Super Visas are a great option if a visitor visa is not an option for your parents or grandparents. With this visa, you can visit your family for 5 years at a time. Email: bookings@matrixvisa to hear how to apply!

What is a Super Visa?

A Super Visa is a unique immigration option. Unlike a regular visitor visa, the Super Visa allows parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens or permanent residents to visit and stay in Canada for extended periods. Find out what are the eligibility criteria, application process, and processing times in this post.

grandparent and families together graphics holding hands

How long is a Super Visa?

The Super Visa is a multiple-entry visitor visa that allows parents and grandparents to stay in Canada for up to five years per visit without needing to renew their status.

Introduced in 2011, it aims to facilitate family connections and family reunifications while ensuring that visitors meet specific financial and health requirements.

With a validity of up to 10 years, the Super Visa allows multiple entries, making it an excellent option for families who want to maintain close ties across borders.

Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for a Super Visa, applicants must:

  1. Relationship to Sponsor: The applicant must be a parent or grandparent of a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.
  2. Invitation Letter: Your family in Canada must provide a signed letter of invitation, promising financial support for the duration of the visit.
  3. Financial Support: Your family in Canada must meet the minimum necessary income threshold based on the Low Income Cut-Off (LICO) set by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). This ensures they can support you without relying on public funds. # family members Funds in CAD 1 $15,263 2 $19,001 3 $23,360 4 $28,362 5 $32,168 6 $36,280 7 $40,392 each extra $4,112
  4. Medical Insurance: Applicants must have private medical insurance from a Canadian insurance provider, covering health care, hospitalization, and repatriation for at least $100,000 and valid for a minimum of one year.
  5. Medical Examination: Applicants must undergo an immigration medical examination to prove they are in good health and admissible to Canada.
  6. Ties to Home Country: Applicants must demonstrate strong ties to their home country to assure immigration officers they will leave Canada at the end of their authorized stay. Note: This is generally a strong refusal point for most applications, and therefore we advise appointing an immigration representative for assistance to ensure your application is strong enough.

Application Process

Applying for a Super Visa involves several steps:

  1. Gather Documents: Collect required documents, including:
    • A letter of invitation from the sponsor.
    • Proof of the sponsor’s income (e.g., tax assessments, pay stubs, employment letters, etc.).
    • Proof of relationship (e.g., birth certificates).
    • Valid passport and recent photos.
    • Medical insurance proof (must not be obtained too early)
    • Medical exam results (must be timed correctly to be valid for the duration of processing)

Complete the Application: Most forms are completed online, we will guide you through the necessary online and paper forms if necessary. The necessary documents are also uploaded online as a part of your application.

  1. Pay Fees: The application fee is $100 CAD per person, plus biometrics $85 CAD per person (or $170 CAD for a family).
  2. Submit the Application: Applications can be submitted online through the IRCC portal.
  3. Attend Biometrics Appointment: Most applicants need to provide fingerprints and a photo at a designated location.
  4. Wait for Processing: See common processing times below

Super Visa Processing Times (in July 2025)

As of July 2025, the current processing times for these popular countries are:

  • South Africa – 86 days
  • India – 88 days
  • Jamaica – 63 days
  • China – 53 days
  • Mexico – 84 days
  • Pakistan – 177 days
  • Philippines – 95 days
  • Syria – 432 days
  • United Kingdom – 116 days
  • Vietnam – 59 days

Processing times change frequently and you can keep up to date with processing times at: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/application/check-processing-times.html

supervisa processing times July 2025

Benefits of the Super Visa

The Super Visa offers several advantages:

  • No lottery pool / apply at any time: Unlike the Parent & Grandparent Sponsorship Program (PGP), Super Visas do not have a lottery system and you can apply at any time.
  • Extended Stays: Unlike a standard visitor visa, which typically allows stays of up to six months, the Super Visa permits stays of up to five years per visit.
  • Multiple Entries: Holders can leave and re-enter Canada multiple times over the visa’s 10-year validity.
  • Family Reunification: It allows parents and grandparents to spend meaningful time with their families, fostering stronger bonds.
  • No Work or Study Restrictions: While the Super Visa does not permit work or study, it provides flexibility for extended family visits without the need for frequent renewals.

Challenges and Tips for Success

  • Prepare strong ties for the Applicant’s home country.
  • Make clear how and when you will depart at the end of your stay
  • Avoid including unnecessary documentation

For more information, visit the official IRCC website.