Super Visa for Parents and Grandparents
A&M Canadian Immigration Law Corporation
Super Visa for Parents and Grandparents
Canada’s Super Visa program allows parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens and permanent
residents to visit their families for extended stays. Unlike a regular
visitor visa, which typically allows only six months per entry, the
Super Visa is valid for up to 10 years and permits stays of up to
five years at a time.
The program was designed to
promote family reunification while ensuring that visitors remain financially
self-sufficient and do not place a burden on Canada’s healthcare system.
Key Eligibility
Requirements
To qualify for a Super Visa,
applicants must meet several requirements:
1. Relationship to the
Sponsor
- Must be a parent or grandparent of a
Canadian citizen or permanent resident.
- Proof of relationship (birth certificate, family
registry) must be provided.
2. Sponsor’s Financial
Capacity
The Canadian sponsor must:
- Provide a signed invitation letter promising financial support.
- Show proof of income above the Low-Income
Cut-Off (LICO) based on family size.
- Submit:
- Most recent Notice of Assessment (NOA) from CRA.
- Employment verification (job title, salary, and tenure).
- Pay stubs and bank statements.
In Rocha v. Canada (2022
FC 84), the Court held that officers must meaningfully consider verified
financial evidence. Comprehensive sponsor disclosure is therefore critical.
3. Mandatory Medical
Insurance
Applicants must have:
- Private Canadian medical insurance with coverage
of at least CAD $100,000.
- Policy valid for at least 1 year from
entry.
- Coverage for emergency care, hospitalization,
and repatriation.
- Full proof of payment (quotes are not sufficient).
In Ashraf v. Canada (2009 CanLII 53855),
the tribunal recognized that fully paid private insurance strongly demonstrates
applicants will not burden Canada’s healthcare system.
4. Medical Examination
Applicants must pass an immigration
medical exam by an IRCC-approved panel physician.
5. Ties to Home Country
Applicants must prove they
intend to return home after their visit. Evidence can include:
- Ongoing employment or business.
- Property ownership.
- Dependent family members.
In Ekpenyong v. Canada
(2019 FC 1245), the Court emphasized that employment, family care, and
property are strong return incentives.
6. Travel Planning and
Budgeting
A clear travel plan
strengthens credibility. Applicants may provide:
- A short itinerary outlining the purpose
of the visit.
- Budget breakdown showing funds are available.
Sample Budget Table:
Expense Category | Estimated Cost (CAD) |
Round-trip Flight | $1,200 |
Accommodation (if hotel) | $1,000 |
Daily Expenses | $500 |
Emergency Buffer | $500 |
Total | $3,200 |
Supporting documents such as
flight reservations, event tickets, or hotel bookings (if not staying with
family) can also help.
Common Reasons for
Refusal
- Sponsor’s income below LICO threshold.
- Missing or invalid medical insurance.
- Weak financial evidence.
- Failure to prove intent to return home.
- Inadequate explanation of purpose of visit.
Canadian courts have
clarified that refusals must be fair and evidence-based:
- Guillermo v. Canada (2017 FC 61) confirmed family visits are a valid reason for
TRVs and Super Visas.
- Okhravi v. Canada (2025 FC 513) stressed financial evidence must be considered
in full context, not narrowly.
- Singh v. Canada (2025 FC 976) held that verified lawful earnings must be
given weight.
Frequently Asked Questions
A Visitor Visa generally allows six months per entry, while a Super Visa allows parents and grandparents to stay for up to five years per visit, with validity up to 10 years.
No. The Super Visa is strictly for extended visits.
The applicant can pay, or the sponsor in Canada can purchase on their behalf — but it must be fully paid before applying.
The application will likely be refused, as this requirement is mandatory.
The Super Visa is one
of the most effective ways for parents and grandparents to spend extended time
with family in Canada. However, success depends on meeting its strict
requirements: the sponsor must meet the LICO income threshold, applicants
must purchase private medical insurance, and a clear, temporary purpose
must be documented.
Federal Court decisions such
as Rocha, Ashraf, Ekpenyong, Okhravi, Singh,
and Guillermo highlight the importance of fairness, complete financial
evidence, and genuine family purpose.
With a well-prepared
application that includes financial records, insurance proof, travel
planning, and strong ties to the home country, families can maximize their
chances of approval and enjoy meaningful reunions in Canada.
