Super Visa application: the complete guide
Every step to bring your parents or grandparents to Canada with a Super Visa, including IRCC's medical insurance requirements and our tips to avoid refusals.
The Super Visa is a multiple-entry temporary resident visa that lets parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens or permanent residents stay up to 5 consecutive years per visit and stays valid for up to 10 years. It's more advantageous than a standard visitor visa, but it requires compliant Canadian medical insurance.
Important: The medical insurance must be purchased and paid before submitting the application to IRCC. Without a valid insurance certificate, the application is automatically refused.
The application process step by step
- 01
Confirm the parent or grandparent is eligible
The applicant must be the biological or adoptive parent or grandparent of a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, and be invited by letter. The host in Canada must meet IRCC's minimum income threshold (LICO) for the household size.
- 02
Buy compliant medical insurance
Before submitting the application, the parent must have medical insurance from a Canadian company, valid for at least 1 year, covering a minimum of $100,000 for health care, hospitalization and repatriation. Proof of payment is required.
- 03
Prepare the IRCC documents
Invitation letter signed by the host, proof of income (T4, notice of assessment), proof of the family relationship, immigration medical exam, biometrics, and the insurance certificate with dates and amounts.
- 04
Submit the application online via IRCC
Create a secure IRCC account, upload all documents, pay the fees (visa + biometrics) and track the progress. Processing time varies depending on the parent's country of residence.
Compliant medical insurance
- Issued by a Canadian insurance company
- Minimum coverage of $100,000 CAD
- Valid for at least 1 year (365 days)
- Covers health care, hospitalization and repatriation
- Full proof of payment at the time of application
- Refund possible if the visa is denied (depends on insurer)
Find the right Super Visa insurance
Our advisors compare TuGo, Destination Travel, Manulife and Allianz to give you IRCC-compliant coverage at the best price.
Frequently asked questions
Need personalized advice?
Our team helps you choose IRCC-compliant Super Visa insurance and avoid the pitfalls that lead to a refused application.