Canada Super Visa 2026
Bring your parents or grandparents to Canada for extended visits of up to 5 years. Learn about the Super Visa requirements, income thresholds (LICO), mandatory medical insurance, and complete application process.
Stay Duration
Up to 5 Years
Validity
Up to 10 Years
Application Fee
$100 CAD
Insurance
$100K Min
What is the Canada Super Visa?
The Super Visa is a multi-entry visa specifically designed for parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens and permanent residents. Unlike a regular visitor visa that allows stays of up to 6 months, the Super Visa permits stays of up to 5 years at a time without the need to renew your status.
Introduced in 2011 and enhanced in 2022, the Super Visa is one of the most popular options for families who want to reunite with their parents or grandparents in Canada for extended periods. The visa can be valid for up to 10 years, allowing for multiple entries during that period.
The Super Visa requires that applicants have medical insurance from a Canadian insurance company and that their Canadian citizen or permanent resident child or grandchild meets specific income requirements. As of 2026, the program continues to be an excellent pathway for family reunification while the Parent and Grandparent Program (PGP) remains highly competitive with limited intake.
With recent changes, Super Visa holders can now stay for up to 5 years per entry (increased from 2 years), and they can extend their stay from inside Canada for up to 2 additional years at a time. This makes the Super Visa an increasingly attractive option for long-term family visits.
Key Benefits of the Super Visa
- Stay in Canada for up to 5 years at a time without renewing status
- Multiple entries allowed during the visa validity period (up to 10 years)
- Ability to extend your stay from inside Canada for up to 2 additional years
- Faster processing compared to permanent residence applications
- Peace of mind with mandatory health insurance coverage
Ready to Bring Your Parents to Canada?
Our RCIC-licensed consultants specialize in Super Visa applications. We'll help you handle income requirements, insurance options, and documentation.
Book ConsultationGet Document ChecklistRCIC License: R515110
Super Visa vs Regular Visitor Visa
Understanding the key differences to choose the right option for your family
| Feature | Super Visa | Visitor Visa |
|---|---|---|
| Validity Period | Up to 10 years | Up to 10 years |
| Stay Duration per Entry | Up to 5 years | Up to 6 months |
| Multiple Entries | Yes | Yes (if multiple entry) |
| Medical Insurance Required | Yes (mandatory) | No (recommended) |
| Medical Exam Required | Yes | Sometimes |
| Income Requirements | Yes (LICO+30%) | No |
| Eligible Applicants | Parents & grandparents only | Anyone |
| Application Fee | $100 CAD | $100 CAD |
* The Super Visa is ideal for parents and grandparents planning extended stays in Canada
Super Visa Eligibility Requirements
Both the applicant and the sponsor must meet specific requirements
You must be the parent or grandparent of a Canadian citizen or permanent resident
Your child or grandchild must meet the minimum income requirement (LICO)
You must have valid medical insurance from a Canadian insurance company
Insurance must be valid for at least 1 year and provide minimum $100,000 coverage
You must undergo a medical examination
You must meet standard admissibility requirements for Canada
Minimum Necessary Income (LICO) 2026
Your Canadian sponsor must meet these minimum income thresholds based on family size
| Total Family Size* | Minimum Necessary Income |
|---|---|
| 1 person | $29,380 |
| 2 persons | $36,576 |
| 3 persons | $44,966 |
| 4 persons | $54,594 |
| 5 persons | $61,920 |
| 6 persons | $69,834 |
| 7 persons | $77,750 |
| 7+ | +$7,916 for each additional person |
* Family size includes:
- The sponsor
- The sponsor's spouse or common-law partner
- The sponsor's dependent children
- The parent(s) or grandparent(s) being sponsored
- Any other person previously sponsored by the sponsor
The sponsor must provide their most recent Notice of Assessment (NOA) from the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) as proof of income.
Medical Insurance Requirements
All Super Visa applicants must have valid medical insurance from a Canadian insurance company
Must be purchased from a Canadian insurance company
Minimum coverage of $100,000
Valid for at least 1 year from date of entry
Must cover health care, hospitalization, and repatriation
Must be valid for each entry into Canada during the policy period
Proof of payment required with application
Important Insurance Notes
- •Insurance must be purchased BEFORE you submit your Super Visa application
- •You must show proof of insurance payment with your application
- •Border officers may verify your insurance upon entry to Canada
- •Annual insurance costs typically range from $1,500 to $3,000 depending on age and health
- •Pre-existing conditions may affect coverage and cost
How to Apply for a Super Visa
Follow these steps to successfully apply for the Canada Super Visa
Verify Sponsor Eligibility
Ensure your Canadian citizen or permanent resident child/grandchild meets the minimum necessary income (LICO) based on their family size. They must provide proof of income for the most recent tax year.
Purchase Medical Insurance
Buy medical insurance from a Canadian insurance company. Coverage must be valid for at least 1 year from entry date, provide minimum $100,000 coverage, and be valid for each entry during the policy period.
Complete Medical Examination
Book and complete a medical exam with an IRCC-approved panel physician. Keep your medical exam receipt as you'll need the information for your application.
Gather Required Documents
Collect all necessary documents including passport, photos, invitation letter from child/grandchild, proof of their income, proof of relationship, and insurance policy.
Submit Online Application
Create an IRCC online account, complete the application form, upload all documents, and pay the application fee. You may need to provide biometrics.
Track and Wait for Decision
Monitor your application status online. Processing times vary by country but typically range from a few weeks to several months. You may be asked for additional documents.
Required Documents for Super Visa
Gather these documents before starting your Super Visa application
Processing Times by Country
Typical processing times for Super Visa applications (as of 2026)
* Processing times are approximate and may vary. Check IRCC website for current processing times for your country.
Super Visa Fees and Costs
Budget for these costs when planning your Super Visa application
* Costs vary by provider, age, and health status. Fees are subject to change.
Extending Your Stay Inside Canada
If you're in Canada on a Super Visa and want to extend your stay beyond the period authorized by the border officer, you can apply for a visitor record (also called an extension of stay) from within Canada.
- Apply at least 30 days before your authorized stay expires
- You can request an extension of up to 6 months at a time
- Fee: $100 CAD per application
- Processing time: 60-120 days
- You can remain in Canada under "implied status" while waiting for a decision
- Maintain valid health insurance throughout your extended stay
Common Super Visa Application Mistakes
Insufficient insurance coverage or wrong insurance provider (must be Canadian company)
Medical exam done before purchasing insurance or submitting application
Missing or incomplete proof of sponsor's income (need Notice of Assessment)
Not including all family members when calculating LICO requirements
Providing invitation letter without proper sponsor information
Applying with passport that expires too soon
Inadequate proof of ties to home country
Not completing biometrics when required
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about the Canada Super Visa
What is a Super Visa and who can apply?
What are the income requirements for Super Visa sponsors in 2026?
How much does Super Visa medical insurance cost?
How long does Super Visa processing take?
Can I extend my stay inside Canada with a Super Visa?
What happens if my Super Visa application is refused?
Can I work in Canada with a Super Visa?
Do I need to renew my medical insurance every year?
Can both my parents apply together on one application?
What if my sponsor's income is just below the LICO requirement?
Can I include my spouse on my Super Visa application?
How soon can I re-enter Canada after leaving on a Super Visa?
Ready to Apply for a Super Visa?
Let our RCIC-licensed consultants help you through the Super Visa process. We'll ensure your application is complete, accurate, and gives you the best chance of approval.