Visiting Canada
Super visa for parents and grandparents
The super visa lets parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens and permanent residents stay in Canada for up to five years at a time. The child or grandchild invites them in writing and must meet a minimum income. The parent needs a medical exam and private health insurance for at least one year.
Who can get a super visa?
- Parents and grandparents of a Canadian citizen, permanent resident or registered Indian who lives in Canada.
- Families who want longer visits than a visitor visa gives.
- The parent applies from outside Canada. A spouse applies on their own form; other dependants cannot be added.
How do you apply for a super visa?
- You write and sign a letter inviting your parent, promising to support them during the visit.
- We check your income against IRCC's minimum for your household size.
- Your parent buys health insurance that meets IRCC's rules and does an immigration medical exam.
- We prepare and submit the application. Your parent gives biometrics if asked.
- Once approved, a visa office outside Canada puts the visa in the passport.
What documents do you need for a super visa?
- Your letter of invitation, with your household size and a copy of your status document.
- Proof of your income, such as a notice of assessment, T4s or a job letter.
- Proof you are their child or grandchild, such as birth certificates.
- Proof of private health insurance for at least one year from entry, from a Canadian insurer or an approved foreign insurer.
- The medical exam results.
IRCC sets the exact list for each application. We give you a checklist for your own file.
Why are super visas refused?
- Your income is below the minimum for your household size.
- The insurance does not meet IRCC's rules or does not cover the full first year.
- The officer is not sure your parent will leave at the end of the stay.
- The relationship is not clearly proven.
How can Blue Chip help?
- We count your household size correctly. People often get this wrong.
- We check the insurance policy before you pay for it.
- We show your parent's ties to home clearly.
- When your parent is in Canada and wants to stay longer, we handle the extension.
Common questions
How long does a super visa last?
Each stay can be up to five years. The visa itself can be valid for up to 10 years, and they can apply to extend while in Canada.
Can the insurance be from a company outside Canada?
Yes, if the minister has approved that company. Otherwise it has to be a Canadian insurer, and it must cover at least one year from entry.
Should my parents just get a visitor visa?
If they are staying six months or less, a visitor visa is simpler. For longer stays, the super visa is the better choice.
Is there a minimum income?
Yes. It depends on your household size, and IRCC updates the figures. We use the current table when we check your file.
Official pages
Fees, processing times and income figures change often. Check them on the official pages:
- Parent and grandparent super visa (IRCC)
- Super visa: who can apply (IRCC)
- Check processing times (IRCC)
This page is general information, not legal advice. Every case is different, and no one can guarantee an outcome. Rules checked against canada.ca in October 2026.
Related services
Book your free, no-obligation consultation today
Speak directly with Ratul Kumar, a licensed immigration consultant (RCIC). Your first consultation is free.