Canadian Super Visa
Canadian Super Visa Overview 2026-2027
The Canadian Super Visa is the essential first step toward the “Canadian Dream”—a life defined by long-term reunions rather than short, tearful goodbyes. For many Canadians, the “Canadian Dream” is incomplete without their parents and grandparents by their side. Whether it’s to help raise a new grandchild or simply to enjoy retirement together, family belongs together. But navigating the strict income requirements and medical insurance rules for a Canadian Super Visa can be overwhelming.
Unlike a standard visitor visa, the Super Visa is a long-term commitment that requires precise financial planning. One calculation error in your “LICO” threshold can lead to an immediate refusal.
At Dara Immigration Services, we specialize in family reunification. We help you navigate the complex financial proofs and insurance regulations to ensure your parents can stay with you for years, not just months.
Key Takeaways (Quick Summary):
- Duration: Allows parents and grandparents to stay in Canada for up to 5 years per visit (renewable for 2 more years).
- Income Requirement (2025/2026): The host child/grandchild must meet the updated LICO threshold based on family size.
- Medical Insurance: Applicants must have $100,000 in private health insurance from a Canadian (or approved international) provider.
- No Lottery: Unlike the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP), the Super Visa is open year-round with no cap.
What is a Canadian Super Visa?
The Super Visa is a multi-entry visa designed exclusively for the parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens and Permanent Residents.
Canadian Super Visa vs. Standard Visitor Visa
It is crucial to understand why the Super Visa is often the superior choice for close family:
- Standard Visitor Visa: Valid for 6 months per entry. To stay longer, you must apply for “Visitor Records” repeatedly, which is costly and uncertain.
- Super Visa: Valid for 5 years per entry. You can enter Canada and stay continuously for half a decade without needing to renew your status.
Who Can Apply for a Canadian Super Visa?
- The Applicant: Must be the parent or grandparent of a Canadian Citizen or Permanent Resident.
- The Host: Must be the child or grandchild living in Canada who meets the minimum income threshold.
- Exclusions: Dependents (e.g., your parent’s other children) cannot be included in this application. They must apply for regular visitor visas.
Canadian Super Visa Eligibility Requirements
To successfully bring your parents to Canada, the “Host” bears the burden of proof regarding finances.
1. The Financial Threshold (LICO)
The host child or grandchild must demonstrate that their household income meets the Low Income Cut-Off (LICO) established by the federal government.
- Proof: You must provide Notice of Assessments (NOA) from the CRA, T4 slips, or employment letters.
2. Medical Insurance (Mandatory)
Since Super Visa holders are not eligible for provincial healthcare (like MSP or OHIP), you must purchase private insurance.
- Coverage: Minimum $100,000 CAD.
- Duration: Valid for at least 1 year from the date of entry.
- Payment: Must be paid in full or in accepted installments (quotes are not accepted).
3. Immigration Medical Exam (IME)
All applicants must undergo a medical exam by a panel physician to prove they are not inadmissible to Canada on health grounds.
4. Letter of Invitation
The host must sign a formal letter that includes:
- A promise of financial support.
- The list and number of people in the host’s household.
- Proof of the host’s status (Passport/PR Card).
Costs, Income & Timelines (2026 Estimates)
Note: The income figures below reflect the LICO thresholds effective as of late 2025.
Host Income Requirements (Minimum Necessary Income)
Your “Family Size” = You + Spouse + Dependent Children + The Parents/Grandparents you are inviting.
| Family Size | Minimum Gross Income (CAD) |
| 1 Person (Host) | ~$30,526 |
| 2 Persons | ~$38,002 |
| 3 Persons | ~$46,720 |
| 4 Persons | ~$56,724 |
| 5 Persons | ~$64,336 |
| 6 Persons | ~$72,560 |
| 7 Persons | ~$80,784 |
| Each Additional | + ~$8,224 |
Application Fees & Timelines
| Category | Fee / Metric | Notes |
| Government Fee | $100 CAD | Per person. |
| Biometrics Fee | $85 CAD | Required once every 10 years. |
| Medical Exam | ~$250 – $350 | Paid directly to the panel physician. |
| Insurance Cost | ~$1,500 – $3,000+ | Per year, depending on age/health. |
| Processing Time | 3 – 6 Months | Varies by country of residence. |
Canadian Super Visa Step-by-Step Application Process
Securing a Super Visa requires coordination between the host in Canada and the parent abroad.
Step 1: Calculate Your Family Size
Before applying, calculate your family size accurately.
- Example: You (Host) + Spouse + 1 Child + 2 Parents (Applicants) = Family Size of 5. You need ~$64,336 in income.
Step 2: Purchase Medical Insurance
Buy the policy before applying. You will need to upload the proof of coverage (policy document) with the application.
Step 3: Gather Financial Proofs
The host must download their most recent Notice of Assessment (NOA) from the CRA website. This is the “gold standard” of proof for IRCC.
Step 4: Submit Online (IRCC Portal)
The application must be submitted from outside Canada. Upload the host’s documents, the insurance policy, and the applicant’s passport.
Step 5: Medicals and Biometrics
After submission, the applicant will receive instructions to complete their biometrics and medical exam.
- Tip: Do the medical exam promptly. The application cannot be finalized without it.
Risks and Refusals of a Canadian Super Visa
Even with high income, Super Visas are frequently refused if the officer doubts the applicant’s intent.
1. Medical Inadmissibility
This is the most common hurdle for elderly applicants.
- The Risk: If a parent has a condition that would cause “excessive demand” on Canadian health services (e.g., severe kidney disease requiring dialysis), they may be refused.
2. Ties to Home Country
Even though the Super Visa allows long stays, it is still a temporary visa.
- The Refusal: If the officer believes the parents have sold everything back home and intend to live in Canada permanently without legal status, the visa will be denied.
3. Financial Shortfalls
- The Mistake: Using “gross income” figures that don’t match the line 15000 on your Notice of Assessment. IRCC looks at your tax filings, not just your current job offer letter.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Can I pay for the medical insurance monthly?
Yes, but be careful. IRCC now accepts monthly payment plans from approved insurers, provided the policy document confirms coverage for a full year. Standard quotes are not accepted; the policy must be active.
- Can my parents apply for PR while on a Super Visa?
Yes. Having a Super Visa does not prevent them from being sponsored for Permanent Residence under the PGP (Parents and Grandparents Program) if you are invited to apply during the lottery intake.
- What if my income is slightly below the LICO?
Strictly speaking, you will be refused. However, your spouse can co-sign the letter of invitation, allowing you to combine your incomes to meet the threshold.
- Can I extend a Super Visa from inside Canada?
Yes. If your parents are already here and their 5-year status is expiring, they can apply for a Super Visa Extension to stay for an additional 2 years.
- Does the Super Visa guarantee entry?
No. The border officer makes the final decision. Your parents must have their insurance certificate and letter of invitation printed and ready to show the officer at the airport.
Professional Immigration Assistance
The Super Visa is one of the greatest gifts you can give your parents—the gift of time with their family. But with strict financial audits and medical reviews, a simple oversight can delay your reunion by months.
Don’t let paperwork keep you apart. Contact Dara Immigration Services today for a full income assessment and application strategy.
Disclaimer: This article provides general information regarding the Canadian Super Visa and does not constitute legal advice. LICO figures and policies change frequently.
Download:
Download the bulletin of Canadian Super Visa as a PDF.
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