The Super Visa is a multiple-entry visa for parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens or permanent residents. It allows them to visit their family in Canada for long periods without the need for frequent renewals.
Key Features & Recent Changes (2025)
- Stay per Entry: Super Visa holders may be granted up to five years of stay per entry.
- Extensions: While in Canada, holders can apply to extend their stay for up to two additional years, making a maximum stay of seven consecutive years possible.
- Visa Validity: The visa itself is usually valid for up to ten years (or until the passport expires) and allows multiple entries.
- Health Insurance Options: Since January 2025, applicants can now purchase medical insurance from approved international insurance providers as well as Canadian companies, provided the coverage meets Canadian requirements.
- Insurance Requirements: The insurance must cover emergency, hospitalization, and repatriation costs of at least CAD 100,000, be valid for at least one year, and be fully paid or otherwise guaranteed.
Eligibility
- You must be the parent or grandparent of a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.
- Your child or grandchild in Canada must provide a letter of invitation and meet the minimum income requirements set by the government.
- You must pass a medical examination and be admissible to Canada.
- You must maintain valid private medical insurance throughout your stay.
- At the port of entry, a border officer will determine the authorized length of your stay (up to the 5-year maximum).
Why Families Choose the Super Visa
- Longer stays: Compared to the regular visitor visa, the Super Visa provides much longer authorized stays.
- Flexibility: Families can visit Canada multiple times during the visa’s 10-year validity.
- Alternative to Sponsorship: Because the Parents and Grandparents Sponsorship Program has limited spots and long wait times, the Super Visa offers a practical temporary alternative while maintaining close family ties.
- More Insurance Options: With international providers now approved, applicants have more choice and potentially more affordable coverage.
