Canada Super Visa 2026 - Let Your Parents Stay Up to 5 Years
The Super Visa is the best option for parents and grandparents while the Parents and Grandparents Program remains closed in 2026. Stay up to 5 years per visit, valid 10 years.
Super Visa snapshot
5 yrs
Max stay / entry
10 yrs
Visa validity
$100K+
Insurance min.
LICO
Host income
Confirm LICO first
We verify host household size and income before you invest in insurance and fees.
Book assessment →The Super Visa - Extended Family Visits
Introduced as an alternative to the PGP, the Super Visa lets parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens and PRs visit Canada for extended periods without the wait of the sponsorship program.
Up to 5 Years Per Stay
Since 2022, each Super Visa entry allows a stay of up to 5 years - far longer than the standard visitor visa (typically 6 months).
Valid for 10 Years
The Super Visa itself is valid for up to 10 years (or until passport expiry), allowing multiple entries over a long period.
For Parents & Grandparents Only
Only parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens or permanent residents qualify. Siblings, aunts, uncles, and other relatives do not qualify for Super Visa.
Health Insurance Required
You must purchase a minimum $100,000 Canadian health insurance policy valid for at least 1 year from a Canadian insurer before the Super Visa can be issued.
Who Can Apply for a Super Visa?
Both the applicant (parent/grandparent) and the Canadian host (child/grandchild) must meet eligibility requirements.
Applicant Requirements
- Parent or grandparent of a Canadian citizen or permanent resident
- Not inadmissible to Canada (criminal, medical)
- Valid passport with sufficient validity
- Genuine intent to leave Canada at end of authorized stay
- $100K+ Canadian health insurance purchased before visa issuance
- Medical exam (if required by IRCC based on country of residence)
Host (Sponsor) Requirements
- Canadian citizen or permanent resident
- Must be the child or grandchild of the applicant
- Must meet Minimum Necessary Income (LICO threshold - see below)
- Must sign a letter of invitation confirming they will support the parent's stay
- Must provide proof of relationship (citizenship/PR documents)
| Family Size | MNI 2026 (approx) |
|---|---|
| 1 person | $26,620 |
| 2 persons | $33,159 |
| 3 persons | $40,745 |
| 4 persons | $49,481 |
| 5 persons | $56,146 |
| 6 persons | $63,334 |
| 7+ persons | $70,523 |
LICO thresholds updated annually. Confirm current figures on IRCC. Super Visa uses the LICO table applicable to the host's household.
Super Visa Document Checklist
Incomplete applications are the most common cause of delays. We review every document before submission.
Applicant Documents
- Valid passport (6+ months beyond stay)
- Completed application forms
- Two passport-style photographs
- Proof of $100K+ Canadian health insurance
- Proof of funds (if applicable)
- Medical exam results (if required)
- Biometrics
Host Documents
- Letter of invitation from child/grandchild
- Proof of Canadian citizenship or PR status
- Proof of relationship to applicant
- Proof of income meeting LICO threshold (T4, NOA, pay stubs, employment letter)
- Proof of household size
Health Insurance Requirements 2026:
Minimum $100,000 coverage · From a Canadian insurance company · Valid for at least 1 year from date of entry · Must be purchased BEFORE the visa is issued
How to Apply for a Super Visa
Confirm Host Meets LICO
Check the current LICO threshold for the host's household size. This is the most common eligibility blocker.
Purchase Health Insurance
Buy minimum $100K Canadian health insurance BEFORE applying. Get the insurance certificate - you will need it with the application.
Gather All Documents
Passport, photos, invitation letter, host's income proof, relationship proof, and medical exam (if required).
Complete Application Online
Submit through IRCC's online portal with all documents. Both parent and host contribute documents to the file.
Provide Biometrics
Visit a Visa Application Centre (VAC) to provide fingerprints and photograph (if first application or renewal required).
Receive Super Visa
Processing typically 4-8 weeks. Once approved, the Super Visa is stamped in the passport. Entry can be made within the validity period.
Host's income doesn't meet LICO?
A co-signer (another Canadian child or grandchild of the applicant) can co-sign the invitation letter and combine household income to meet the LICO threshold. We advises on the correct documentation.
Super Visa vs Regular Visitor Visa - Which Is Better for Parents?
| Feature | Super Visa | Regular TRV |
|---|---|---|
| Stay per entry | Up to 5 years | Typically 6 months |
| Visa validity | Up to 10 years | Up to 10 years |
| Who qualifies | Parents/grandparents of Cdn citizens/PRs | Anyone eligible for TRV |
| Health insurance | $100K+ required | Not required |
| LICO income check | Yes - host must meet LICO | No |
| Processing time | 4-8 weeks | 2-6 weeks |
| Extension possible | Yes - from inside Canada | Yes - visitor record |
| Best for | Long stays · living with family | Short visits · tourism |
For parents and grandparents planning to stay more than 6 months or make multiple long visits - the Super Visa is almost always the better choice. The insurance cost is offset by the much longer stay per entry and fewer applications needed.
Parents & Grandparents Program vs Super Visa
PGP is closed to new applications in 2026. Here's how the two options compare.
Parents & Grandparents Program (PGP)
PGP grants permanent residence to parents and grandparents. Not accepting new applications in 2026. Past invitees' files continue processing.
- - Result: Permanent Residence
- - Status: Closed to new apps 2026
- - Processing: Multi-year for new files
- - Income: LICO+30% for 3 years
- - Quota: 66,500 total (2026)
Super Visa (Recommended for 2026)
Super Visa grants temporary status up to 5 years per entry - the practical solution while PGP remains closed.
- - Result: Temporary Status
- - Status: Open - apply anytime
- - Processing: 4-8 weeks
- - Income: LICO for host
- - Multiple entries over 10 years
Why Families Choose We for Super Visa
Licensed RCICs
Regulated family class and visitor application specialists.
LICO Income Check
We verify host income meets LICO before applying - avoiding the most common refusal reason.
Complete Documentation
Invitation letters, income proof, insurance coordination - all reviewed before submission.
Family Specialists
1,000+ family cases including Super Visa, PGP, and family class sponsorship.
Canada-Wide
Serving families in every province - in person or virtual.
Refusal Recovery
Super Visa refused? We review the refusal and build a stronger reapplication.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible for a Super Visa?▼
How much does Super Visa insurance cost?▼
How long does Super Visa processing take in 2026?▼
Can I extend my stay on a Super Visa?▼
What is the difference between Super Visa and a regular visitor visa?▼
What if my Super Visa was refused?▼
Bring Your Parents to Canada - the Right Way
We handle the complete Super Visa application - health insurance guidance, LICO verification, invitation letter, and full IRCC submission.