Canada Super Visa Requirements: Complete 2026 Guide & Document Checklist
Last updated: April 2026 • By Maple Route Immigration Team
The Super Visa is one of the most generous family reunification tools in Canadian immigration — allowing parents and grandparents to stay in Canada for up to 5 years per visit. Here is everything you and your Canadian host need to know to apply successfully.
- What Is the Super Visa?
- Who Is Eligible?
- LICO Income Requirements (2026)
- Medical Insurance Requirements
- Documents Required — Applicant
- Documents Required — Canadian Host
- How to Write a Strong Invitation Letter
- Super Visa vs Regular Visitor Visa (TRV)
- Processing Times
- Common Reasons for Super Visa Refusal
- Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Super Visa?
The Canada Super Visa is a special long-term multiple-entry visa designed specifically for the parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens and permanent residents. Unlike a regular visitor visa that allows only 6 months per stay, the Super Visa allows:
- Stays of up to 5 years per visit
- Visa validity of up to 10 years (multiple entry)
- Multiple entries within the validity period
It is one of the most family-friendly immigration tools Canada offers, and it was specifically designed to reduce the years-long wait times of the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) sponsorship pathway.
Who Is Eligible?
To be eligible for a Super Visa, the applicant must:
- Be a parent or grandparent of a Canadian citizen or permanent resident
- Have a signed letter of invitation from their child or grandchild in Canada
- Have their child/grandchild meet the LICO minimum income requirement
- Purchase qualifying Canadian medical insurance before applying
- Demonstrate strong ties to their home country (property, employment, family)
- Have a valid passport and meet standard Canadian admissibility requirements
The Canadian host must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident — not a temporary resident, work permit holder, or student.
LICO Income Requirement (2026)
The Canadian host must demonstrate they meet the Low Income Cut-Off (LICO) — a minimum annual income based on family size. The 2026 LICO thresholds are:
| Family Size (in Canada) | Minimum Annual Income Required |
|---|---|
| 1 person | ~$29,000 |
| 2 persons | ~$36,000 |
| 3 persons | ~$44,000 |
| 4 persons | ~$53,000 |
| 5 persons | ~$60,000 |
| 6+ persons | Add ~$7,000 per additional person |
Note: Family size includes the visiting parent(s) / grandparent(s) if they will be living with the host. Always check the current LICO table on the IRCC website, as these figures are updated annually.
Accepted proof of income includes: Notice of Assessment (NOA) from CRA, T4 slips, employment letter confirming salary, recent pay stubs (3–6 months), and bank statements.
Medical Insurance Requirements
This is the most critical and non-negotiable requirement of the Super Visa. The applicant must purchase health insurance before submitting their application.
The insurance policy must:
- Be from a Canadian insurance company — foreign insurers are not accepted
- Provide a minimum of CAD $100,000 in coverage
- Cover health care, hospitalization, and repatriation
- Be valid for a minimum of 1 year from the date of entry into Canada
- Be paid in full — not just quoted or pending payment
Common mistake: Submitting a quote or unpaid policy. IRCC requires proof of a purchased policy, not an estimate. If the application is denied, most Canadian insurers allow refunds — but confirm this before purchasing.
Reputable Canadian insurance providers for Super Visa include Manulife, Sun Life, Blue Cross, and several others. Compare policies carefully for deductibles, pre-existing condition coverage, and policy terms.
Documents Required — Applicant (Parent/Grandparent)
- Valid passport (with sufficient validity for the intended stay)
- Completed application forms
- Two passport-style photographs
- Proof of family relationship — birth certificates, marriage certificates showing lineage to the host
- Travel history documentation (previous visas, entry/exit stamps if available)
- Medical insurance receipt or policy confirmation from a Canadian insurer
- Letter of invitation from the Canadian host (see below)
- Evidence of strong home country ties:
- Property ownership documents
- Employment letter or proof of business ownership
- Family members remaining at home
- Financial accounts and assets in home country
- Application fee payment confirmation
- Biometrics (required for most nationalities)
Documents Required — Canadian Host (Child/Grandchild)
- Signed letter of invitation (see below for what to include)
- Copy of Canadian passport (if citizen) or valid PR Card (if permanent resident)
- Proof of income meeting LICO:
- Most recent Notice of Assessment (NOA) from CRA
- T4 slips
- Current employment letter confirming salary
- Recent pay stubs (3 months)
- Proof of current address in Canada (utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement)
- Optional but helpful: bank statements showing financial stability
How to Write a Strong Invitation Letter
The invitation letter from the Canadian host is a critical part of the Super Visa application. It should be a formal, detailed letter signed by the host. It must include:
- Full legal name and contact information of the host
- Immigration status in Canada (citizen or PR) and relevant document number
- The relationship to the applicant (e.g., "I am the son/daughter of...")
- Purpose of the visit (family reunion, assisting with childcare, health support, etc.)
- Intended duration of the visit and proposed dates
- Confirmation that accommodation will be provided (if the parent will stay with the host)
- Statement of financial support — that the host will financially support the visitor during their stay
- Current annual income (and that it meets LICO for the household size)
- Number of people in the household (including any dependants)
- Signature and date
The letter should be professional, specific, and honest. Vague or template-style letters carry less weight.
Super Visa vs Regular Visitor Visa (TRV)
| Feature | Super Visa | Regular Visitor Visa (TRV) |
|---|---|---|
| Who it's for | Parents & grandparents of Canadian citizens/PRs | Anyone eligible for Canadian visitor visa |
| Stay per visit | Up to 5 years | Usually 6 months |
| Visa validity | Up to 10 years | Up to 10 years |
| Medical insurance | Required (CAD $100,000+) | Not required |
| Income requirement | Host must meet LICO | No income requirement for host |
| Invitation letter | Required (detailed format) | Helpful but not mandatory |
Processing Times
Super Visa processing times vary significantly by country and application volume. Most applications are processed within 2 to 8 months, though some countries experience longer wait times due to high application volumes or additional security screening requirements.
Apply well in advance of the intended visit date. Do not purchase airline tickets or make significant travel arrangements until you have the visa in hand.
Check current processing times: IRCC Processing Time Checker →
Common Reasons for Super Visa Refusal
- Host income below LICO: The most common refusal reason — ensure the host's income documentation is complete and meets the threshold
- Medical insurance issues: Policy not from a Canadian insurer, below $100,000 coverage, not fully paid, or not valid for 1 year
- Weak home country ties: If the officer is not convinced the parent/grandparent will return home, the visa is refused
- Insufficient relationship proof: Missing birth certificates or other documents proving the family relationship
- Incomplete or inconsistent documents: Missing forms, unclear copies, or inconsistencies between documents
- Previous immigration violations: Prior overstays or immigration violations in Canada or other countries
- Medical inadmissibility: Certain health conditions may trigger additional review
Need help with a Super Visa application?
We can review your host's income, help prepare the invitation letter, and ensure your complete file is as strong as possible before submission.
Key Takeaways
- A Super Visa allows parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens/PRs to stay for up to 5 years per visit.
- Key requirement: the Canadian child/grandchild must earn at least the Low Income Cut-Off (LICO) threshold.
- Applicants must have valid Canadian health insurance of at least $100,000 from a Canadian insurer.
- A Super Visa is a multi-entry visa valid for up to 10 years — far more flexible than a standard visitor visa.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long can parents stay in Canada on a Super Visa?
Up to 5 years per visit. The Super Visa itself is valid for up to 10 years and allows multiple entries.
What is the income requirement for a Super Visa in Canada 2026?
The Canadian host must meet the LICO threshold: approximately $29,000 for a 1-person household, $36,000 for 2 persons, $44,000 for 3, $53,000 for 4, $60,000 for 5 — adding ~$7,000 per additional person. These thresholds are updated annually.
What medical insurance is required for the Super Visa?
Minimum CAD $100,000 coverage from a Canadian insurer, valid for at least 1 year, covering health care, hospitalization, and repatriation. Must be paid in full before applying.
What is the difference between a Super Visa and a regular visitor visa?
Super Visa allows up to 5-year stays vs 6 months for a TRV. Super Visa requires $100,000 Canadian medical insurance and the host must meet LICO income. A TRV has no such requirements.
What are the most common reasons for Super Visa refusal?
Host income below LICO, medical insurance not meeting requirements, weak home country ties, incomplete documents, and previous immigration violations.
Related Guides
- Canada Visitor Visa Tips — How to Get Approved
- Canada Spousal Sponsorship Guide
- Why IRCC Processing Times Are Delayed
Final Thoughts
The Super Visa is an excellent way for parents and grandparents to spend extended time with their family in Canada. The key to success is meeting the three core requirements without gaps: LICO income for the host, qualifying Canadian medical insurance for the visitor, and strong documentation proving home country ties. Get these three things right, and the application has a strong foundation for approval.
This article is for general information only. LICO thresholds and IRCC requirements are updated annually — always verify current requirements at canada.ca before applying.
Disclaimer: This article is for general information only and does not constitute legal advice. Always verify current rules at ircc.canada.ca or consult a licensed Canadian immigration professional.