Reunite with Your Loved Ones: How to Sponsor Parents and Grandparents to Canada with a Super Visa

Have you settled in Canada as a Permanent Resident and dream of having your parents or grandparents join you for meaningful, extended visits? While regular visitor visas only allow short stays, the Super Visa offers a powerful alternative that many families overlook.

What makes the Super Visa special? It grants your parents and grandparents multiple-entry status for up to 10 years, allowing them to stay in Canada for up to two years per visit without needing constant renewals. This comprehensive guide walks you through everything you need to know about this family reunification option.

What Is the Super Visa?

The Super Visa program was created specifically to address the challenges families face when trying to spend quality time together across borders. Unlike the competitive Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) for permanent residency—which has limited spots and lengthy waitlists—the Super Visa provides a practical solution for extended family time.

With this special visa, your loved ones can:

• Make multiple trips to Canada over a decade

• Stay up to two years during each visit

• Maintain the flexibility to travel back home when needed

While it does require additional documentation like medical insurance and proof of your financial support, the Super Visa offers an unmatched opportunity to strengthen family bonds without navigating restrictive short-stay limitations.

Key Benefits That Make the Super Visa Worth It

Extended Stays: Regular visitor visas typically restrict stays to six months, but Super Visa holders enjoy up to two full years per visit without renewal headaches.

Decade-Long Validity: The Super Visa remains valid for up to 10 years, making it perfect for families whose parents or grandparents want the flexibility to come and go for important life events, seasonal visits, or personal needs.

Peace of Mind: Unlike standard visitor visas, which might be refused for longer visits, the Super Visa is specifically designed for extended family stays, reducing uncertainty and stress around approvals.

Predictable Planning: The consistent two-year entry allowance means families can make long-term plans with confidence, whether for childcare support, cultural traditions, or simply enjoying precious time together.

Who Qualifies for a Super Visa?

To be eligible for the Super Visa:

Relationship Requirement: The applicant must be the parent or grandparent of a Canadian citizen or Permanent Resident.

Temporary Intent: Despite the longer stay permissions, applicants must genuinely intend to return to their home country after their visit.

Support Requirements: As the sponsor (child or grandchild in Canada), you must provide:

• A formal invitation letter guaranteeing financial support

• Evidence that your income meets or exceeds the Low Income Cut-Off (LICO)

Medical Requirements:

• Applicants need Canadian medical insurance with at least $100,000 coverage, valid for a minimum of one year

• A medical examination is typically required to ensure public health standards

General Admissibility: Like all visitors to Canada, parents and grandparents must have no significant criminal history or health concerns that would make them inadmissible.

Understanding the Financial Support Requirement

Meeting the Low Income Cut-Off (LICO) is crucial for your Super Visa sponsorship. This benchmark helps immigration officials confirm you can support your visitors without straining Canadian social services.

Your demonstrated income must account for:

• Yourself

• Your spouse or partner

• Any dependent children

• All parents/grandparents you're inviting

You'll need to provide solid documentation such as:

• Recent Notice of Assessment from the CRA

• T4 slips from employers

• Employment verification letters

• Bank statements showing consistent income

Pro tip: If your income has increased recently, make sure to highlight this positive trend in your supporting documents.

Step-by-Step Application Guide

Step 1: Confirm Eligibility

• Verify your direct family relationship (biological parents/grandparents or legal step-parents in some cases)

• Check for any potential inadmissibility issues related to health or legal history

Step 2: Gather Essential Documentation

• Craft a Detailed Invitation Letter: Include your full name, occupation, address, and a clear commitment to financial support throughout their stay. Specify visit details like purpose and duration.

• Compile Financial Proof: Collect your income documents showing you exceed the LICO threshold for your family size.

• Secure Appropriate Medical Insurance: Your parent/grandparent needs valid insurance from a Canadian provider with minimum $100,000 coverage lasting at least one year from entry.

• Prepare Travel Documents: Ensure valid passports for the entire planned stay, plus any previous travel records that demonstrate travel compliance.

• Document Home Country Connections: While optional, evidence of property ownership, ongoing employment, or family responsibilities abroad can strengthen the application.

Step 3: Complete Application Forms

Your parent/grandparent will need to fill out:

• Application for Temporary Resident Visa (if required for their nationality)

• Family Information Form

• Any additional country-specific documents

Ensure all information perfectly aligns with your invitation letter—inconsistencies can lead to delays or refusals.

Step 4: Pay Fees and Submit Biometrics

• Pay the visa application fee (check current rates)

• Schedule a biometrics appointment at a Visa Application Centre if required

• Submit fingerprints and photo as directed

Step 5: Complete Medical Examination

• Book an appointment with an IRCC-designated panel physician

• Complete all required tests and examinations

• Ensure results are properly submitted to immigration authorities

Step 6: Wait for Processing

Processing times vary based on:

• Current visa office workload

• The applicant's country of residence

• Application completeness

Your parent/grandparent can track their application status through IRCC's online portal.

Step 7: Receive the Super Visa

If approved, your parent/grandparent will receive either:

• A Super Visa stamp in their passport, or

• A letter of introduction to present at the Canadian border

Upon arrival, a Border Services officer will typically grant the full two-year stay permission.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Insufficient Financial Documentation: Failing to clearly demonstrate you meet LICO requirements is the #1 reason for refusal.

Insurance Errors: Make sure the policy comes from a Canadian provider and meets the full coverage requirements.

Vague Invitation Letters: Your letter must specifically address financial support, living arrangements, and visit duration.

Weak Ties to Home Country: Applications may be refused if there's concern your parent/grandparent doesn't intend to return home.

Delayed Responses: Promptly submit any additional documents requested by IRCC to avoid application abandonment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I sponsor my in-laws with a Super Visa if I have PR status? A: Yes, if they're your spouse's parents or grandparents, they qualify as long as you meet the income requirements and other conditions.

Q: How long can they stay during each visit? A: Up to two years per entry, with the visa itself valid for up to 10 years total.

Q: Does the Super Visa lead to permanent residency? A: No, it's strictly a visitor visa. For PR status, they would need to apply through the Parents and Grandparents Program or another immigration pathway.

Q: Is there an age minimum or maximum for applicants? A: There's no official age restriction—they simply need to be your parent or grandparent and meet the health and insurance requirements.

Q: Can Super Visa holders work in Canada? A: Generally no. The Super Visa is for visits only and doesn't include work authorization.

The Super Visa offers a precious opportunity to reunite with parents and grandparents without the constant stress of visa renewals. For Permanent Residents in Canada, providing the proper invitation, meeting income requirements, and ensuring your loved ones have appropriate medical coverage opens the door to years of meaningful family connections.

While the process requires careful attention to detail and compliance with immigration standards, the reward is invaluable: extended time with the people who matter most, sharing traditions, supporting each other through life's moments, and strengthening bonds across generations. Start your Super Visa journey today and give your family the gift of time together.

References

1. Parents and Grandparents Super Visa - Official overview of the Super Visa program including eligibility and requirements.

2. How to Apply for a Parent and Grandparent Super Visa - Step-by-step application instructions from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada.

3. Income Requirements - Super Visa - Current Low Income Cut-Off (LICO) thresholds required for sponsoring family members.

4. Medical Insurance for Super Visa - Details on the mandatory health insurance coverage requirements for applicants.

5. Check Application Processing Times - Tool to check current visa processing times based on application type and country.

6. Medical Exams for Visitors - Information on when and how to complete required medical examinations.

7. Biometrics for Temporary Residence - Guide to biometric requirements including fingerprints and photographs.

8. Find an Immigration Form - Portal to access all required visa application forms.

9. Find a Visa Application Centre - Locator tool for the nearest centre where applications can be submitted.

10. Find a Panel Physician - Directory of government-approved doctors who can perform immigration medical examinations.