Longer visits. Multiple entries. Family time without constant reapplying.
The Super Visa is a special visitor visa for parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens and permanent residents. It is designed for families who want longer visits without needing a new visitor visa every time.
A Super Visa is typically issued as a multiple-entry visa and can allow eligible parents and grandparents to stay in Canada for extended periods per entry, subject to meeting program requirements and entry decisions.
If you only need a short trip (for example, six months or less), a regular Visitor Visa (TRV) may be more suitable.
Who can apply for a Super Visa?
You may be eligible if you are:
- The parent or grandparent of a Canadian citizen or permanent resident
- Applying from outside Canada
- Able to meet medical, financial, and admissibility requirements
Super Visa requirements (in plain language)
1) Proof of relationship
You must prove you are the parent or grandparent of the Canadian citizen or permanent resident you are visiting (for example, through birth certificates or family documents).
2) Invitation letter from your child or grandchild
You must include a signed invitation letter from your child or grandchild in Canada. It should clearly explain:
- Who you are visiting and your relationship
- The purpose and expected length of the visit
- The full home address and contact information
- The household size (how many people live in the home)
- A clear statement of financial support for your stay, if applicable
A well-written invitation letter is one of the most important parts of the application.
3) Medical insurance from a Canadian company
You must have paid medical insurance from a Canadian insurance provider that:
- Is valid for at least one year from the date of entry
- Provides at least $100,000 coverage
- Covers health care, hospitalization, and repatriation (as required)
Insurance issues are a common reason applications get delayed or refused, so this part must be done carefully.
4) Financial eligibility (host support)
The child or grandchild in Canada must generally show they can financially support the visit. This is commonly assessed using household income and supporting documents.
5) Medical exam and admissibility
Applicants must be admissible to Canada, which may involve:
- A medical exam
- Background checks
- Review of prior immigration history
What the Super Visa does not allow
To avoid confusion, a Super Visa is still a visitor category, which means:
- You generally cannot include dependants on the same Super Visa application
- It does not give permission to work in Canada
- It is not permanent residence
- You must continue to meet the conditions of a temporary stay
Common reasons Super Visa applications are refused
- Weak or unclear proof of ties to the home country
- Incomplete or inconsistent financial support documents
- Insurance not meeting requirements (or not properly paid/issued)
- Travel purpose not clearly explained
- Concerns about overstaying or weak return plans
A strong Super Visa application is organized, consistent, and realistic.
How Brookside Immigration Inc. can help
Brookside Immigration Inc. is led by an RCIC-IRB and provides regulated immigration consulting services.
We can assist with:
- Super Visa eligibility review
- Invitation letter drafting and document checklist
- Financial document strategy and household size calculation support
- Insurance compliance review (coverage, validity, proof of payment)
- Refusal-risk review before submission
Start now
If you want your parents or grandparents to visit Canada for longer periods with fewer reapplications, the Super Visa may be the right choice.
Book a consultation with Brookside Immigration Inc.