The Super Visa is a special long-term visitor visa that allows parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens and permanent residents to stay in Canada for extended periods. While Canada’s Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) operates through limited, invitation-only intakes, the Super Visa remains an important option for family reunification and continues to be available in 2026.
This guide explains who the Super Visa is for, how it works, and what families need to know before applying.
What is the Super Visa?
The Super Visa is a temporary resident visa designed specifically for parents and grandparents. Unlike a regular visitor visa, it allows for significantly longer stays in Canada and multiple entries over a longer period.
A Super Visa can be issued for up to 10 years, depending on passport validity, and allows extended stays on each entry.
Who can apply for a Super Visa?
Parents or grandparents of:
- Canadian citizens, or
- Canadian permanent residents
Applications must be submitted from outside Canada.
Eligibility for the Super Visa is limited by regulation to parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens or permanent residents. Spouses, partners, children, siblings, and other relatives are not eligible for a Super Visa and must qualify under other visitor or sponsorship programs.
How long can parents or grandparents stay in Canada on a Super Visa?
A Super Visa allows:
- Up to five years per entry
- Multiple entries over a period of up to ten years
- Extensions of up to two additional years while in Canada, subject to approval
This makes the Super Visa one of the longest-duration visitor options under Canadian immigration law.
Super Visa requirements (2026)
To qualify for a Super Visa, applicants and their host family member in Canada must meet several requirements.
Invitation and financial support
The parent or grandparent must have a written invitation from their child or grandchild in Canada confirming financial support for the duration of the stay.
Income requirement (LICO)
The host child or grandchild must meet the Low Income Cut-Off (LICO) based on family size. This income threshold is lower than the Minimum Necessary Income (MNI) required to sponsor parents or grandparents for permanent residence under the PGP.
Medical insurance
Applicants must have private medical insurance:
- Issued by a Canadian insurer
- With a minimum of $100,000 in coverage
- Valid for at least one year from the date of entry
Temporary resident intent
As with all visitor visas, applicants must satisfy an immigration officer that they will leave Canada at the end of their authorized stay. Officers may consider factors such as ties to the home country, travel history, and financial circumstances.
Does the Super Visa lead to permanent residence?
No. The Super Visa is a temporary resident visa and does not lead directly to permanent residence.
However, many families use the Super Visa to spend extended time together in Canada while waiting for a future intake under the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) to be announced by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada.
Super Visa vs Parents and Grandparents Sponsorship (PGP)
| Feature | Super Visa | Parent / Grandparent Sponsorship (PGP) |
| Immigration status | Visitor | Permanent resident |
| Availability in 2026 | Open | Not currently open |
| Length of stay | Up to 5 years per entry | Permanent |
| Income requirement | LICO | LICO + 30% |
| Application model | Ongoing | Invitation-only intake |
When is a Super Visa a good option?
A Super Visa may be appropriate if:
- You did not receive an invitation under the PGP
- You want your parents or grandparents to spend extended time in Canada now
- You are preparing financially for a future PGP intake
Each family’s situation is different, and careful planning can reduce the risk of refusal.
Need help with a Super Visa application?
At Clivio Law, we assist families at every stage of the Super Visa process, from assessing eligibility and income requirements to preparing a strong, well-documented application. We help clients address common risk factors such as proof of ties to the home country, insurance compliance, and financial documentation, and we provide strategic guidance for refused applications or re-applications where necessary. Our goal is to reduce uncertainty, avoid preventable refusals, and help families reunite in Canada with confidence.