For many immigrants in Canada, being far from family—especially for those from countries like Iran—can be emotionally challenging. To help bridge this gap, the Canadian government introduced the Canada Super Visa, a program designed to allow parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens and permanent residents to visit and stay longer.
Unlike a standard Visitor visa, which typically permits stays of up to six months, the Super Visa grants extended visits, allowing parents and grandparents to remain in Canada for up to five consecutive years per entry.
This guide covers everything you need to know about the eligibility criteria and application process for obtaining a Super Visa. If you’re exploring this option or other pathways to residency in Canada, our experts are ready to assist you.
What Are the Eligibility Requirements for a Canada Super Visa?
The Canada Super Visa is a fantastic opportunity for parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens or permanent residents to visit their families and stay for extended periods.If you do not meet the eligibility criteria for a Super Visa, you can apply for a Visitor visa. This visa allows you to stay in Canada for up to six months.To qualify for a Canada Super Visa, you must:- Be a parent or grandparent of a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.
- Reside outside of Canada at the time of application.
- Provide an official invitation letter from your child or grandchild in Canada. The letter must include: A written promise of financial support during your stay, A list of all household members and Copies of your sponsor’s proof of residency, such as their permanent resident card or Canadian citizenship certificate.
- Purchase health insurance from a Canadian company that is: Valid for at least one year., Provides coverage of $100,000 CAD or more and Fully paid (not just a quote).
- Undergo a medical examination and provide the results.
Requirements for the Canada Super Visa for Parents and Grandparents
Here are the key eligibility criteria for obtaining a Canada Super Visa for parents and grandparents:- You must be the parent or grandparent of a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.
- Your child or grandchild must extend an invitation for you to come to Canada.
- Your child or grandchild must meet the minimum income requirements.
- You are required to purchase health insurance from a Canadian or a designated foreign provider, valid for a minimum of one year.
- You must undergo a medical examination, which can be done either before or after applying.
- You must apply for the Super Visa from outside Canada and be deemed admissible to enter the country.
Application Fees and Processing Times
- The application fee for a Super Visa is 100 CAD.
- Processing times vary depending on your nationality, location, and whether biometric data is required.
Costs Associated with the Canada Super Visa
The costs for obtaining a Canada Super Visa include the following:- Application Fee: 100 CAD per person
- Biometric Fee: 85 CAD per person, or 170 CAD for a family of two or more
- Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA): 7 CAD per person
How to Apply for a Super Visa
Applying for a Super Visa requires careful preparation and meeting specific requirements. Here are the key steps and documents needed:- Invitation Letter: Obtain a formal invitation letter from your child or grandchild, who must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident. The letter should confirm their relationship with you and outline plans for your visit.
- Financial Proof: Provide documentation proving that your child or grandchild meets the minimum income threshold set by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). This may include copies of their Notice of Assessment (NOA), T4/T1 slips, or a letter from their employer.
- Proof of Relationship: Submit documents, such as a birth certificate, that clearly show your relationship as a parent or grandparent.
- Medical Insurance: Secure medical insurance coverage for at least one year from an eligible insurance provider. The policy must provide a minimum coverage of CAD 100,000 and remain valid during your entire stay in Canada. With updated rules, insurance can now be obtained from approved non-Canadian providers as well.
- Application Submission: Submit your Super Visa application to the Canadian visa office responsible for your country of residence. Be prepared to provide additional documents if requested, as requirements may vary depending on the local visa office.
- Evaluation Criteria: The visa office will evaluate your application based on various factors, including: Purpose of Visit: Clear and honest reasons for your trip and Ties to Home Country: Evidence of family, financial, or social commitments that ensure your return after your authorized stay.
- Medical Examination: All Super Visa applicants must undergo a medical examination. After submitting your application, the visa office will provide forms and instructions for completing this step.
How to Apply for a Canada Super Visa: Online vs. Paper Application?
You must apply for a Super Visa from outside Canada. Applications can be submitted online or on paper, but online submissions are strongly recommended for the following benefits:- Immediate submission of your application
- Faster processing times compared to paper applications
- Built-in checks to ensure all necessary documentation is included
- Ability to upload additional documents quickly if requested
- No need to submit your passport until later in the process
- Easy access to application status updates via your online account
