Super Visa Document Checklist: What to Include
Preparing a Super Visa application in Canada involves more than completing forms. A complete application usually includes the correct IRCC checklist, the required forms, documents from the child or grandchild in Canada, documents from the applicant, and any country-specific or case-specific requirements. The exact checklist can vary depending on the applicant’s situation. Making sure each document is included from the start can help prevent delays, as missing or incomplete items may lead to additional requests during processing. Clear, consistent documents can also help support a smoother and more efficient overall review of the application.
Required and Optional IRCC Forms
When applying for a Super Visa, applicants must complete the forms included in their personalized IRCC document checklist.
The exact forms may vary depending on the applicant’s personal situation, country of residence, and how the application is submitted. Not every applicant will receive the same checklist, and applicants should always follow the upload items generated in their IRCC account.
FORMS COMMONLY SEEN IN SUPER VISA APPLICATIONS MAY INCLUDE:
- IMM 5257 – Application for Visitor Visa (Temporary Resident Visa)
- IMM 5645 – Family Information
- IMM 5257 Schedule 1 – Schedule 1: Application for Temporary Residence, if requested
- IMM 5476 – Use of a Representative, if someone is applying on the applicant’s behalf
- additional country-specific or visa-office-specific forms, if applicable
- additional forms or upload items generated in the personalized IRCC checklist, if required
IMPORTANT NOTES
- IRCC generates a personalized document checklist based on the answers provided in the application
- not all applicants will receive the same forms
- additional forms may be requested after submission
- all forms must be completed fully and accurately
- information in the forms must match the supporting documents
- applicants should always use the latest version of each form
COMMON MISTAKES
- leaving sections incomplete
- uploading outdated forms
- uploading unsigned forms where required
- entering inconsistent information across forms and documents
- not including IMM 5476 when a representative is being used
- assuming every applicant has the same checklist
Documents From Your Child or Grandchild
PROOF OF STATUS IN CANADA
Provide proof that the child or grandchild in Canada has qualifying status. Status documents may include:- Canadian passport
- citizenship certificate
- permanent resident card
- permanent resident document, if applicable
- Secure Certificate of Indian Status or Certificate of Indian Status, if applicable
ADDITIONAL PROOF OF RESIDENCE IN CANADA (IF HELPFUL OR REQUESTED)
If the personalized IRCC checklist or the specific case calls for it, the application may also include documents showing that the child or grandchild is living in Canada. These documents can help support the application where relevant.- Canadian address documents
- employment or school records
- utility bills or similar residence documents
- other records showing current residence in Canada
SIGNED INVITATION OR SUPPORT LETTER
IRCC requires a signed Super Visa letter of invitation from the child or grandchild in Canada. This is one of the key documents in the application. The letter must include:- a promise of financial support for the length of the visit
- the list and number of people included in the family size calculation
- the name and date of birth of each person included in that calculation
FINANCIAL DOCUMENTS
The application should include financial documents showing that the child or grandchild in Canada meets the Super Visa income requirements. The exact documents can vary depending on the case, but common supporting documents may include:- Notices of Assessment
- T4 or T1 documents
- pay stubs
- employer letters
- pension records
- bank statements showing regular income
- proof of other income sources, where relevant
CO-SIGNER DOCUMENTS (IF APPLICABLE)
If the spouse or common-law partner of the child or grandchild in Canada is co-signing, the application may also need documents from them. These may include:- proof of their status in Canada
- supporting financial documents
- other records relevant to the co-signer’s role in the application
Documents From the Applicant
IRCC requires documents from the applicant confirming identity, the family relationship to the child or grandchild in Canada, and the overall credibility of the Super Visa application. Applicants should always follow the checklist and upload instructions in their IRCC account.
PROOF OF IDENTITY
Provide clear identity documents for the applicant. Identity documents may include:
- valid passport or travel document
- passport biodata page
- pages showing visas, entry stamps, or travel history, if relevant
- national identity documents, if applicable
civil status documents, if applicable
PROOF OF RELATIONSHIP TO THE CHILD OR GRANDCHILD IN CANADA
The application must include documents showing that the applicant is the parent or grandparent of the child or grandchild in Canada. Relationship documents may include:
- birth certificate
- baptismal certificate
- official government records showing the family relationship
- other civil or family records, where applicable
If names, dates, or family details differ across documents, the application should also include supporting records that explain those differences.
PROOF OF LEGAL RESIDENCE STATUS (IF APPLICABLE)
If the applicant is living in a country different from their country of nationality, the application may also need documents showing legal residence in that country. These may include:
- residence permit
- visa or immigration status document
- other official proof of legal stay, where applicable
PURPOSE OF VISIT AND SUPPORTING EXPLANATIONS
Depending on the case, the application may also include documents that help explain the purpose of the visit and the planned stay in Canada. These may include:
- a short explanation letter
- planned duration of stay
- details about the family visit
- other supporting records that help explain the visit clearly
SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS SHOWING OVERALL CREDIBILITY
IRCC may also consider documents that help show the applicant is a genuine temporary resident and will leave Canada at the end of the authorized stay. Depending on the case, helpful supporting documents may include:
- employment letters
- pension statements
- bank statements
- property ownership records
- rental income proof
- evidence of family responsibilities in the home country
- previous travel history
- proof of compliance with visa conditions on previous trips, if applicable
Other Requirements
IRCC requires some documents and supporting items that do not fall under the applicant documents or the child-or-grandchild-in-Canada documents, but are still mandatory for a Super Visa application. Depending on the case, additional documents may also be required after submission, including biometrics, country-specific items, or other records requested by IRCC. The exact requirements can still vary based on the applicant’s personal situation, country-specific instructions, and the personalized online checklist generated in the IRCC portal. Applicants should always follow the checklist and upload instructions in their IRCC account.
MEDICAL EXAM DOCUMENTS
Super Visa applicants must complete an immigration medical exam. The exam must be done by an approved panel physician. Depending on the case, the applicant may complete an upfront medical exam before applying, or IRCC may send medical instructions after submission. Medical documents may include:
- proof of completed immigration medical exam
- medical information sheet or IMM medical form, if applicable
- confirmation from the panel physician, if applicable
HEALTH INSURANCE PROOF
Proof of health insurance is mandatory for a Super Visa application. The insurance documents should show that the policy meets IRCC’s current Super Visa requirements.
IRCC also says that an insurance quote is not accepted as proof of insurance.
TRANSLATIONS
If a document is not in English or French, the application must include the original document and a translation. If the translation is done by a certified translator, the certified translation should be included. If the translator is not certified, the application should include the translation together with an affidavit from the translator. Translations should follow IRCC requirements. For full translation rules and document requirements, see the official IRCC instructions.
COUNTRY-SPECIFIC OR VISA-OFFICE-SPECIFIC DOCUMENTS
Some applicants may need additional documents depending on where they apply from. This means the standard checklist is not always the full checklist. Country-specific and visa-office-specific instructions should always be checked and followed.
AFTER SUBMISSION
After the application is submitted, IRCC may request additional documents depending on the case. Biometrics may also be required. For visa-exempt applicants, IRCC says they do not pay the Super Visa application fee or biometrics fee upfront, and if approved, they may then be directed to apply for an eTA, if required, before they enter Canada. Learn more about Super Visa Fees.
