Are you a Canadian citizen or permanent resident hoping to bring your parents or grandparents for a long-term visit? The Parent and Grandparent Super Visa is one of the most generous visitor visa options in the world — allowing eligible family members to stay in Canada for up to 5 years per visit, with a multiple-entry visa valid for 10 years.
This blog breaks down the latest eligibility requirements and process updates (as of July 2025) based on the official Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) guidelines:
👨👩👧👦 Who Can Apply for a Super Visa?
To qualify for the Super Visa, the applicant must:
✅ Be a parent or grandparent of a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or registered Indian
✅ Apply from outside Canada
✅ Obtain the visa from a Canadian visa office abroad
❌ Dependents are not eligible under this program
This program is designed solely for parental and grandparental visits — ideal for family reunions and extended stays with children or grandchildren in Canada.
🏡 Host Eligibility: What the Canadian Child/Grandchild Needs to Provide
The person inviting their parent or grandparent (the host) must:
✔️ Be at least 18 years old
✔️ Be living in Canada
✔️ Have status as a Canadian citizen, PR, or registered Indian
They must also:
- 📝 Provide a letter of invitation that includes:
– Full names and birthdates of all family members counted in the size
– A written promise of financial support for the entire visit
– Optional co-signature from a spouse/partner if applicable
💰 Meet or exceed the Minimum Necessary Income (MNI) based on their family size. Below are the most recent thresholds as of July 29, 2025:
🌍 Parent or Grandparent Requirements:
To apply for a Super Visa, the applicant (parent or grandparent) must:
✔️ Be outside Canada at the time of application and visa issuance
✔️ Be admissible to Canada: no serious criminal record or health concerns
✔️ Undergo a medical exam by an IRCC-approved panel physician
✔️ Provide proof of private medical insurance with these criteria:
- ✅ From a Canadian insurer or one approved to operate in Canada
- ✅ Minimum coverage of $100,000 CAD
- ✅ Must cover health care, hospitalization, and repatriation
- ✅ Valid for at least one year from planned entry date
- ✅ Fully paid or under installment with a deposit (quotes are not accepted)
🕒 Here’s what makes the Super Visa truly SPECIAL!
🎟️ Multiple-entry visa valid for up to 10 years
🕔 Each visit allows a stay of up to 5 years (for applications from June 22, 2023, onward)
🔁 Extensions of up to 2 years can be requested while in Canada
🚫 Not authorized for work or study
👀 Other Things You Should Know:
🧬 Biometrics (photo and fingerprints) may be required, depending on nationality and past submissions
🛂 Even with an approved Super Visa, final entry is at the discretion of a border officer, who will check:
- Your identity and documents
- Your intent to return home after the visit
- Sufficient funds for your stay
📌 Final Thoughts
The Super Visa is a great option for Canadian families who want to spend extended time with their parents and grandparents without going through the lengthy sponsorship process. As long as the income requirements, insurance conditions, and application steps are met, this visa offers a smooth path to reunite across generations.
Reference:
https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/visit-canada/parent-grandparent-super-visa.html
https://www.ircc.canada.ca/english/helpcentre/answer.asp?qnum=431&top=16