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Information on Parent/Grandparent Super Visas

*Note: on July 22nd, 2022, the Super Visa program was updated. The information below is related only to applications made after this date, and is current to April 17th, 2023.

The Parent/Grandparent Super Visa is a visitor visa designed specifically for parents and grandparents of Canadian Citizens and Permanent Residents, which allows them to visit and stay in Canada for up to five years at a time.

What are the requirements to apply for a Super Visa?

  • The applicant must be the parent or grandparent of a Canadian citizen or permanent resident
  • The applicant must be outside of Canada at the time of application
  • The child or grandchild must sign an invitation letter that promises to provide financially for the applicant and lists the number of people in their household
  • The applicant must pay for and provide proof of payment for medical insurance from a Canadian insurance company. At the time of application, the insurance purchased must be for at least one year from the date of entry and for at least $100,000 of emergency coverage.
  • The applicant must submit to an Immigration medical exam and be allowed to enter Canada (not be inadmissible)
  • The child or grandchild must demonstrate that they meet the minimum necessary income amounts, based on the number of persons in their household and the number of applicants.

Even though a Super Visa allows a person to stay in Canada longer than the usual 6 months, before needing to apply for an extension, it still requires the applicant to be a ‘genuine’ visitor who will leave at the end of the time they are allowed. For this reason, when making a decision on an application, a visa officer will consider factors such as:

  1. whether the applicant maintains ties to their home country, e.g. family members, property, employment;
  2. the reason for the visit
  3. the financial circumstances of the applicant and their family members in Canada,
  4. the overall economic and political stability of the home country – (if there is turmoil or instability, an officer might be concerned about the applicant not leaving at the end of their authorized stay)

These are the current fees for the Super Visa:

  • There is $100 application fee; plus possible $85 biometrics fee
  • The cost of the medical exam is determined by the doctor/clinic.

The processing time depends on the country from where the applicant is applying, and can vary greatly.

For more information, or if you have questions about options available for you, please visit the IRCC Website or contact our intake line at 416-441-1764 ext. 1.

This is legal information and not legal advice. If you need further information or need legal advice, please call our Intake Line at 416-441-1764 ext. 1 or complete our online Intake Form.