Updated on 6 Jan 2026
For many families, living far from loved ones can be challenging. Canada’s super visa is designed to help parents and grandparents of residents spend extended time with their children and grandchildren, making it easier to celebrate important milestones together. This visa allows longer visits than a regular tourist visa, but applicants must meet certain eligibility criteria, and processing times can vary. Pairing your visit with the best travel insurance can provide peace of mind during your stay.
This guide explains what a Canadian super visa is, how to apply for one, and the benefits it offers for families seeking to stay connected.
What is a Canadian super visa?
A super visa allows you to visit your children and grandchildren in Canada for up to 5 years at a time. Unlike regular visas, it offers flexibility with longer stays, making it an attractive option for extended visits.
The visa is valid for 10 years and permits multiple entries during this period. While it does not grant permanent resident status, it provides a valuable opportunity to spend quality time with your loved ones.
How is a super visa different from a visitor visa?
The main difference between a super visa and a visitor visa is the permitted duration of stay. A visitor visa allows you to stay in Canada for up to 6 months, and staying longer requires applying for an extension and paying additional fees. A Canadian super visa, on the other hand, lets you stay for up to 5 years continuously.
Another difference is eligibility. Only the direct family of a Canadian citizen or permanent resident can apply for a super visa, whereas visiting extended family or friends requires a visitor visa.
Finally, a super visa allows multiple entries over a long period, while a visitor visa can be single or multiple entry, depending on the discretion of the immigration officer and the strength of your application.
Benefits of a super visa for Canada
In addition to the extended stay and multiple-entry advantages, a super visa reduces administrative work. Families can avoid frequent paperwork and repeated applications required for a visitor visa.
The super visa has clear eligibility criteria and does not rely on a lottery system, making it a reliable option for parents and grandparents who are not ready to become permanent residents.
It also allows visitors enough time to get familiar with Canada and its diverse cultures, helping them decide if they wish to immigrate in the future. The sponsoring Canadian citizen or permanent resident provides a statement of financial support, giving visa holders added security during their stay.
Eligibility criteria for a super visa for Canada
The eligibility criteria for a super visa are clearly defined and must be met by both the visitor and the host.
The host must be your child or grandchild with documented proof of Canadian citizenship or permanent residence. They must be at least 18 years old and meet the required minimum income levels.
You must be outside Canada when applying for the super visa, and the application should be submitted at a visa office outside Canada. A mandatory immigration medical exam is also required.
Health insurance from a Canadian company or an approved foreign company authorised by the Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions (OSFI) is mandatory.
Lastly, the purpose of your visit, along with the current economic and political stability of your home country, is considered by the Government of Canada when processing the application.
Tips to write a letter of invitation for a super visa
Writing a strong letter of invitation for a Canadian super visa is essential to demonstrate the genuine purpose of the visit and ensure the visa officer has all necessary information.
Use a clear and honest tone, stating the purpose of the letter and the names of the people invited upfront. Confirm the visitor’s intent to depart and provide a summary of supporting documents. Include a contact number where you can be reached.
The letter should contain your full legal name and date of birth, along with details about living arrangements and the duration of the stay. If you are inviting your parents or grandparents, include proof of income and health insurance.
Be honest and direct, keeping the letter concise and avoiding unnecessary or overly elaborate details.
Step-by-step application process for a Canadian super visa
A Super Visa application is an online process that ensures a hassle-free experience. However, certain conditions, like a disability or an identity exception, might allow for an offline application. Applying for a Canadian Super Visa online entails the following steps:
- Log on to the IRCC (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada) portal and fill out the application form.
- Pay the processing fee.
- Apply with all necessary documents, including the fee receipt.
- Book a biometrics collection appointment to begin processing your Super Visa.
What is the processing fee for a parent or grandparent super visa?
The payment for processing a Canada Super Visa for parents or grandparents needs to be made online before your application is submitted. The processing fee for this special type of visa is around $100 CAD during the application process. Biometric processing will call for another $85 CAD.
The mandatory immigration medical exam for a Super Visa will cost between $200 CAD and $300 CAD, although this can vary. You can expect a total cost of $400 CAD to $500 CAD for the entire application process.
How long does it take for a super visa to be processed?
The process of scrutinising a super visa for parents or grandparents begins only after they are done with their biometrics submission. Thereafter, it can take anywhere from two to six months for the visa processing to be completed.
Depending on the country they are applying from and also the visa office processing the application, the exact time will vary. The general processing time for the super visa for Canada is 145 days, with applicants from India possibly obtaining it in around 135 days.
Are you allowed to work in Canada on a super visa?
A Canada Super Visa is a special type of visitor visa that grants visitor status only.
This means you cannot work or study in the country if you are currently on this visa. Individuals desirous of working in Canada need to obtain a work permit from within the country. However, granting the work permit will strip them of their special visitor status, and they will only be recognised as a temporary worker through this arrangement.
Conclusion
The Canada Super Visa offers parents and grandparents the opportunity to spend extended time with their loved ones, providing meaningful family connections without the need for repeated visa applications. While the process may be detailed, the benefits of longer stays and reduced administrative work make it worthwhile.
Pairing your super visa with valid travel insurance for Canada ensures protection against emergencies such as hospitalisation, flight delays, lost luggage, or trip cancellations. This allows you to focus on enjoying your visit and creating lasting memories with peace of mind.
While you plan and cherish these family moments, let us help safeguard your well-being; get tailored travel insurance advice and solutions by filling out the form provided on this page.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
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Can I visit Canada if my child is studying there?
Yes, parents and grandparents can apply for a Super Visa to visit a child or grandchild who is studying in Canada, provided they meet the eligibility requirements, including financial support and medical insurance coverage.
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Can a Super Visa lead to permanent residency in Canada?
No, the Super Visa is strictly a temporary visit visa for parents and grandparents. It does not provide a direct pathway to permanent residency, though holders may explore other immigration options separately.
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Can multiple family members apply together for a Super Visa?
Yes, multiple parents or grandparents can apply at the same time, but each applicant must meet the eligibility requirements and provide supporting documents, including proof of relationship, financial support and medical insurance.
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