Parent & Grandparent Super Visas

The Parent and Grandparent Super Visa is a specialized temporary residence pathway established by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). It allows parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens and Permanent Residents to visit their families in Canada for extended stays of up to 5 years per entry, with multi-entry validity lasting up to 10 years.

At Lex Defensio, Mahmood Hussain and our legal team assist families in meeting Low-Income Cut-Off (LICO) host thresholds, securing compliant private medical insurance policies, and structuring successful Super Visa applications.

Crucial IRCC Policy Update:

• 5-Year Authorized Stay Per Entry: Super Visa holders can enter Canada and stay for up to 5 consecutive years per visit (extended from the historical 2-year limit), with in-Canada extension options of up to 2 additional years.
• New Flexible Income Calculations: IRCC updated its financial assessment criteria. Canadian hosts can satisfy the Minimum Necessary Income (MNI) requirement using either of the last two tax years (Notice of Assessment). Furthermore, if the Canadian host meets at least 75% of the MNI floor, the visiting parent or grandparent can contribute their own pension, investment, or personal income to cover the balance.

Core Statutory Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for a Super Visa under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations (IRPR), applicants and their Canadian hosts must meet specific eligibility benchmarks:

• Direct Family Lineage: The applicant must be the mother, father, grandmother, or grandfather of a Canadian citizen or Permanent Resident (siblings, aunts/uncles, or dependants cannot be included).
• Written Financial Commitment from Host: A signed undertaking from the child or grandchild promising financial support for the entire duration of the visit.
• Minimum Necessary Income (MNI): The Canadian host (or host plus spouse/common-law partner co-signer) must meet or exceed IRCC’s LICO income threshold based on total household size.
• $100,000 Emergency Medical Insurance: Proof of active private medical insurance from an approved Canadian or designated international insurance company providing at least $100,000 CAD in emergency health, hospitalization, and repatriation coverage for 1 full year from entry.
• Immigration Medical Exam (IME): Completion of an advanced medical examination with an IRCC-approved Panel Physician to ensure health admissibility.

2026 Host Income Thresholds (LICO Baseline)

The Canadian host’s minimum required annual income is determined by total family size (including the host, host’s spouse and dependants, plus all invited parents and grandparents):

Step-by-Step Super Visa Application Process

1.1. Assess Household Size & Income Thresholds: Household Audit & LICO Verification.

Calculate the total household size (host, spouse, dependants, invited parents/grandparents) and verify that Notice of Assessment (NOA) earnings satisfy IRCC’s minimum necessary income limits.

2.2. Purchase Medical Insurance & Complete IME: Insurance & Medical Exam.

Obtain a 1-year valid health insurance policy ($100,000 CAD minimum coverage) from an authorized insurance provider and undergo an upfront Panel Physician medical examination.

3.3. Prepare Host Financial Package & Letter of Invitation: Underwriting & Undertaking.

Draft a notarized Letter of Invitation and financial commitment letter from the host, attaching CRA NOAs, T4s, job letters, and bank statements.

4.4. Online Visa Application Filing: IRCC Submission.

Submit the complete application online through the IRCC Portal, pay government processing fees ($100 CAD visa fee + $85 CAD biometrics fee), and provide biometrics if required.

5.5. Passport Request & 5-Year Authorized Entry: Counterfoil Placement.

Upon approval, submit the physical passport to the Visa Application Centre (VAC) for Super Visa counterfoil printing.

Super Visa vs. Standard Visitor Visa vs. PGP Sponsorship

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)