The Super Visa allows parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens and permanent residents to visit Canada for extended stays—up to 5 years per visit—without the long waiting periods of permanent residency programs.
Permanent Residency
Undertaking Period
Income Proof Needed
Long-term family reunification
The Canada Super Visa is a multiple-entry temporary resident visa designed specifically for parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens or permanent residents.
Unlike a regular visitor visa which allows only 6 months per visit, the Super Visa enables extended family stays — originally up to 2 years, now expanded to up to 5 years per visit following recent government updates.
Introduced in 2011 to help families stay connected while managing the backlog of permanent sponsorship applications, it remains one of Canada’s most valued family immigration pathways — faster, more flexible, and open to all family sizes.
Under the PGP, sponsors must first express their interest and then wait for selection through a random draw. Here is how the process unfolds from start to finish.
Super Visa = Long-term family stay. Visitor Visa = Short-term travel.
Average processing time from application
Follow each step carefully. The Super Visa process is online via the IRCC portal. Accuracy and completeness at every stage directly determine your approval outcome.
Confirm the relationship between the applicant and the Canadian citizen or PR. Verify the host's income meets or exceeds the LICO threshold for your family size. Ensure the applicant has no admissibility issues.
Accurately count all family members to determine the correct LICO income threshold. Family size includes the host, spouse, dependent children, the visiting parent(s)/grandparent(s), and any previously sponsored persons.
Buy an approved private health insurance policy for the applicant before submitting the visa application. The policy must be in force, not just quoted. Ensure it meets all IRCC requirements: minimum $100,000 coverage, minimum 1-year validity, covering healthcare, hospitalisation, and repatriation.
The applicant must undergo a medical examination conducted by an IRCC-designated physician. This is mandatory and results are submitted directly to IRCC. Book early — appointment availability varies by location.
Compile all applicant and host documents carefully. Ensure financial documents are comprehensive — NOA, T4 slips, bank statements, and employment letter together. Translate any non-English/French documents by a certified translator.
Create an account on the IRCC immigration portal and complete the Super Visa application form (IMM 5257). Upload all required documents as clear, legible scans in the specified formats.
Pay the visa application fee (CAD $100 per applicant) and biometrics fee (CAD $85 individual / $170 family) online. Fees are non-refundable.
Visit the nearest Visa Application Centre (VAC) to provide fingerprints and a photograph. In India, VACs are available in New Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Ahmedabad, and more cities.
Average Super Visa processing time is approximately 2–3 months. Track your application status online via the IRCC portal. Upon approval, your passport will be returned with the visa stamp. Carry all supporting documents when you travel to Canada.
Confirm the relationship between the applicant and the Canadian citizen or PR. Verify the host's income meets or exceeds the LICO threshold for your family size. Ensure the applicant has no admissibility issues.
Accurately count all family members to determine the correct LICO income threshold. Family size includes the host, spouse, dependent children, the visiting parent(s)/grandparent(s), and any previously sponsored persons.
Buy an approved private health insurance policy for the applicant before submitting the visa application. The policy must be in force, not just quoted. Ensure it meets all IRCC requirements: minimum $100,000 coverage, minimum 1-year validity, covering healthcare, hospitalisation, and repatriation.
The applicant must undergo a medical examination conducted by an IRCC-designated physician. This is mandatory and results are submitted directly to IRCC. Book early — appointment availability varies by location.
Compile all applicant and host documents carefully. Ensure financial documents are comprehensive — NOA, T4 slips, bank statements, and employment letter together. Translate any non-English/French documents by a certified translator.
Create an account on the IRCC immigration portal and complete the Super Visa application form (IMM 5257). Upload all required documents as clear, legible scans in the specified formats.
Pay the visa application fee (CAD $100 per applicant) and biometrics fee (CAD $85 individual / $170 family) online. Fees are non-refundable.
Visit the nearest Visa Application Centre (VAC) to provide fingerprints and a photograph. In India, VACs are available in New Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Ahmedabad, and more cities.
Average Super Visa processing time is approximately 2–3 months. Track your application status online via the IRCC portal. Upon approval, your passport will be returned with the visa stamp. Carry all supporting documents when you travel to Canada.
The host must meet the Low Income Cut-Off (LICO) based on family size. Unlike PR sponsorship, no need for 3-year income proof—only 1 year is required for Super Visa.
Super Visa = Long-term family stay. Visitor Visa = Short-term travel.
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We understand that the visa and immigration process can be complex. To help you get started, we’ve answered some of the most common questions our clients ask.
No, the Super Visa is a visitor visa. Parents and grandparents are not permitted to work in Canada while on a Super Visa.
Yes, you can extend your stay by up to 2 additional years without leaving Canada by applying for an extension through IRCC.
No, there is no language test requirement for the Canada Super Visa application.
Yes, both parents can apply for the Super Visa together. The host must ensure their income meets the LICO threshold for the combined family size.
Yes, the Super Visa allows multiple entries for up to 10 years, letting parents and grandparents travel freely.
The main difference is the stay duration. Super Visa allows up to 5 years per visit, while a regular Visitor Visa typically allows only 6 months. Super Visa also requires medical insurance and the host to meet LICO income requirements.
On average, the Super Visa takes approximately 2–3 months to process from the date of application submission.
The Super Visa is a temporary visitor visa. While you cannot directly apply for PR through it, your child/grandchild can simultaneously apply to sponsor you under the PGP program.