How to Apply for Super Visa for Parents: Step-by-Step Guide

You can apply for a Super Visa for your parents by preparing a complete application package that includes a letter of invitation from you, proof you meet the minimum income requirement, private medical insurance valid for at least one year, the parents' medical exam (if required), identity documents and the application forms requested by IRCC. Submit the application online or at the visa office that serves your parents' country and follow IRCC's instructions; a licensed RCIC can review your package before submission to reduce errors.

The Super Visa is a special long‑term multiple-entry visa option that lets eligible parents and grandparents visit their family in Canada for extended stays (usually longer than a standard visitor visa per entry). It is a temporary resident permission — not permanent residence — and requires a letter of invitation, proof of private medical insurance from a Canadian insurer, a medical exam when requested, and evidence that the Canadian child or grandchild meets minimum income requirements. Check IRCC’s official “Super Visa” page for the most current rules and details.

• Parent or grandparent of a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident (proof of relationship required).
• Has a letter of invitation from the child or grandchild in Canada that includes a promise of financial support and a declaration of responsibility.
• Child or grandchild in Canada meets IRCC’s minimum necessary income (Low‑Income Cut‑Off) for their household size — check IRCC for current figures.
• Private medical insurance purchased from a Canadian insurance company that meets IRCC’s Super Visa requirements (valid for at least one year; confirm minimum coverage amount on IRCC’s page).
• Undergoes a medical examination if IRCC or the visa office requires it.
• Meets general admissibility requirements (no criminality or medical inadmissibility).

1. 1Step 1 — Prepare the invitation letter: the Canadian child/grandchild writes a detailed invitation that names the visitors, states the purpose and intended length of stay, gives the host’s contact details, and includes a promise of financial support and accommodation.
2. 2Step 2 — Gather sponsor documents: the sponsor collects proof of income (notice of assessment, pay stubs, employment letter), proof of status in Canada (copy of PR card or citizenship document) and any rental/ownership evidence for housing.
3. 3Step 3 — Buy private medical insurance: obtain a policy from a Canadian insurer that covers medical care, hospitalization and repatriation for at least one year; confirm the policy meets IRCC’s requirements before purchase.
4. 4Step 4 — Book medical exams if required: if IRCC or the visa office requests a medical exam, follow the visa office’s instructions and get the exam from an approved physician.
5. 5Step 5 — Complete application forms: the parent completes the visitor visa application package and the specific Super Visa sections where required; complete biometrics forms if requested.
6. 6Step 6 — Pay fees and submit: pay the application and biometrics fees and submit the application online or to the local visa application centre (VAC) as directed by IRCC.
7. 7Step 7 — Provide biometrics and stay responsive: attend biometric appointments and respond quickly to any IRCC requests for additional documents.
8. 8Step 8 — Prepare for travel: if approved, keep originals of the invitation, insurance policy, proof of funds and medical exam results handy to show the border services officer at the port of entry.

• For the applicant (parent/grandparent): valid passport, two passport photographs (per VAC specs), completed application forms, family and travel history, proof of ties to home country (property, return flight booking if available), police certificates if requested, and medical exam results if required.
• For the Canadian sponsor: a signed invitation letter, proof of status in Canada (PR card, Canadian citizenship document or certificate), recent Notice of Assessment from CRA, employment letter or pay stubs, and proof of residence.
• Insurance: the full policy document showing coverage period, benefits, insurer name and confirmation it’s a Canadian insurer; keep the certificate and policy number with travel documents.
• Other supporting documents: proof of relationship (birth certificate, photos, communication history), any evidence of prior visits and the purpose of the visit (family events, caregiving reasons, etc.).
• Translations: any documents not in English or French must be translated and accompanied by a certified translator’s affidavit.

• Incomplete invitation letters: avoid one‑line letters. Include full contact details, addresses, duration of stay, explanation of how costs will be covered and a clear promise of financial support.
• Wrong or missing insurance: buying a short-term or non‑Canadian policy can cause refusal. Confirm the insurer is Canadian and the policy meets IRCC’s Super Visa criteria at the time you apply.
• Insufficient proof of sponsor income: submit recent Notices of Assessment and several months of pay stubs; if self‑employed, include business documents and CRA notices.
• Skipping the medical exam when requested: delays or refusals often stem from ignoring medical instructions from the visa office.
• Not preparing original documents for the port of entry: even with pre-approval, officers can ask to see originals of the invitation, policy and proof of funds at the border.

When your parents arrive, the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) officer will review their travel documents and may ask to see the invitation, proof of insurance, and evidence the sponsor can financially support them. The officer grants entry and sets the allowed length of stay. Note that having a Super Visa endorsement does not guarantee entry — the border officer makes the final decision. After arrival, keep copies of the insurance policy and the invitation with the visitors, and track the expiry of the authorised stay. If you need a longer stay, consult IRCC guidance on visitor record extensions well before the expiry date.