + 2 parents
7+ people	~$77,600 CAD	Larger household + parents

Your income is verified using your most recent Notice of Assessment (NOA) from the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA). If your income is close to the threshold, additional supporting documents such as pay stubs, T4 slips, and an employment letter can help demonstrate current income. If your NOA income falls short but your current employment income now comfortably meets the threshold, VisaScope can advise on how to present this effectively.

Important: If you and your spouse or partner are co-signing the invitation, both of your incomes can be combined to meet the MNI — you do not need to qualify on one income alone. The combined household income simply needs to exceed the threshold for your total household size.

CANADIAN MEDICAL INSURANCE: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

The insurance requirement is one of the most frequently misunderstood aspects of the Super Visa — and one of the most common reasons applications are delayed or refused. Here is exactly what IRCC requires, and what to watch for when purchasing a policy.

Minimum requirements:

• Coverage of at least CAD $100,000 for emergency medical care, hospitalization, and repatriation
• Policy must be issued by a Canadian insurance provider (a company licensed to operate in Canada)
• Policy must be valid for a minimum of one year from the date of expected entry into Canada
• Policy must be valid and in force at the time of the Super Visa application

Accepted Canadian insurance providers include: Manulife Financial, Sun Life Financial, Blue Cross (provincial plans), Allianz Care Canada, Industrial Alliance, and Medipac. There are several others — the key requirement is Canadian licensing, not a specific company.

What to watch out for:

• Pre-existing condition exclusions: Many standard travel insurance policies exclude pre-existing conditions. If your parents have any existing health conditions, purchase a plan that explicitly covers stable pre-existing conditions — or ensure the exclusion is acceptable given your parents' health profile.
• Policy start date: The policy must be active at the time of application, not just at the time of arrival. Purchase the policy before submitting the Super Visa application.
• Annual vs. monthly billing: Some insurers offer monthly payment plans. Ensure the policy is guaranteed for the full year, not cancellable month-to-month — IRCC requires a full one-year commitment.
• Confirmation letter: The insurer must provide a formal confirmation letter or policy certificate. Screenshots or email confirmations are generally not sufficient — you need an official policy document to include in the application package.

Annual premiums typically range from approximately $800–$2,500 CAD per person per year depending on age, health history, and coverage level. Older applicants (70+) or those with pre-existing conditions should budget toward the higher end. VisaScope can provide guidance on coverage levels appropriate to your parents' situation.

HOW THE SUPER VISA COMPARES TO THE PARENTS AND GRANDPARENTS PROGRAM

The Super Visa and the PGP serve fundamentally different purposes. Understanding the distinction helps you plan realistically:

Feature	Super Visa	PGP (Permanent Residence)
Immigration status	Temporary resident (visitor)	Permanent resident
Length of stay per entry	Up to 5 years	Indefinite
Visa validity	10 years (multiple-entry)	PR card valid 5 years (renewable)
Healthcare access	Private insurance required	Provincial health coverage
Work authorization	Not permitted	Permitted (open work)
Path to citizenship	No	Yes (after 3 of 5 years in Canada)
Application process	Direct — no lottery	Annual lottery with limited spots
Typical wait time	Weeks to months	2–4+ years (if selected)
Annual cap	No cap	Yes — limited spots per year
Government fee	CAD $100 (visitor visa fee)	CAD $1,525 per person sponsored (processing + RPRF)

Many families pursue both programs simultaneously: applying for the Super Visa immediately for shorter-term visits, while also submitting a PGP application for long-term permanent residence. VisaScope advises on how to structure both files strategically so one does not interfere with the other.

COMPLETE DOCUMENT CHECKLIST

A well-organized application package is the single most effective way to avoid delays, procedural fairness letters, and refusals. Every document in this checklist must be present, consistent, and properly formatted before submission.

From the Canadian host (sponsor):

• Signed invitation letter on letterhead (or well-formatted personal letter) confirming the relationship, the intended visit duration, financial support, and the host's address in Canada
• Most recent Notice of Assessment (NOA) from CRA confirming income meets MNI
• Current T4 slips and recent pay stubs (last 3 months) if employed
• Employment letter from employer confirming current position, salary, and employment type (permanent vs. contract)
• If self-employed: business license, recent business bank statements, and accountant letter confirming income
• Proof of Canadian citizenship or permanent residence (citizenship certificate, PR card, or passport)
• Proof of Canadian address (utility bill, lease agreement, or mortgage statement)

From the parent or grandparent applicant:

• Valid passport with at least 6 months of validity beyond the intended stay, plus copies of all previously used passports
• Two recent passport-size photographs meeting IRCC photo specifications
• Completed IRCC application forms: IMM 5257 (Visitor Visa application), IMM 5645 (Family Information), and IMM 5409 (if applicable)
• Confirmation of completed Immigration Medical Examination (IME) from a designated panel physician
• Canadian medical insurance policy confirmation document (not just an email — the official policy certificate showing CAD $100,000+ coverage for 1 year)
• Evidence of ties to home country: property ownership documents, evidence of family members remaining abroad, proof of employment or pension, bank account statements
• Travel history: copies of previous visas and entry/exit stamps from other countries (demonstrates travel compliance history)
• If applicable: marriage certificate (to establish relationship to the Canadian host), birth certificate, adoption documents
• Payment of the CAD $100 visitor visa fee (paid online during IRCC portal submission)

PROCESSING TIMES BY COUNTRY — 2025 ESTIMATES

Super Visa processing times are not uniform — they depend on the IRCC visa office processing the application, the applicant's nationality, and the current workload at that office. IRCC publishes current processing time estimates on their website. The figures below are general reference ranges as of 2025; always check IRCC's live tool before planning your timeline.

Country of Residence	Typical Processing Range	Notes
India	2 – 5 months	High-volume office; complete packages reduce delays
Philippines	1 – 3 months	Generally faster processing
Pakistan	3 – 7 months	Additional scrutiny common; strong ties evidence critical
Mexico	2 – 4 months	Relatively consistent timelines
China	2 – 4 months	Volume has increased post-pandemic
Nigeria	4 – 8 months	Ties to home country evidence is especially important
United States	2 – 6 weeks	IRCC Buffalo office; fastest overall
United Kingdom	4 – 8 weeks	Generally faster than global average

Processing time is measured from the date IRCC receives a complete application — not from the date you start preparing. An application flagged as incomplete resets the clock. VisaScope reviews every application for completeness before submission to avoid procedural delays.

EXTENDING YOUR PARENTS' STAY IN CANADA

One of the most practical — and underused — features of the Super Visa is the ability to extend your parents' stay without them having to leave Canada. Here is how it works:

Your parents can apply to extend their authorized stay from inside Canada by submitting an application for an extension of status to IRCC before their current authorized period expires. The application is submitted online through the IRCC portal. There is a CAD $100 fee per person.

Key rules:

• Apply at least 30–90 days before the expiry date on the visitor record (or the date in their passport, whichever governs their status)
• Once an extension application is submitted before expiry, your parents have implied status — they can legally remain in Canada while the extension is pending, even if the original authorized date passes
• Extensions under the Super Visa are subject to the 5-year-per-entry maximum — you cannot get a total stay of more than 5 continuous years on a single Super Visa entry
• Your parents' Canadian medical insurance must remain valid throughout the extended period — if the original policy expires mid-extension, it must be renewed
• When your parents eventually leave Canada and re-enter on the same Super Visa (which may still have years of validity remaining), the 5-year clock resets and they can stay another 5 years

If your parents overstay their authorized period without applying for an extension, they fall out of status. A restoration of status application can be filed within 90 days of losing status, but it is not guaranteed. VisaScope strongly recommends monitoring expiry dates carefully and applying for extensions proactively.

WHY SUPER VISA APPLICATIONS GET REFUSED — AND HOW TO AVOID IT

The Super Visa has a high approval rate when applications are properly prepared — but refusals do happen, and most are preventable. Here are the most common reasons IRCC officers refuse Super Visa applications, and what to do about each one.

1. Insufficient ties to the home country
The most common reason for refusal. The visa officer must be satisfied that your parents will genuinely return home at the end of their authorized stay. If your parents own no property abroad, have no close family members remaining in their home country, are retired with no professional obligations, and have all their children in Canada — the officer may conclude there is limited reason for them to return. Address this proactively in the application by documenting ties: property ownership, bank accounts, pension entitlements, other family members abroad, long-term lease agreements, or ongoing community/religious involvement.

2. Income below the MNI threshold
Even a small shortfall below the LICO+30% threshold will result in refusal — IRCC does not grant exceptions. If your NOA income is close to the threshold, support it with a current employment letter confirming your present salary, recent pay stubs, and if applicable, combine with a co-signing spouse or partner's income.

3. Insurance that does not meet requirements
Policies with insufficient coverage ($100,000 minimum), wrong start dates, non-Canadian insurers, or unclear terms regarding hospitalization and repatriation will cause a refusal. Obtain a formal policy certificate, not just an email receipt. Verify coverage amounts, policy dates, and that the insurer is licensed in Canada.

4. Medical inadmissibility
If the Immigration Medical Examination reveals a condition flagged by IRCC as a potential excessive demand on the Canadian health system, the officer may find your parents inadmissible. VisaScope can assess the risk level based on the condition and advise on whether a Medical Officer's opinion is likely to be requested.

5. Inconsistent or incomplete application package
Missing documents, contradictions between the invitation letter and the application forms, unsigned forms, photos that do not meet specifications, or poorly translated documents all lead to delays or refusals. Review every document for consistency before submission.

If your application is refused: A refusal is not permanent. You can reapply immediately if you address the stated reasons for refusal. VisaScope regularly assists families in resubmitting previously refused applications with stronger supporting evidence.

THE APPLICATION PROCESS — STEP BY STEP

Here is the exact sequence of steps for a successful Super Visa application:

1. Confirm your household income: Pull your most recent Notice of Assessment from CRA and verify you meet the LICO+30% threshold for your household size including the parent(s) you are inviting. If income is close, gather current employment documentation to supplement the NOA.
2. Purchase Canadian medical insurance: Contact Canadian insurers (Manulife, Sun Life, Blue Cross, Allianz, etc.) and obtain a policy for your parent(s) with at least CAD $100,000 coverage, valid for one full year from their expected entry date. Obtain the official policy certificate — not just a quote or email confirmation.
3. Book the Immigration Medical Examination: Your parents must attend an exam with an IRCC-designated panel physician in their home country. Results are transmitted directly to IRCC electronically. Book early — wait times for panel physicians vary by country and can be several weeks. The IME is valid for one year.
4. Prepare the complete application package: Compile all documents from both the Canadian host and the applicant (see checklist above). Complete IRCC forms IMM 5257 and IMM 5645. Write the invitation letter. Ensure all documents are consistent and current. If any documents are not in English or French, certified translations are required.
5. Submit the application online: Super Visa applications are submitted through the IRCC portal (IRCC Secure Account). Pay the CAD $100 application fee per person. Biometrics are typically required for first-time applicants from most countries — your parents will receive instructions on where and how to complete biometrics after submitting.
6. Track and respond to IRCC: After submission, IRCC may request additional documents or an interview. Respond promptly and completely — delays in responding slow down the entire file. VisaScope monitors active files and handles IRCC correspondence on your behalf.
7. Visa issuance and travel: Once approved, your parents will receive a visa stamp in their passport (for passport-required countries) or an electronic travel authorization linked to their document. Review the authorized period on the stamp before travel — the date authorized by the border officer at entry governs the actual allowed stay.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS — SUPER VISA CANADA 2026

SUPER VISA TORONTO — SERVING PARENTS AND GRANDPARENTS ACROSS THE GTA

VisaScope is a Toronto-based RCIC firm at 51 E Liberty St, Suite 2106, serving Canadian citizens and permanent residents who want to bring their parents or grandparents to Canada on a Super Visa. The GTA is home to one of the largest South Asian, East Asian, Southeast Asian, Caribbean, and West African diaspora communities in North America — and the Super Visa is the most practical way to have extended family visit for months at a time while PGP applications are pending.

We serve hosts in all communities across the Greater Toronto Area, including:

• Toronto — Scarborough, North York, Etobicoke, East York, Brampton Road corridor, and downtown
• Mississauga — Peel Region, one of the highest Super Visa application volumes in Canada
• Brampton — one of the fastest-growing South Asian communities in Ontario
• Markham and Richmond Hill — York Region with significant Chinese, Filipino, and South Asian sponsor populations
• Vaughan — rapidly growing South Asian and Italian community
• Oakville and Burlington — Halton Region
• Ajax, Pickering, and Whitby — Durham Region east corridor

Whether your parents are coming from India, Pakistan, the Philippines, Jamaica, Sri Lanka, China, Nigeria, or anywhere else, VisaScope prepares the complete Super Visa package — income documentation, insurance coordination, invitation letter, IME tracking, and application submission — for hosts anywhere in the GTA. Virtual consultations available by video or phone.