Canada Super Visa for Parents & Grandparents: 2026 Guide
The Super Visa lets parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens and permanent residents visit for up to five years per entry on a multiple-entry visa valid for up to ten years — far longer than a standard visitor visa. The host must meet a minimum income (LICO) threshold and the visitor must hold qualifying medical insurance.
Super Visa: Key Facts At-a-Glance
Below is a summary of processing times, statutory criteria, and typical point thresholds for Indian applicants pursuing the Super Visa (Canada).
| Visa Metric | Details & Requirements |
|---|---|
| Visa Subclass | Super Visa (Long-stay visitor - multiple entry) |
| Avg. Processing Time | 8 - 16 weeks (indicative) Months |
| Government Fees | From CAD 100 (INR 6,000 approx.) + medical insurance |
| English Language Min | Not required |
| Visa Validity | Up to 10 years (5 years per stay) |
Why Apply for this Visa Path?
- Extended family time: stay with children/grandchildren for years per visit, not months.
- Multiple entries: long-validity visa supports repeated visits.
- Faster than sponsorship: a practical alternative to the lottery-based parent sponsorship program.
Detailed Entry Requirements
To apply under this Canada visa track from India, your credentials must fulfill the following regulatory criteria:
- 1Eligible relationship: Parent or grandparent of a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.
- 2Sponsor income & invitation: A signed invitation and proof the inviting child meets the minimum income threshold.
- 3Medical insurance: Valid qualifying medical insurance for the stay; medical exam required.
Step-by-Step Filing Workflow
Every applicant from Bangalore/India follows this standardized workflow to file their visa application securely:
Confirm sponsor income
Verify the inviting child meets the income (LICO) requirement.
Arrange insurance and medicals
Secure qualifying coverage and complete the medical exam.
Prepare the invitation package
Compile the invitation letter and supporting financials.
Lodge the Super Visa
Submit with full documentation and biometrics.
A parent's extended stay through the Super Visa Category: Visitor Visas | Visa: Super Visa
The Client: A software professional in Toronto wanted his widowed mother in Bengaluru to live with the family for extended periods, but the parent-sponsorship lottery had not selected him.
The Challenge: He needed a durable solution that did not depend on winning an intake draw, and his first attempt had stalled over insurance and income documentation.
How We Handled It: Confirmed his income met the Super Visa threshold and corrected the documentation. Arranged compliant Canadian medical insurance that met the coverage rules. Assembled a clean invitation package and completed the required medical exam.
The Result: His mother received a long-validity, multiple-entry Super Visa allowing extended stays per visit. She now spends large parts of the year with her grandchildren while the family keeps the sponsorship pool option open. **Why It Matters:** When the parent lottery doesn't select you, the Super Visa keeps families together. The two things to get right are sponsor income and compliant insurance - both fixable with the right preparation.
Verify Canada immigration rules directly from official government sources.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are critical questions and details regarding target timelines and scores for this visa path.
What is the Canada Super Visa?
A long-stay visitor visa for parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens and PRs. It allows stays of up to five years at a time and is issued as a multiple-entry visa valid for up to ten years, so families can reunite for extended periods without repeated fresh applications.
What income does the host need for a Super Visa?
The Canadian host must meet a minimum necessary income based on the Low Income Cut-Off (LICO) for their family size, shown through tax and income documents. The threshold rises with household size, so we confirm the current figure and how to evidence it before applying.
Is medical insurance mandatory for the Super Visa?
Yes. The visiting parent or grandparent must have qualifying medical insurance with adequate coverage, valid for at least one year from entry. This is a firm requirement and applications are refused without acceptable proof of insurance.
How is the Super Visa different from a visitor visa?
A regular visitor visa usually permits stays of up to six months; the Super Visa permits up to five years per entry and is aimed specifically at parents and grandparents. It requires the host’s income proof and the insurance that a standard visitor visa does not.
How much does the Super Visa cost?
The visa fee is about CAD 100 (roughly INR 6,000), plus biometrics, but the significant cost is the mandatory medical insurance for the visitor. We help families compare compliant insurance options alongside the application.
Check Your Canada Visa Eligibility
Submit your details for this specific Super Visa visa track. Our Bangalore team (Koramangala HQ) led by Director Ms. Nahid Hussain will evaluate your credentials and reply directly on WhatsApp with your exact points audit.