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Super Visa Canada 2026 for Parents and Grandparents
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Super Visa for Parents & Grandparents

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The Parent and Grandparent Super Visa is a long-stay temporary resident visa that helps Canadian citizens, permanent residents, and registered Indians in Canada spend extended time with their parents or grandparents. It’s a multiple-entry visa that can be issued for up to 10 years (based on passport validity), and it allows parents and grandparents to visit for up to 5 years per entry.

For many families, the Super Visa is a real alternative to the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) – especially when permanent residence sponsorship isn’t available right away, intake is limited, or timelines are uncertain. Unlike PGP, the Super Visa does not lead to permanent residence; applicants must still satisfy IRCC that they’re coming to Canada temporarily and will leave at the end of their authorized stay.

To qualify, both sides must meet key conditions. The child or grandchild in Canada must meet the minimum income (LICO) requirement and provide supporting documents, while the parent/grandparent applicant must meet admissibility rules, complete an immigration medical exam, and hold private medical insurance that meets Super Visa requirements for the required period.

Because IRCC assesses Super Visa files closely, applications are commonly delayed or refused when income is calculated incorrectly, insurance doesn’t meet program rules, or the applicant’s temporary resident intent isn’t well supported (for example, weak home ties or an unclear travel purpose).

The sections below explain who can apply, the eligibility rules, and how the IRCC process works. You may also want to compare the Super Visa with a standard Visitor Visa for Parents for shorter stays, and review Canada’s Family Class immigration programs if your long-term goal is permanent reunification. To better understand your options, you can book a consultation with our Licensed Immigration Consultants for personalized guidance. For a clear overview of service options, timelines, and what’s included, you may also review our fees.

Super Visa Eligibility Requirements

Applying for a Parent and Grandparent Super Visa requires meeting specific eligibility and admissibility criteria set by IRCC. Although the Super Visa allows extended stays in Canada, it is still a temporary resident application that is carefully assessed based on the applicant’s circumstances and the host’s ability to meet program requirements. Parents and grandparents, along with their child or grandchild in Canada, must satisfy conditions related to income, medical insurance, admissibility, and temporary intent. Understanding these requirements early helps ensure a complete application and reduces the risk of delays or refusal.

Inviter Eligibility Requirements

For a Parent and Grandparent Super Visa, the inviter (host) must be the applicant’s child or grandchild in Canada and must meet IRCC’s host requirements.

The host must:

  • Be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or a registered Indian under the Canadian Indian Act

  • Be at least 18 years old

  • Live in Canada (and be able to show they continue to reside in Canada)

  • Meet or exceed the Minimum Necessary Income (MNI / LICO) based on the total family size

  • Provide a signed invitation letter confirming they will financially support the parent(s) or grandparent(s) for the full duration of the stay

Invitation Letter

The host’s invitation letter should clearly confirm the host’s financial support and list everyone counted toward family size. When you write the invitation letter, follow a clear format (many families use an invitation letter template or sample as a guide) and include:

  • The host

  • The host’s spouse or common-law partner

  • The host’s dependent children

  • The visiting parent(s) or grandparent(s) (and any accompanying dependants, if applicable)

Notarized: A notarized invitation letter is not always required, but some applicants choose to notarize it to strengthen the file—especially if the visa office requests additional proof of support.

Can a spouse/common-law partner co-sign?

If needed to meet the income requirement, the host’s spouse or common-law partner may co-sign and have their income included in the calculation, as long as they are also a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.

Note: Not meeting the host eligibility rules or the income requirement is a common reason Super Visa applications are refused.

Applicant Eligibility Requirements

Parents and grandparents applying for a Super Visa must independently meet IRCC’s eligibility and admissibility requirements, in addition to having an eligible host in Canada.

To be eligible, the parent or grandparent must:

  • Be outside Canada when submitting the Super Visa application
  • Be admissible to Canada, meaning they must not be criminally or security inadmissible
  • Successfully complete an IRCC-approved immigration medical examination
  • Demonstrate that they are a genuine temporary visitor who will leave Canada at the end of their authorized stay
  • Satisfy IRCC that the purpose of travel is consistent with a long-term family visit

IRCC evaluates each application based on the applicant’s overall circumstances, including their travel history, family ties outside Canada, financial situation, and previous compliance with immigration laws. Even though Super Visa holders are allowed long stays, applicants must still clearly demonstrate temporary resident intent.

Dependents cannot be included in a Super Visa application. Each parent or grandparent must qualify and apply as an individual applicant. If both mother and father (or a married/common-law couple) wish to visit, they may apply at the same time as separate Super Visa applicants. Dependent children are not eligible to be included as dependents on a Super Visa application and must apply under the appropriate temporary resident category, if applicable.

Super Visa Extension

The Super Visa allows parents and grandparents to remain in Canada for extended periods unlike Parents Visitor Visa, making it one of the most flexible temporary resident options available.

  • Length of stay per entry: Super Visa holders who enter Canada after June 22, 2023 may be allowed to stay up to 5 years per entry, but the final length of stay is always at the discretion of the border services officer at the port of entry.

  • Validity and Passport Validity: The Super Visa is a multiple-entry visa that can be issued for up to 10 years, but its validity may be shorter depending on passport validity (and other officer decisions).

Staying longer without leaving Canada (not a “Super Visa Extension”)

There is no separate process called a “Super Visa Extension.” If parents or grandparents want to stay longer from inside Canada, they apply to extend their stay as a visitor by requesting a visitor record. A visitor record is not a visa – t’s a document that authorizes a longer stay and provides a new expiry date.

Extension requests are assessed by IRCC and are not automatic. As part of the application, the applicant must provide full details on why they want to stay longer, plus evidence of how they will support themselves (or be supported) in Canada and details about their plans to leave Canada.

Applicants must also continue to meet the Super Visa conditions at the time of the request, including maintaining valid private medical insurance for the entire period they’re asking to stay. If insurance will expire before the planned departure date, it should be renewed or replaced to avoid status problems.

Important: The validity of temporary resident status (including a requested extension) cannot exceed passport validity, so the passport should be valid for at least the full length of time being requested.

Super Visa Canada 2026 for Parents and Grandparents

Super Visa Insurance

To apply for a Super Visa in Canada, parents and grandparents must purchase valid Canadian health insurance that meets IRCC requirements. This insurance is required as part of the application and acts as key proof of medical and emergency coverage during the trip.

Since Super Visa applicants are often elderly people, the cost can vary depending on age, medical history, coverage amount, and length of stay. Many families compare plans based on total cost, monthly payment, and what the policy includes.

Before choosing a plan, request a quote, use a pricing calculator, and review the refund rules carefully. The cheapest option is not always the best, especially if exclusions are unclear. It’s also helpful to check customer reviews and understand how to submit a complaint if needed. Most providers allow you to buy online, which makes comparing options easier.

Super Visa insurance providers
Here are 5 companies that offer Super Visa insurance options:

Income Requirements

To apply for a Super Visa in Canada, the child or grandchild inviting their parents or grandparents must meet a minimum income requirement based on LICO (Low Income Cut-Off). This helps IRCC confirm the host has the financial ability to support visiting family members during their stay.

The required income cut-off depends on your family size (your total household), including you, your spouse or partner, your dependents, and the parents or grandparents you are inviting. If your family income is too low to meet the required LICO threshold, the Super Visa application may be refused.

IRCC typically relies on your CRA Notice of Assessment (NOA) as the primary proof of income. In some cases, you may also include supporting documents showing available funds and proof of funds, such as employment letters, pay stubs, or bank statements, especially if IRCC requests additional clarification. While there is no official co-signer for a Super Visa, additional household financial documents can help support the application.

The table shows the 2025 LICO income requirements by family size. Since these numbers can change from year to year, it’s important to check any IRCC 2026 updates and confirm your required cut-off by matching your family size to the LICO amount before submitting your Super Visa application.  

Income Requirements
Number of Family Members Funds You Need (CAD)
1 Person $30,526
2 People $38,002
3 People $46,720
4 People $56,724
5 People $64,336
6 People $72,560
7 People $82,259
If more than 7 people, for each additional person, add: $8,224

Number of family members

Funds you need (CAD)

1 people

$30,526

2 people

$38,002

3 people

$46,720

4 people

$56,724

5 people

$64,336 

6 people

$72,560 

7 people

$82,259

If more than 7 people, for each additional person, add:

$8,224

IRCC Application Process

Document Checklist Requirements

The official IRCC checklist for a Canada Super Visa must be followed exactly. The checklist shows what applicants must submit in their Super Visa Application Package before applying.

In general, you can expect to include:

  • Required forms (visitor visa application, family information, representative form if applicable)
  • Passports and travel documents (valid passport, previous visas if applicable)
  • Proof of relationship (documents proving the parent-child relationship)
  • Purpose of travel and ties (invitation letter, travel history, home country ties)
  • Proof of financial support (host’s income documents showing they meet LICO, employment letters, bank statements)
  • Mandatory medical insurance (Super Visa insurance meeting IRCC coverage requirements)
  • Medical exam and biometrics (when required by IRCC)
  • Additional supporting documents (depending on the visa office and PG-1 category)

You must always check IRCC website for the most up-to-date Super Visa checklist requirements before submitting under PG-1.

IRCC Processing Time

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) provides updated processing time estimates through its official online tool. While these figures are not guaranteed turnaround times, they help applicants understand what to expect after submission.

Super Visa processing times may depend on:

  • the applicant’s country of residence and visa office workload
  • biometrics and medical exam steps
  • background checks and document verification
  • whether IRCC requests additional documents or clarifications
  • the overall complexity of the file submitted under PG-1

Delays often occur due to incomplete forms, missing documents or translations, or incorrect fee payments.

IRCC Application Fees

Super Visa applications include government fees paid to IRCC during the submission process. Applicants should also plan for third-party costs that are not paid to IRCC.

Government fees may include:

  • Visitor visa processing fee
  • Biometrics fee (if required)

Essential third-party costs may include:

  • Super Visa medical insurance (mandatory)
  • Immigration medical exam (panel physician fee)
  • Certified translations (if required)
  • Courier or document services (if applicable)

You must always confirm the latest amounts on the official IRCC fee list, as immigration fees can change.

Application Status Tracker

After submitting your Super Visa application, you can follow your case through IRCC tracking tool. Most updates appear in your IRCC secure online account and may include:

  • Document requests
  • Biometrics
  • Medical instructions
  • Decisions

You can also access your application through the IRCC online portal (link to IRCC Client Portal). If you use a representative, it will be through the Authorized Representative Portal instead.

Frequently Asked Questions

Still have a question? Use the search bar to explore 15+ Spousal Visitor Visa FAQs.

A regular visitor visa is designed for shorter visits, while a Super Visa is specifically for parents and grandparents visiting their child or grandchild in Canada for longer stays. A Super Visa can allow stays of up to 5 years per entry if approved. You generally cannot “switch” to a Super Visa from inside Canada because Super Visa applications must be submitted from outside Canada. If your parent is already in Canada as a visitor, they may be able to extend visitor status, then apply for a Super Visa from outside Canada later.

What is the difference between a Canada Visitor Visa and a Super Visa, and can I switch from Visitor status to a Super Visa?

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A visitor visa (temporary resident visa/TRV) is the standard option for someone who wants to visit Canada temporarily for tourism, family visits, or short stays. A Super Visa is a specialized visitor visa category limited to parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens or permanent residents, designed to support longer family visits. One of the major practical differences is the authorized stay: Super Visa holders can generally stay in Canada for up to 5 years per entry, whereas regular visitor entries are typically shorter (often up to 6 months, though the border officer always decides the authorized period at entry).

A second major difference is eligibility and documentation. A Super Visa application must include a qualifying invitation letter from the child or grandchild in Canada, proof the host meets the minimum income requirement (based on family size), proof of medical insurance meeting Super Visa rules, and proof the applicant completed an immigration medical exam. These are Super Visa–specific requirements that are not required in the same way for a regular visitor visa.

Regarding “switching” from visitor status to a Super Visa: a Super Visa application must be submitted from outside Canada. If your parent is currently in Canada as a visitor, the compliant approach is usually:

  1. Maintain legal status in Canada (for example, apply to extend visitor status before it expires, if eligible), and
  2. When ready, the parent leaves Canada and submits the Super Visa application from outside Canada with all required supporting documents.

Even if a Super Visa is issued, entry to Canada and the length of stay are still subject to border examination and the traveler continuing to meet the conditions (including having valid Super Visa insurance available for review).

For professional help choosing between a visitor visa and Super Visa strategy, speak with our immigration consultants, review our fees, or book a consultation to map the fastest compliant path based on your family’s timing and travel plans.

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A Super Visa is only for parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens or permanent residents. You cannot apply for a sibling (brother or sister) under the Super Visa category. You also cannot include dependents on a Super Visa application. If other relatives want to visit, they typically apply under regular visitor options.

Who can a Super Visa be applied for - only parents, grandparents, or can I apply for a sibling (brother, sister)? Can dependents be included?

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The Super Visa program is limited by design: it is available only to parents and grandparents who want to visit their child or grandchild in Canada for extended stays. This means a Super Visa is not an option for siblings (brothers/sisters), cousins, aunts/uncles, or friends—even if the host in Canada is a citizen or permanent resident and is willing to provide support.

It is also important to separate the idea of “who can visit” from “which visa category applies.” A sibling may still be able to visit Canada, but they would normally apply as a regular visitor (TRV) or, if eligible, travel under visa-exempt rules (eTA for air travel) rather than through the Super Visa framework.

On the question of dependants: Super Visa applications do not allow dependants to be included on the application. Each applicant must qualify on their own as a parent or grandparent of the host. In practice, many families apply for both parents together (two separate applicants packaged together), but that is still not the same as including dependants.

If the family’s goal is to have multiple relatives visit at the same time (for example, parents plus a sibling), that usually requires separate applications under the appropriate category for each person. Each person must still satisfy a visa officer that they are a genuine temporary visitor who will leave Canada at the end of their authorized stay, and they must meet admissibility requirements. Super Visa applicants additionally must meet the specific Super Visa requirements (insurance + medical exam + host income and invitation letter).

For help planning a coordinated family visit (and deciding who should apply under which category), consult our immigration consultants, review our fees, or book a consultation so your documents and timing align and you avoid avoidable refusals.

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Visa-exempt parents can usually travel with an eTA for short visits by air, but an eTA does not provide Super Visa benefits. If your parents want the Super Visa’s longer stay structure (up to 5 years per entry), they can still apply for a Super Visa even if they are visa-exempt. If approved, visa-exempt travelers may receive a Super Visa approval letter and still need an eTA for air travel. The right choice depends on how long they plan to stay and whether you can meet Super Visa requirements.

If my parents are from a visa-exempt country, do they still need a Super Visa, or can they travel with an eTA?

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Parents from visa-exempt countries often have two practical pathways for temporary visits: traveling with an eTA (if flying) for shorter stays, or applying for a Super Visa when the goal is longer, repeated stays with fewer renewals. An eTA is a travel authorization linked to the passport for visa-exempt foreign nationals traveling to Canada by air; it is not a “long-stay” visa category and it does not replace Super Visa rules.

A Super Visa is specifically designed for parents and grandparents who want extended time in Canada with their child or grandchild. It provides a structure that can allow up to 5 years per entry (subject to border officer decision at entry and continued compliance). For families planning extended stays, a Super Visa can reduce the need to repeatedly apply for visitor extensions.

Crucially, being from a visa-exempt country does not prevent applying for a Super Visa. Visa-exempt parents can still submit a Super Visa application from outside Canada, and if approved, they may receive documentation confirming approval. If they travel by air, they may also need an eTA separately, and it must match the passport they use to travel.

Choosing between eTA travel and a Super Visa usually comes down to:

  • Length and frequency of visits (short visits vs. extended stays),
  • Whether the host in Canada can meet the minimum income threshold and provide required proof,
  • Whether the parent can complete the medical exam, and
  • Whether qualifying medical insurance can be purchased under Super Visa rules.

For tailored planning (eTA travel vs. Super Visa, and how to document the visit properly), speak with our immigration consultants, review our fees, or book a consultation so your parents travel with the correct authorization and the strongest possible documentation.

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IRCC no longer refers to the Super Visa income requirement as “LICO” in its Super Visa instructions. Instead, IRCC uses the term Minimum Necessary Income (MNI). While the income figures are still based on Canada’s Low Income Cut‑Off (LICO) tables, “LICO” itself is no longer presented as the requirement applicants must meet. Family size must be calculated carefully because it affects the required income. IRCC requires counting the host, the host’s spouse/partner, dependents, the Super Visa applicant(s), and certain previously sponsored or invited persons still covered by undertakings/letters. If the income threshold isn’t met for the correct family size, the application can be refused.

What is LICO for a Super Visa, and how do I calculate family size?

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For a Super Visa, IRCC requires the host child or grandchild in Canada to meet the minimum necessary income level for their family size. This requirement exists to show the host can support the visiting parent(s) or grandparent(s) during their stay in Canada. The practical effect is straightforward: the larger the family size, the higher the income threshold the host must meet.

Family size is not just “the people living in the home today.” IRCC’s Super Visa family size calculation includes several categories that applicants commonly miss. For Super Visa purposes, IRCC instructs you to include:

  • The Super Visa applicant(s) (the parent/grandparent) and any other Super Visa applicant applying at the same time (for example, the applicant’s spouse/common-law partner, where applicable),
  • The host child or grandchild,
  • The host’s spouse/common-law partner (including a separated spouse in certain circumstances),
  • The host’s dependent children and the dependent children of the host’s spouse/partner (children meeting IRCC’s dependent child definition must be counted regardless of custody/support arrangements),
  • Previously approved Super Visa holders covered by earlier invitation letters that remain applicable, and
  • Previously sponsored persons where the host (or co-signer) still has an undertaking in effect.

Example: If a host in Canada is married with two dependent children and is inviting both parents on a Super Visa application, the family size is at least: host (1) + spouse (1) + children (2) + invited parents (2) = 6, before considering any prior undertakings or previously invited Super Visa holders still covered.

Income proof is also structured: IRCC lists accepted documents such as the most recent Notice of Assessment, T4/T1, pay stubs, employer letter, and other income evidence (for example pension statements). If the host’s income alone is not enough, the host’s spouse/common-law partner may co-sign the invitation letter and provide proof of income to help meet the requirement.

If you want help calculating family size correctly (especially where there are prior undertakings, shared custody, or multiple invitations), consult our immigration consultants, review our fees, or book a consultation for a document-checked family size and income assessment before you apply.

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A NOA is a common and preferred proof of income, but IRCC lists several other documents that may be accepted. If you do not have a NOA, you can usually provide alternatives such as T4/T1, pay stubs, an employer letter, or proof of other income. The key is proving you meet the minimum income requirement for the correct family size. Submitting weak or inconsistent income proof is a frequent reason for refusal.

Is a Notice of Assessment (NOA) required for a Super Visa, What if I don’t have one?

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For Super Visa applications, IRCC requires proof that the host child or grandchild in Canada meets the minimum necessary income for their calculated family size. A Notice of Assessment (NOA) from the Canada Revenue Agency is widely used because it is standardized and easy to verify, but IRCC’s Super Visa guidance lists multiple acceptable forms of proof of income.

If you do not have a NOA (for example, you are newly arrived in Canada, newly employed, or have not yet filed a Canadian tax return for the relevant year), IRCC indicates that other documents can support the income requirement. Accepted document examples include:

  • T4 or T1 for the last tax year,
  • Pay stubs covering the most recent 12-month period available,
  • Employment insurance benefit statements (where applicable),
  • A letter from an accountant confirming annual income if self-employed,
  • Proof of other income sources (for example, pension statements),
  • A detailed employer letter confirming job title/description and salary, and
  • Bank statements (typically as supporting evidence rather than a stand-alone substitute for income documentation).

The strategic point is not “which single document is mandatory,” but whether your package proves—clearly and consistently—that you meet the threshold income for your family size. Mismatches (for example, bank balances that don’t align with declared income, or pay stubs that don’t support the annual figure claimed) can raise credibility issues and increase refusal risk.

If the host’s income alone is not sufficient, IRCC allows the host’s spouse or common-law partner to co-sign the invitation letter and submit proof of income to help meet the requirement. This is often the cleanest remedy when income is borderline.

For a pre-submission review of your income documents (especially when there is no NOA available), work with our immigration consultants, review our fees, or book a consultation so you submit a coherent, evidence-based income package that meets Super Visa standards.

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For Super Visa purposes, IRCC allows the host’s spouse or common-law partner to co-sign the invitation letter and provide income proof if needed. A sibling (brother/sister) is not listed as an eligible co-signer for meeting the income requirement. Parents should still provide their own documents showing they are genuine temporary visitors and can support themselves as appropriate, but the core Super Visa financial requirement is the host’s minimum income plus compliant insurance.

Who can be a co-signer for a Super Visa—can my sibling co-sign, and do parents need to show their own funds?

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In Super Visa applications, “co-signing” is about meeting the host income requirement and formally supporting the parent’s visit through the invitation letter. IRCC’s Super Visa instructions specify that the host child’s or grandchild’s spouse or common-law partner may co-sign the invitation letter and provide proof of income, if required, to meet the minimum necessary income threshold. This is the only co-signer category explicitly recognized for income-support purposes in the Super Visa instructions.

A sibling (brother or sister) of the host is not listed as an eligible co-signer under the Super Visa income framework. Even if a sibling is willing to help financially, that support does not substitute for IRCC’s stated structure for meeting minimum necessary income through the host (and, where applicable, the host’s spouse/common-law partner). Practically, a sibling may still provide supporting context (for example, evidence of family support), but they should not be positioned as the person meeting the core income requirement.

Do parents need to show their own funds? A Super Visa is still a temporary resident application, which means the parent must satisfy the officer they are a genuine visitor who will leave Canada at the end of the authorized stay and that they meet admissibility requirements. While the Super Visa has unique requirements (host income, insurance, medical exam), parents should still provide a credible overall profile: travel history where relevant, ties to their home country, and financial situation that makes the proposed visit realistic. The invitation letter must also include a promise of financial support from the host for the duration of the visit.

In other words: the host must meet the minimum necessary income and provide the formal invitation, but the parent should still submit a complete, credible visitor application package with appropriate personal documentation. Where families run into trouble is when the parent’s circumstances are not explained, or when the support story is inconsistent with the documents provided.

For help structuring the invitation/co-signing strategy correctly (without introducing avoidable credibility risks), consult our immigration consultants, review our fees, or book a consultation to ensure the host/co-signer setup matches IRCC’s Super Visa rules.

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Yes—Super Visa applicants must complete an immigration medical exam as part of the process. In practice, applicants follow IRCC instructions on timing, but Super Visa documentation requires proof the medical exam was completed with an approved panel physician. Police certificates are not universally required for all visitor cases, but IRCC may request one during processing, and it may be needed depending on the application. Always follow the document checklist and any officer requests.

Are medical exams required for a Super Visa (upfront or after request), and do applicants need a police certificate?

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A Super Visa is distinct from a standard visitor visa in that IRCC expects stronger up-front compliance documentation. One of the key mandatory elements is the immigration medical exam (IME). IRCC’s temporary resident medical exam guidance specifically lists Parent and Grandparent Super Visa applicants among those who must complete an IME. Super Visa application instructions also require applicants to include proof they completed a medical exam with an approved panel physician.

On timing (upfront vs. after request): IRCC processes medical exams in different ways across programs. Some temporary residence streams allow an upfront medical exam, while in other contexts IRCC may issue medical instructions after submission. For Super Visa, the application instructions emphasize that proof of the medical exam must be provided, which in practice often means arranging the exam early enough to submit the required proof in the application package. Applicants should not repeat medical exams unnecessarily unless IRCC instructs them to do so.

Regarding police certificates: police certificate rules vary by program. For many temporary resident applications, a police certificate is not always demanded at submission, but IRCC may request a police certificate during processing depending on the case and admissibility screening needs. Super Visa “after you apply” guidance explicitly notes that IRCC may ask the applicant to provide additional items such as a medical exam (if not already provided) or a police certificate. Separately, IRCC’s police certificate guidance explains that requirements depend on the program and checklist, and may apply in certain situations (including where there is relevant history).

Best practice for families is to:

  1. Prepare for the medical exam requirement as non-negotiable for Super Visa,
  2. Review the checklist carefully so you submit what is asked for at the correct stage, and
  3. Be ready to produce police certificates quickly if IRCC requests them during processing, especially if the applicant has lived in multiple countries.

If you want a compliant document plan (medical timing, country-specific police certificate strategy, and application packaging), consult our immigration consultants, review our fees, or book a consultation so your Super Visa submission is complete and responsive to common officer requests.

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Yes—Super Visa medical insurance is mandatory and must meet specific coverage and validity rules. On taxes, insurance premiums may be claimable only in limited situations under CRA medical expense rules and only if the person qualifies as an eligible dependent and meets CRA conditions. Many families cannot claim these premiums because visitor parents are often not considered eligible dependents for tax purposes in the required way. If tax treatment matters, confirm with a tax professional using CRA guidance.

Is Super Visa medical insurance mandatory, and can I claim the insurance premiums on my taxes in Canada?

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Medical insurance is a mandatory Super Visa requirement. IRCC’s Super Visa instructions require proof of a qualifying health insurance policy and specify detailed conditions: the policy must be valid for at least 1 year from the date of entry, cover health care/hospitalization/repatriation, provide at least $100,000 coverage, and be issued by an eligible insurer (Canadian insurers, or certain foreign insurers authorized to operate in Canada under the stated criteria). The policy must also be valid for each entry and available for review by a border services officer upon request. Quotes are not accepted—proof of purchased coverage is required.

The tax question is separate from immigration requirements. CRA’s medical expense system is not built around immigration categories; it is built around who qualifies as an eligible person for a medical expense claim and what expenses qualify. CRA guidance explains that eligible medical expenses may be claimed for yourself, your spouse/common-law partner, and (depending on the line and situation) certain dependents—potentially including parents—when CRA conditions are met. One important limitation is that CRA rules for “other dependents” include residency and dependency conditions, and the fact that you paid an expense for a visiting parent does not automatically make it claimable.

Practically, many Super Visa hosts discover that premiums are not claimable in their circumstances because:

  • The visiting parent is not considered an eligible dependent in the required way, and/or
  • The CRA conditions (including residency criteria for the dependent category used) are not met, and/or
  • The insurance product does not fit within how CRA treats eligible medical expense premiums.

Accordingly, you should treat Super Visa insurance primarily as an immigration compliance cost, and only treat possible tax claims as a separate, fact-specific analysis based on CRA definitions and your family’s tax situation.

If you want help selecting compliant Super Visa insurance documentation for the application (and coordinating timing so proof is correct at submission and entry), consult our immigration consultants, review our fees, or book a consultation to ensure your insurance evidence meets IRCC standards and is presented clearly.

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A Super Visa (like other travel authorizations) is tied to a valid passport, and validity can be limited by passport expiry. If the passport is renewed, travel documentation rules may require carrying the old passport with the visa counterfoil (if applicable) and the new passport, depending on how the authorization was issued. For visa-exempt travelers using an eTA, a new passport requires a new eTA because the eTA is electronically linked to the passport. Always plan renewals before travel to avoid boarding or entry issues.

Does a Super Visa expire when the passport expires or if the passport is renewed?

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A Super Visa is a form of temporary resident travel authorization for parents and grandparents. In practice, any Canadian travel authorization is passport-dependent: the traveler must have a valid passport, and the authorization is associated with passport details. This matters in two common situations: (1) the passport expires soon, and (2) the passport is renewed after a visa/eTA was issued.

If a parent is from a visa-required country, their Super Visa approval typically results in a visa being placed in the passport (subject to standard processes). When that passport is replaced, the traveler must ensure they can still present the relevant visa evidence while traveling. IRCC guidance in related temporary resident contexts commonly advises travelers to keep the old passport and, when traveling, bring both the old and new passports where a valid authorization is contained in the older document. This is a practical travel documentation issue: airlines and border officers need to see the valid authorization and the valid identity document.

If the parent is from a visa-exempt country, the Super Visa process may still involve being issued an approval letter, and for air travel they may need an eTA. An eTA is electronically linked to a specific passport; if the passport is renewed or replaced, the eTA generally must be obtained again for the new passport.

The safest planning approach is to check passport validity well before applying and before travel. If the passport is close to expiry, renewing first can avoid shortened visa validity or complicated travel logistics. If renewal happens after a Super Visa is issued, the parent should plan travel with the correct set of documents (which may include both passports and any approval evidence, depending on the person’s nationality and how the authorization was issued).

For planning support (timing passport renewals, aligning eTA/visa documentation, and preventing travel disruptions), consult our immigration consultants, review our fees, or book a consultation so your parents travel with the right documents for their nationality and route.

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A return ticket is not listed as a mandatory Super Visa requirement, but parents must still satisfy border officers they are genuine temporary visitors. Officers may ask about travel plans and length of stay. What is mandatory is having Super Visa-compliant insurance available for review (and meeting all entry conditions). If buying tickets early, consider flexibility in case travel dates change.

Do my parents need a return ticket to enter Canada on a Super Visa?

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IRCC’s Super Visa requirements focus on eligibility and compliance documents—particularly the invitation letter, minimum income proof, medical insurance meeting specific criteria, and proof of the medical exam. A return ticket is not framed as a required document in the Super Visa instructions. However, entry to Canada is always examined at the border, and travelers must satisfy the border officer that they meet entry requirements and remain genuine temporary residents.

In practice, border officers may ask about:

  • How long the parent intends to stay on this entry,
  • Where they will live in Canada,
  • Whether they have sufficient arrangements for support, and
  • Whether they continue to meet Super Visa conditions (especially insurance).

This is where travel plans can matter. A return ticket can be helpful as supporting evidence of intent, but it is not the same as a legal requirement. Families sometimes choose to prepare a clear written travel plan (intended arrival window, intended length of stay, and the reason for the visit) rather than locking into fixed dates too early.

One item that is expressly important at entry is proof of valid medical insurance that meets Super Visa requirements and is valid for each entry. IRCC’s instructions note that the insurance must be available for review by a border services officer upon request. This means parents should carry accessible proof of insurance when traveling.

A practical tip is to avoid purchasing non-refundable tickets far in advance if the Super Visa is not yet issued or if timing is uncertain. While buying a ticket does not guarantee approval, presenting a coherent plan with consistent supporting documents can reduce confusion at the border. The strongest “entry readiness” package typically includes the Super Visa documentation, insurance proof, invitation letter, and any supporting documents that explain the visit’s purpose and duration in a credible way.

For help preparing an entry-ready Super Visa travel package (so your parents are confident at the airport and at the border), consult our immigration consultants, review our fees, or book a consultation to ensure the documents parents carry match Super Visa requirements and your family’s travel plan.

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Super Visa eligibility is assessed at the time of application, but each entry to Canada is still examined at the border. If circumstances change significantly, it can create practical risk for future entries or extensions because officers may reassess whether the visit is realistic and properly supported. Maintaining valid Super Visa insurance for each entry is essential. If your income drops, update your plan and documents before your parents travel again or apply for an extension.

Can my parents’ Super Visa be cancelled or affected if my income drops after approval?

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A Super Visa decision is based on the application as submitted, including proof the host meets the minimum income requirement for the relevant family size and the parent meets Super Visa conditions. After issuance, however, it is important to understand that entry to Canada is not automatic. Each time a parent travels, they are examined at the border and must still meet temporary resident entry requirements and Super Visa conditions.

IRCC’s Super Visa instructions make at least one continuing requirement explicit: the parent must have Super Visa-compliant medical insurance that is valid for each entry and available for review upon request. If the insurance is not valid or proof cannot be produced, entry can become difficult regardless of what was approved previously.

Income changes are more nuanced. IRCC’s Super Visa framework is anchored on the host meeting income requirements to support the visit. While IRCC does not frame Super Visas as being “automatically cancelled” simply due to a later income dip, a major change in circumstances can still matter in two practical contexts:

  1. Future travel/entry: border officers may ask questions to confirm the visit is still credible and properly supported. If the host’s financial situation has changed significantly, it may affect how the officer evaluates whether the parent’s long stay is realistic.
  2. Extensions inside Canada: if parents apply to extend their authorized stay, they must provide a strong, updated explanation and supporting evidence consistent with Super Visa conditions (including ongoing insurance and support).

If your income drops, the best approach is proactive documentation and planning. Depending on the facts, options may include adjusting the intended duration of stay, ensuring the host (and if applicable, the host’s spouse/common-law partner as co-signer) can still demonstrate adequate financial support, and ensuring insurance remains compliant and continuous. Where families get into trouble is traveling again with stale documents that no longer reflect the true situation.

For a risk-managed plan after an income change (before travel or an extension), consult our immigration consultants, review our fees, or book a consultation so your parents’ next entry or extension is supported by updated, consistent evidence.

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A Super Visa does not authorize parents to work or study in Canada. A SIN is generally needed to work, but having a SIN does not itself grant work authorization; work authorization comes from a work permit or an exemption. Canada previously had a temporary policy allowing some visitors to apply for work permits from inside Canada, but IRCC ended that policy in 2024. Parents who want to work must qualify under regular work permit rules and cannot begin work until authorized.

Can parents work on a Super Visa, get a SIN, or apply for a work permit from inside Canada?

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Super Visa status is visitor status, and IRCC is clear that a Super Visa does not authorize work or study in Canada. That means parents and grandparents must not accept employment in Canada unless they first obtain legal work authorization through a separate process.

On Social Insurance Numbers (SIN): a SIN is the identifier used to work in Canada and access certain government programs. IRCC/Canada.ca guidance on starting work emphasizes obtaining a SIN, but the key compliance point is that a SIN is not a work permit. In other words, parents should not interpret SIN eligibility as permission to work. Work authorization is determined under IRCC work permit rules (or a specific exemption), not by the SIN system alone.

Can parents apply for a work permit from inside Canada? This depends on the category and eligibility rules. Canada previously had a COVID-era temporary public policy that allowed certain visitors in Canada with job offers to apply for work permits from within Canada. However, IRCC announced it ended that temporary public policy in August 2024, effective immediately. As a result, most visitors (including Super Visa holders) should not assume they can apply from inside Canada unless they fall within another specific in-Canada eligibility category under IRCC rules.

If parents want to work in Canada, the compliant sequence is:

  1. Confirm they qualify for a work permit category (for example, employer-specific work permit with required supporting approvals, or a lawful exemption),
  2. Apply through the proper channel (often outside Canada, depending on the case), and
  3. Do not begin working until the work authorization is issued and they meet all conditions.

Applying without eligibility can lead to refusal and may complicate future travel.

For a realistic work-options assessment (and to avoid actions that could jeopardize Super Visa travel), consult our immigration consultants, review our fees, or book a consultation so you receive a compliant plan based on current in-Canada and outside-Canada application rules.

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Usually, no—Super Visa holders are visitors, and visitors are commonly not eligible for provincial health coverage. Eligibility rules are provincial, so the exact answer depends on where in Canada your parents live during the visit. For example, Ontario states visitors are not eligible for OHIP coverage. This is one reason Super Visa medical insurance is mandatory.

Can a Super Visa holder get a provincial health card in Canada?

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Health coverage in Canada is administered by each province/territory, and eligibility depends on that jurisdiction’s rules, not IRCC alone. As a general rule, Super Visa holders are visitors, and visitors often do not qualify for provincial health insurance plans. This aligns with IRCC’s Super Visa design: because visitors are typically not covered by provincial health insurance, IRCC requires Super Visa applicants to purchase private medical insurance meeting strict criteria.

A clear example is Ontario: Ontario’s health guidance indicates that visitors are not eligible for OHIP coverage, and OHIP is intended for people who meet Ontario’s eligibility requirements. While other provinces may have their own definitions and exceptions, the common pattern is that eligibility is tied to being a resident in a way that visitors generally are not.

Because provincial coverage is not reliable for visitors, families should plan Super Visa visits on the assumption that:

  • The parent will rely on private medical insurance, and
  • The insurance must remain valid for the required period and be available at entry, consistent with Super Visa rules.

If a parent later changes immigration status (for example, they become a permanent resident, or obtain a work permit or study permit that meets provincial eligibility in certain provinces), that can change health coverage eligibility—but that is a different scenario from holding Super Visa visitor status. Families should avoid assuming that “long stays” automatically mean “provincial coverage.”

If your parents will be staying in a specific province and you want to confirm how that province treats visitor coverage and what documents would be required in the rare case any eligibility applies, we can review your facts and help coordinate the insurance strategy so there are no gaps.

For help aligning Super Visa insurance with the province of stay and the planned length of visit, consult our immigration consultants, review our fees, or book a consultation to ensure your parents remain protected and compliant throughout their time in Canada.

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A Super Visa does not lead to permanent residence by itself. Parents who want PR must qualify under a separate program, such as the Parents and Grandparents Sponsorship program. The Super Visa allows long visits but is a temporary solution. PR applications should be planned separately, with careful timing to avoid gaps in legal status.

Can a Super Visa lead to permanent residence (PR), is there any “conversion” path?

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There is no direct pathway from a Super Visa to permanent residence (PR). A Super Visa is a temporary resident visa and does not “convert” into PR status. If your parents or grandparents wish to become permanent residents, they must qualify under a separate IRCC program, most commonly the Parents and Grandparents Sponsorship (PGP) stream.

That said, many families use a two-track strategy:

  1. Apply for a Super Visa to allow extended visits (up to 5 years per entry),
  2. Simultaneously plan for PR through a sponsorship or other PR route (if eligible).

Super Visa holders must still show they are genuine temporary residents—even if PR is planned later. This means:

  • No unauthorized work,
  • Valid medical insurance,
  • Temporary stay documentation (including clear ties to the home country, where appropriate).

Applying for PR while on a Super Visa does not cause problems if done legally, but the PR application must be complete and satisfy all sponsorship or other program requirements.

For integrated planning (Super Visa now, PR strategy later), consult our immigration consultants, review our fees, or book a consultation so your temporary and long-term steps work together without creating avoidable refusals or status issues.

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Yes, you can generally reapply after a refusal, but reapplying with the same information usually won’t change the outcome. The refusal letter identifies the officer’s concerns, and your next application should directly address them with stronger evidence. Common issues include weak ties to the home country, unclear travel purpose, incomplete documents, or income/insurance problems. There is no formal appeal process for most temporary resident refusals, but reapplying with meaningful improvements is often possible.

What if a Super Visa application is refused, can I reapply and what should be fixed?

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A Super Visa refusal is not the end of the road, but it is a strong signal that the application did not satisfy the officer on one or more core points. IRCC guidance on temporary residence refusals emphasizes that whether you should apply again depends on why the application was refused and whether you can provide new or improved information. Reapplying with essentially the same submission (even with a representative) is unlikely to change the decision.

The first step is to read the refusal letter carefully and list each concern. Then, rebuild the application around evidence that directly answers those concerns. In Super Visa cases, fixes often fall into several buckets:

1) Completeness and program compliance
Super Visa instructions require specific items (invitation letter with required content, correct family size count, income proof, insurance proof meeting the stated criteria, proof of medical exam). If any required element is missing, inconsistent, or unclear, refusals become more likely. Ensure your insurance proof meets all listed requirements and is not merely a quote. Ensure income proof is coherent and matches the family size calculation.

2) Temporary resident credibility
Even with Super Visa eligibility met, the officer must still be satisfied the parent is a genuine temporary resident. This is where ties to the home country, travel history (where relevant), financial profile, and the overall logic of the visit matter. If the application’s narrative is vague or not supported by documents, the officer may conclude the applicant will not leave Canada at the end of the authorized stay.

3) Clarifying inconsistencies
If documents conflict (employment, family information, finances, dates, prior refusals), address them directly with clear explanations and supporting evidence. Unexplained inconsistencies can damage credibility.

Appeal vs. reapply
IRCC indicates there is generally no formal appeal process for temporary residence refusals; people typically reapply with meaningful changes, and in limited circumstances may pursue judicial review through the Federal Court if there is a serious legal/fairness concern.

For a refusal-focused reapplication plan (document audit, stronger evidence mapping, and corrected narrative), consult our immigration consultants, review our fees, or book a consultation so your next submission is materially improved and directly responsive to the refusal reasons.

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