Maple News reports that Canada’s Super Visa remains a valuable alternative for families looking to reunite with parents or grandparents — especially for those who missed the annual Parent and Grandparent Program (PGP) intake. Designed specifically for the parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens and permanent residents, the Super Visa offers extended stay privileges and fewer bureaucratic restrictions compared to standard visitor visas.
Unlike regular Visitor Visas or Electronic Travel Authorizations (eTAs), which typically limit stays to six months, the Super Visa allows eligible family members to remain in Canada for up to two years per visit. Even more appealing is its long-term validity: the Super Visa is issued for up to 10 years, enabling multiple visits without the need for frequent reapplications.
To qualify, applicants must meet specific eligibility and admissibility requirements. This includes providing a letter of invitation from a child or grandchild who is a Canadian citizen or permanent resident. The inviting party must also commit to financially supporting the visitor during their stay and must demonstrate that their household income meets or exceeds the government’s Low-Income Cut-Off (LICO) threshold.
Financial documentation to prove income can include recent Notices of Assessment, employment letters, pay stubs, bank statements, and other official income verification. The family size is factored into the LICO, so a detailed list of household members is required when applying.
In addition, applicants must present proof of a comprehensive Canadian medical insurance plan with coverage of at least $100,000. This insurance must be valid for a minimum of one year from the date of entry and must be purchased — quotes alone are insufficient.
The Super Visa application must be submitted from outside Canada, and all applicants must be admissible under Canadian law, including undergoing an immigration medical exam. Immigration officers also assess whether the visit is genuinely temporary, weighing the applicant’s ties to their home country, the intended duration and purpose of the visit, and the political and economic conditions of their country of residence.
It’s important to note that this program is exclusively for parents and grandparents — dependents such as children cannot be included in a Super Visa application.
Applications for the Super Visa can be submitted either online through Canada’s official immigration portal or via a local Visa Application Centre.
With its extended duration and multi-entry flexibility, the Super Visa continues to be a strategic path for families hoping to maintain close ties across borders while navigating Canada’s immigration landscape.