Super Visa Canada — Parents & Grandparents
The Super Visa is one of the most valuable tools available to Canadian families who want their parents or grandparents close. While a standard visitor visa allows stays of up to six months at a time, the Super Visa allows parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens and permanent residents to stay in Canada for up to five years per entry — with the ability to extend that stay by a further two years without leaving the country. For families separated by immigration timelines, it is an essential option.
For many families, the Super Visa has become the primary path to family reunification — not just a temporary measure while waiting for sponsorship. The Parent and Grandparent Sponsorship program, which leads to permanent residence, has become increasingly difficult to access. Intake rounds are infrequent, heavily capped, and unpredictable. Families can wait years for an opportunity to even submit a sponsorship application. The Super Visa does not replace permanent residence, but for families who want to be together now rather than waiting indefinitely, it is often the most practical and reliable option available.
At Magellan Immigration, we handle Super Visa applications for families across Canada and internationally — assessing host eligibility, preparing the invitation letter, confirming insurance compliance, and building a complete application that addresses every requirement an officer will look for.
Important: Income Requirement Changes Effective March 31, 2026
IRCC is changing how host income is calculated for Super Visa applications effective March 31, 2026. All applications submitted on or after that date — and all applications already in processing — will be assessed under the new rules. The changes make the program more accessible in two important ways:
Extended assessment period — hosts can now meet the income requirement in either of the two most recent taxation years, rather than only the most recent year
Parental income supplement — if the host meets a minimum income threshold but falls short of the full requirement, the visiting parent or grandparent's own income can now be added to make up the difference
If you have previously been told you do not qualify as a host due to income, this change may make you eligible. Contact us to reassess your eligibility under the new rules.
Who Can Apply
The Super Visa is available to parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens and permanent residents. The applicant — the parent or grandparent — must apply from outside Canada and must meet standard admissibility requirements including a medical examination and, where required, biometrics. The host — the Canadian child or grandchild — must meet the income requirements set out below.
Key Requirements
Host Income — Minimum Necessary Income (MNI) The Canadian child or grandchild inviting the parent or grandparent must demonstrate income that meets or exceeds the Minimum Necessary Income threshold, which is based on LICO plus 30% and is updated annually. Current thresholds are:
1 person — $30,526
2 people — $38,002
3 people — $46,720
4 people — $56,724
Family size includes the host, their spouse or partner, their dependent children, and the parent or grandparent being invited. The primary proof of income is a Canada Revenue Agency Notice of Assessment. As of March 31, 2026, hosts may use either of the two most recent tax years to meet this threshold, and the visiting parent or grandparent's income may be used to supplement where the host meets the minimum percentage requirement.
Medical Examination Super Visa applicants are required to complete a medical examination by an IRCC-approved panel physician before their application can be approved.
Medical Insurance Super Visa applicants must have private medical insurance that meets all of the following requirements:
Minimum coverage of $100,000 for emergency healthcare, hospitalization, and repatriation
Valid for at least one year from the planned date of entry into Canada
Issued by a Canadian provider or an OSFI-approved foreign insurer
Must remain valid for the duration of each stay — if coverage expires before departure, it must be renewed
As of January 28, 2025, applicants can purchase insurance from international providers, as long as the insurer appears on the OSFI list of federally regulated financial institutions and the policy is issued through its Canadian operations. This has made Super Visa insurance more affordable for many families, particularly those from countries where private insurance costs are significantly lower than Canadian alternatives.
Invitation Letter The Canadian host must provide a signed invitation letter confirming the relationship, the purpose of the visit, the intended duration of stay, and a commitment to provide financial support and accommodation. The host's spouse or common-law partner may co-sign the letter if they are a Canadian citizen or permanent resident — other family members cannot co-sign.
Super Visa vs. Regular Visitor Visa
The key difference between a Super Visa and a regular visitor visa comes down to how long you can stay and what is required to get there. A regular visitor visa allows stays of up to six months per entry with no income or insurance requirements on the host's part. A Super Visa allows stays of up to five years per entry — extendable by a further two years from inside Canada — but requires the host to meet a minimum income threshold and the applicant to carry private medical insurance of at least $100,000 for the duration of each stay.
Both visas are valid for up to ten years and neither leads to permanent residence. The Super Visa is the right choice for families planning extended stays together. The regular visitor visa is more suitable for shorter, less frequent visits where the additional requirements of the Super Visa are not warranted.
What We Do
Assess host income eligibility against current MNI thresholds — including under the new March 31, 2026 rules
Advise on insurance requirements and OSFI-approved provider options
Prepare the host's invitation letter
Confirm medical examination requirements and refer to approved panel physicians
Prepare and submit the complete Super Visa application
Handle extensions for Super Visa holders already in Canada