Since January 1, 2026, new applications to sponsor parents and grandparents for PR have been paused, so the super visa is now the main way to bring your parents to Canada for a long stay.

Who can get a super visa

• a parent or grandparent of a Canadian citizen, PR or person registered under the Indian Act;
• their spouse or common-law partner can come with them (for example, the host's step-parent). Other family members can't be included in the application;
• you must apply from outside Canada;
• you need medical insurance, a medical exam, and you must be admissible to Canada.

Requirements for the host

The host must be the applicant's biological or adopted child or grandchild, aged 18 or older and living in Canada. The host writes a letter of invitation that includes:

• a promise of financial support for the entire visit;
• the list and number of people counted in the host's family size, with their names and dates of birth.

The host must also show that their income meets IRCC's minimum threshold for their family size. Income can be shown for either of the last two tax years. And if it isn't enough, since March 31, 2026, up to a quarter of the amount can be covered by the parents' own income — a pension, salary from remote work, or business or rental income. We will check whether you qualify during a consultation.

Medical insurance

• coverage of at least $100,000 for health care, hospitalization and repatriation;
• valid for at least 1 year from the date of entry, and required for each entry;
• issued by a Canadian insurance company or by a foreign insurer authorized by OSFI;
• paid in full or in instalments with a deposit — quotes aren't accepted.

Carry proof of paid insurance with you at the border.

How long you can stay in Canada

With a super visa, you can stay in Canada for up to 5 years per entry, even if the border officer doesn't stamp your passport. If you need to stay longer, you can apply from inside Canada to extend your stay (visitor record) for up to 2 more years. The extension fee is $100.

The super visa is a multiple-entry visa valid for up to 10 years, but never beyond the expiry of your passport or biometrics.

How to apply and what it costs

You apply online from outside Canada. It is best to have the medical exam with an IRCC-approved panel physician before you apply and include proof. The fee is $100, plus $85 for biometrics ($170 per family). Citizens of visa-exempt countries don't need a visa: after approval they receive a letter to show the border officer, and they need an eTA to fly.

Processing usually takes several months — much longer than a regular visitor visa. Current processing times by country are published on the IRCC website.

Super visa vs. regular visitor visa

• a visitor visa usually allows stays of up to 6 months per entry; a super visa allows up to 5 years;
• a super visa requires one year of insurance, a medical exam and proof of the host's income;
• a super visa is only for parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens and PRs;
• a visitor visa may be issued as single-entry, while the super visa is multiple-entry.

If your parents are coming for a few weeks or months, a visitor visa is simpler.

Why super visas are refused

According to IRCC, most refusals are about documents: the host's income isn't proven, the insurance doesn't meet the requirements, or the officer isn't satisfied that the parents will leave at the end of their stay. The general visitor rules also apply: ties to the home country, travel history and finances.

Common mistakes

• submitting an insurance quote instead of a paid policy;
• an insurer that isn't Canadian and isn't authorized by OSFI;
• an invitation letter without a promise of financial support or the list of family members;
• applying while in Canada.

How can ViBK IMMIGRATION CONSULTING help you?

• We check whether you meet the host requirements.
• We check that the insurance policy meets the requirements.
• We write the invitation letter and put together the document package.
• We fill out the forms and submit the application.
• We extend your parents' stay in Canada when needed.
• If you were refused, we analyze the reasons and prepare a new application.

Book a consultation — we will review your situation in detail and find the right solution for you.