Canadian citizens and permanent residents can host their parent(s) or grandparent(s) in Canada for extended periods under the government’s super visa program.
For prospective sponsors who did not receive an invitation by lottery under the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP), the super visa is a good alternative.
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The Super Visa provides holders with visitor status in Canada for up to 10 years, with a maximum stay of up to five years at a time.
In contrast, a typical visitor status (sans super visa) is issued for up to a maximum of six months.
The following table provides a summary comparison between the PGP and the super visa:
| Dimension | Super Visa | Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) |
|---|---|---|
| Availability | Anyone can apply, year-round | Must have submitted an interest to sponsor form in 2020, and receive an invitation by lottery |
| Eligibility – Sponsor | Canadian citizen/PR; LICO income requirement | Canadian citizen/PR; MNI income requirement |
| Immigration Outcome | Visitor status for up to 10 years | Permanent residence |
| Able to get public health insurance? | No | Yes |
| Cost | From $100 | From $1,205 |
| Undertaking Period | Duration of stay | 20 years (10 in Quebec) |
Ease of getting a super visa
The super visa is more accessible than the PGP.
The PGP operates on a lottery system, sending out invitations each year to prospective sponsors who submitted interest to sponsor forms in the 2020 intake. Prospective sponsors are not guaranteed to get an opportunity to sponsor their relatives.
In contrast, anyone can apply for the super visa at any time, year-round. Provided the host(s) and relative(s) meet the program requirements, they are likely to be successful with the super visa application.
Eligibility for super visa
Host requirements include
Super visa applicant(s) requirements include
- Applying from outside Canada;
- Purchasing and maintain qualifying private health insurance for the duration of their stay; and
- Being admissible.
A super visa application can include the applicant’s spouse or common-law partner, but cannot include dependents.
For more information on super visa eligibility, visit our dedicated webpage.
How to apply for the super visa
Applications must be submitted from outside Canada by the parent(s) or grandparent(s) themselves, and would generally involve the following steps:
- Purchase health insurance.
- Gather documents, including but not limited to
- A letter of invitation from the host in Canada with a promise of financial support;
- Proof of the host’s income and status in Canada;
- Proof of relationship; and
- Proof of valid medical insurance.
- Submit the application through the IRCC Portal, and pay the required fees.
- Provide biometrics, if requested by IRCC.
- Complete an immigration medical exam after receiving instructions from IRCC.
- After the application has been processed, the successful applicant will receive a letter with instructions to submit their passport and receive a visa. Citizens of visa-exempt countries will be issued a letter to give to border services officers when they arrive in Canada.
Note that those who are visa-exempt must apply separately for an electronic travel authorization (eTA), in addition to their super visa.
For more information on applying for the super visa, visit our dedicated webpage.
Get a Free Super Visa Telephone Consultation with the Cohen Immigration Law Firm
How to address common reasons for refusal
Proactively addressing common reasons for refusal can increase your chances of success with your super visa application.
IRCC commonly refuses super visas for insufficient information and/or entry risks.
1. Proving sufficient ties to the home country
Immigration officers must be satisfied that your parent(s) or grandparent(s) will leave Canada at the end of their authorized stay.
Strong ties to their home country can be demonstrated with documents such as
- A confirmation letter from their employer(s);
- Evidence of dependent family members;
- Lease agreements or proof of property ownership; and/or
- Records of other financial assets.
2. Showing adequate proof of financial support
The application must show that the host(s) have enough funds to cover the expenses of their parents or grandparents during their stay in Canada, according to the LICO criteria set out by the government.
This can be shown with
- Recent bank statements;
- Pay stubs;
- The most recent notice of assessment(s) issued by the Canadian Revenue Agency (CRA);
- Employment insurance benefits statements;
- Employment verification letters; and/or
- T4 or T1 statements for previous tax years.
The above are supporting documents in addition to the required letter of support.
3. Addressing potential medical inadmissibility
IRCC may refuse a super visa if the applicant is found medically inadmissible—for example, if a health condition is expected to cause excessive demand on Canadian health or social services.
Most applicants will be required to take an immigration medical exam to further assess the impact that their health may have on Canada’s health care system and public safety.
Applicants should disclose all medical conditions and, where applicable, provide medical records showing that any chronic conditions are under control. Even if a condition is on IRCC’s list of potential concerns, demonstrating stability and proper management can reduce the risk of refusal.
Keep in mind that super visa applicants must also provide proof of valid medical insurance from a Canadian insurer (or approved foreign provider) with
- A minimum coverage of $100,000;
- Coverage for health care, hospitalization, and repatriation; and
- A policy valid for at least one year from the date of entry.
To strengthen the application, supporting documents could include
- A copy of the paid insurance policy;
- Letters from local medical providers attesting to how the disease or condition in question would be managed/treated;
- A letter from the insurance provider confirming coverage details; and
- Medical reports or doctor’s letters confirming that existing conditions are being actively managed and treated.
What are the differences in immigration outcomes between the Super visa and the PGP?
Unlike the Parents and Grandparents Program, which provides permanent resident status to successful applicants, the super visa grants visitor status.
The super visa allows stays of up to five years at a time, with the possibility of a two-year extension, so it’s possible for the holder to visit Canada for up to seven consecutive years.
Provided that both sponsors and the sponsored persons continue to meet all eligibility requirements, these visas can be renewed after the seven-year period as well.
The super visa does not grant its holders authorization to work or study in Canada.
Super visa applicants typically benefit from much faster processing times than PGP applicants.
For example, as of 5 August, these are some recent processing times for super visas based on an applicant’s location, as reported by IRCC:
- India: 129 days.
- United States of America: 89 days.
- Nigeria: 58 days.
- Bangladesh: 110 days.
- Pakistan: 126 days.
In contrast, the current processing time for applications under the PGP to settle outside Quebec is 36 months.
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