Canada Super Visa: Visit Your Children & Grandchildren for Up to 5 Years

If your children or grandchildren are Canadian citizens or permanent residents and you want to spend extended time with them in Canada, the Super Visa is the perfect solution. Unlike a standard visitor visa that allows stays of up to 6 months, the Super Visa allows parents and grandparents to stay in Canada for up to 5 years per visit — with the possibility of extending further.

In this 2025 guide, EthicalEdu explains everything you need to know about the Canada Super Visa.

What is the Canada Super Visa?

The Canada Super Visa is a multi-entry visa valid for up to 10 years, specifically designed for parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens and permanent residents. It allows extended stays of up to 5 years at a time — compared to the standard 6 months for a regular visitor visa. The Super Visa was updated in 2024, increasing the maximum stay per entry from 2 years to 5 years.

Canada Super Visa Eligibility Requirements 2025

To be eligible for a Super Visa, you must:

Applicant (Parent/Grandparent) Requirements

•       Be the parent or grandparent of a Canadian citizen or permanent resident

•       Be admissible to Canada (no criminal record, good health)

•       Have valid Super Visa-approved medical insurance for at least 1 year

•       Undergo an immigration medical examination

Canadian Host (Child/Grandchild) Requirements

•       Be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident

•       Meet a minimum income threshold (Low Income Cut-Off — LICO + 30%)

•       Provide a signed letter of financial support and invitation

•       Provide proof of relationship (birth certificate, adoption certificate)

Financial Requirements: The LICO Threshold

Your Canadian child or grandchild must demonstrate income meeting or exceeding 30% above the Low Income Cut-Off (LICO). For 2025 approximate thresholds:

•       Family of 2: approximately CAD $42,000+/year

•       Family of 3: approximately CAD $51,000+/year

•       Family of 4: approximately CAD $62,000+/year

•       Family of 5: approximately CAD $70,000+/year

(Check IRCC's current LICO table for exact 2025 figures)

Super Visa Medical Insurance Requirements

This is the most important and unique requirement of the Super Visa. You must purchase:

•       Minimum CAD $100,000 in emergency medical coverage

•       From a Canadian insurance company (not from a foreign insurer)

•       Valid for a minimum of 1 year from your planned arrival date

•       Coverage must include hospitalization, repatriation, and health care

Super Visa insurance typically costs between CAD $800 and CAD $2,500 per year depending on your age, health history, and coverage amount. As of 2024, IRCC now also accepts insurance from non-Canadian insurance companies under certain conditions — confirm current policy before purchasing.

Required Documents for Super Visa Application

•       Valid passport (valid for the duration of intended stay)

•       Completed application form (IMM 5257)

•       2 recent passport-size photographs

•       Proof of relationship to Canadian citizen/PR (birth certificate, adoption documents)

•       Invitation letter from child/grandchild in Canada

•       Proof of Canadian host's status (citizenship certificate, PR card)

•       Proof of Canadian host's income (NOA, T4, employment letter)

•       Canadian medical insurance policy (minimum CAD $100,000, 1-year coverage)

•       Medical exam results from IRCC-designated physician

•       Proof of your financial stability (bank statements, property documents)

How to Apply for a Canada Super Visa — Step by Step

Step 1 – Your Host Gets the Documentation Ready

Your Canadian child or grandchild prepares: a signed invitation letter, proof of their citizenship/PR status, proof of meeting the LICO + 30% income requirement, and proof of your relationship.

Step 2 – Purchase Super Visa Medical Insurance

Purchase valid Canadian medical insurance of at least CAD $100,000. Keep the insurance certificate — it is required for your application.

Step 3 – Book and Complete Medical Exam

Visit an IRCC-authorized physician in your country for an upfront immigration medical examination. Upfront exams are recommended over instructions-based exams for Super Visa applications.

Step 4 – Apply Online via IRCC Portal

Submit your Super Visa application online. If you prefer, paper applications can be submitted at the appropriate Visa Application Centre.

Step 5 – Biometrics

Provide biometrics at a Visa Application Centre if required (first-time applicants or those due for renewal every 10 years).

Step 6 – Receive Your Super Visa

Once approved, your Super Visa will be stamped in your passport. You can then travel to Canada and stay for up to 5 years per visit.

Super Visa vs. Regular Visitor Visa: Key Differences

Maximum stay per entry: Super Visa 5 years | Visitor Visa 6 months

Medical insurance required: Super Visa YES (CAD $100,000 minimum) | Visitor Visa No formal requirement

Validity: Super Visa Up to 10 years | Visitor Visa Up to 10 years

Income proof from host: Super Visa Required (LICO +30%) | Visitor Visa Not required

Medical exam: Super Visa Required | Visitor Visa May be required

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I visit the rest of Canada (outside my child's city) on a Super Visa?

Yes. A Super Visa allows you to travel freely throughout Canada.

Q: Can I renew my Super Visa from within Canada?

Yes. You can apply for an extension of stay before your authorized period expires. You'll need to show valid medical insurance for the extended period.

Q: What if my Super Visa application is refused?

You can reapply addressing the specific reasons for refusal. Consult with EthicalEdu to identify weaknesses in your application and present a stronger case.