Visitor Visa & Super Visa: Understanding the Key Differences
A&M Canadian Immigration Law Corporation
Visitor Visa & Super Visa: Understanding the Key Differences
Canada welcomes millions of
visitors each year — some come for short stays, while others, like
parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens or permanent residents, wish to
spend extended time with their loved ones. Two main options are
available: the Visitor Visa (Temporary Resident Visa – TRV) and the Super
Visa.
Although they sound similar,
the requirements and benefits differ significantly. This article outlines those
differences, highlights the legal standards from Canadian case law, and
answers common questions to help applicants and sponsors choose the right
pathway.
Main Differences
1. Purpose of Travel
- Visitor Visa (TRV): General short-term visits such as tourism,
family events, or business meetings.
- Super Visa: Specifically for parents and grandparents of Canadian
citizens or permanent residents, for extended family reunification.
Guillermo v. Canada (2017
FC 61): The Court confirmed that
visiting close family is a legitimate and important reason for granting
temporary visas.
2. Duration of Stay
- Visitor Visa: Up to 6 months per entry. Extensions are possible but must
be applied for from within Canada.
- Super Visa: Up to 5 years per entry, with validity of up to 10 years,
allowing repeated long stays without reapplying.
3. Financial Requirements
- Visitor Visa: Applicants must show they can afford the trip and will return home
but no specific income threshold applies.
- Super Visa: The Canadian sponsor must meet the Low Income Cut-Off (LICO) threshold, based on household size, and provide proof (NOA, job letter,
pay stubs, bank statements).
Rocha v. Canada (2022 FC
84): Officers must meaningfully
weigh verified financial evidence; ignoring such proof can render a refusal
unreasonable.
4. Medical Insurance
- Visitor Visa: Travel insurance is recommended but not mandatory.
- Super Visa: Applicants must purchase Canadian medical insurance of at
least $100,000 coverage for one year, covering hospitalization,
emergencies, and repatriation.
Ashraf v. Canada (2009
CanLII 53855): Fully paid private
medical insurance strongly demonstrates the applicant will not burden Canada’s
healthcare system.
5. Medical Exam
- Visitor Visa: Required only in some cases (depending on country of residence,
length of stay, or work type).
- Super Visa: Always required — all applicants must pass a medical exam
by a panel physician.
6. Ties to Home Country
- Both visas require proof the applicant will
leave Canada at the end of the visit.
- Evidence includes property, family obligations,
and employment.
Ekpenyong v. Canada (2019
FC 1245): Employment, family duties,
and property ownership are strong incentives to return home and must be given
proper weight.
Quick Comparison Table
Factor | Visitor Visa (TRV) | Super Visa |
Who Can Apply | Any eligible foreign
national | Parents/grandparents of
PRs & citizens |
Stay Duration | 6 months per entry | 5 years per entry
(renewable) |
Validity | Up to 10 years
(multi-entry) | Up to 10 years
(multi-entry) |
Financial Requirement | Proof of funds (no
threshold) | Sponsor must meet LICO |
Medical Insurance | Optional (recommended) | Mandatory $100,000+
coverage |
Medical Exam | Sometimes required | Always required |
Processing Time | Usually faster | May take longer |
Appeal Rights | Refusal → Judicial Review only | Refusal → Judicial Review only |
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are a parent or grandparent who wants to stay for a long period (up to 5 years), the Super Visa is the better choice. For short visits (e.g., weddings, tourism, or a few months with family), a Visitor Visa may be sufficient.
Not mandatory, but highly recommended. For a Super Visa, however, medical insurance is mandatory and must be purchased before applying.
No. Both visas are for visiting only. They do not authorize employment in Canada.
You will not qualify for the Super Visa. In such cases, the Visitor Visa might be your only option.
There is no appeal right for refusals. However, you may reapply with stronger evidence or request a judicial review in Federal Court if you believe the decision was unfair or unreasonable.
Yes, typically both visas allow multiple entries for the duration of their validity, but the length of stay per entry differs.
Both the Visitor Visa and Super Visa serve important roles in Canada’s immigration system, but
they are designed for different types of visits. The Visitor Visa is
flexible for short stays, while the Super Visa offers long-term access for
parents and grandparents — with strict financial and insurance requirements.
Case law such as Guillermo, Rocha, Ashraf, and Ekpenyong shows that Canadian courts
expect immigration officers to apply fairness, reasonableness, and full
consideration of evidence when deciding these applications.
For applicants, the key is
to prepare a well-documented, honest, and thorough application that
clearly demonstrates the temporary and lawful nature of their stay.
