The Canada Super Visa is a fantastic way for families to stay connected.
If you’re a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, this visa allows your parents or grandparents to visit you and create cherished memories together.
The Canada Super Visa is a long-term, multiple-entry visa for parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens or permanent residents.
It allows extended visits of up to five years per entry, with the option to extend for an additional two years.
Unlike other programs, the Super Visa is available year-round, making it easier for families to reunite without waiting for a lottery system.
Whether for special occasions, family bonding, or simply enjoying each other’s company, the Super Visa offers a simple and reliable way to bring loved ones closer.
Since 2020, the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) has been closed to new applicants, leaving many families longing for a way to reunite permanently in Canada.
With limited spots and a lottery-based system, the program has become increasingly difficult to access, making alternatives like the Super Visa open the door to a more connected family life in Canada.
Let us delve deep into the differences between the two kinds of visas.
Key Differences Between Super Visa and PGP
When considering options for family reunification in Canada, it’s essential to understand the key differences between the Super Visa and the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP).
While both programs aim to bring families together, they serve distinct purposes.
| Feature | Super Visa | Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) |
| Availability | Year-round applications | Annual lottery system |
| Processing Time | 6 months or less | 33-48 months |
| Maximum Length of Stay | Up to 5 years, extendable by 2 years | Unlimited |
| Invitation Required? | No invitation needed | Invitation required after interest submission |
| Status Granted | Visitor status | Permanent residency |
| Financial Requirements | Based on most recent tax year | Based on the last three tax years |
| Medical Insurance | Mandatory | Not required |
How to Become Eligible for a Canada Super Visa?
To reunite with the families, both the sponsor (host) and the sponsee (applicant) must meet specific eligibility criteria to qualify for this visa.
If you want to sponsor your parents or grandparents for a Super Visa, you must meet the following requirements:
- Hold Canadian citizenship, permanent residency, or registered Indian status.
- Be physically present in Canada during the application process and when your relatives arrive.
- Be at least 18 years of age at the time of application.
- Demonstrate an annual income that meets or exceeds the minimum required amount based on the size of your family.
- Provide a signed letter promising financial support for their relative’s stay in Canada.
How to Calculate Your Family Size?
When calculating family size, you must include:
- You and your spouse or common-law partner
- Dependent children of both you and your partner
- The parent(s) or grandparent(s) being sponsored and their spouse (if applicable).
- Any previously approved Super Visa applicants you or your co-signer have sponsored whose stay in Canada has not yet concluded.
- You or your co-signer have sponsored individuals in the past, provided that the duration of the undertaking is still active.
What are the Minimum Income Requirements for Sponsoring?
The sponsor must ensure that their annual income aligns with the low-income cut-off (LICO) threshold, which is determined by their family size. If needed, the sponsor’s spouse or common-law partner can sign the application, providing additional support to meet these financial requirements.
About Low-Income Cut-Off (LICO)
The Low-Income Cut-Off (LICO) is a benchmark used in Canada to determine the minimum income a family needs to cover basic expenses like food, shelter, and clothing without financial strain.
LICO varies based on family size and location, recognizing that living costs differ between urban and rural areas.
Updated annually to account for inflation, LICO ensures fairness in programs like immigration sponsorships, helping families demonstrate they can financially support their loved ones while meeting Canadian standards.
The table below outlines the minimum annual income required based on family size.
| Family Size | Required Annual Income (CAD) |
| 1 person | CAD 29,380 |
| 2 person | CAD 36,576 |
| 3 person | CAD 44,966 |
| 4 person | CAD 54,594 |
| 5 person | CAD 61,920 |
| 6 person | CAD 69,834 |
| 7 person | CAD 77,750 |
For families larger than seven members, an additional CAD 7,916 is required for each extra individual.
What are the Eligibility Requirements for Sponsees?
When applying for the Canada Super Visa, it’s important to know who can be included in your application.
The eligible individuals are primarily parents, grandparents, and their spouses or common-law partners. However, it’s essential to note that dependents cannot be part of this application.
Here are the key eligibility requirements that sponsees must meet:
- All individuals listed in the application must be admissible to Canada, meaning they should not have any legal reasons preventing their entry.
- Each sponsee must obtain health insurance that meets specific criteria for the entire duration of their stay.
The health insurance policy must be
- Valid for at least one year starting from the date of entry.
- Offer a minimum coverage of CAD 100,000.
- Payment can be made either as a whole or through installments.
- Coverage must include healthcare services, hospitalization, and repatriation.
- Issued by a Canadian insurance company or a foreign insurer that complies with the standards set by IRCC.
- All sponsored individuals must undergo an immigration medical exam.
- After submitting their application, they will receive instructions on scheduling their appointment and the required examination type.
IRCC requires proof that your relative intends to leave Canada at the end of their stay. Sponsees can demonstrate this through factors such as ties to their home country and the purpose of their visit.
How Can Sponsees Apply for the Super Visa?
Parents or grandparents applying for the Super Visa must submit their application from outside Canada.
Documents Required
Sponsees must include the following documents in their application:
- A letter of invitation from you, confirming financial support and detailing family size
- Proof of your income
- Evidence of a valid health insurance policy
- Documentation of your status as a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or registered Indian
- Provide evidence of the relationship between you and the sponsee
The application must be submitted through the IRCC Portal, along with payment of all applicable fees. It is essential to follow IRCC guidelines carefully to avoid delays or rejection.
Biometric and Medical Requirements
If biometrics are required, sponsees should promptly book an appointment at the nearest collection site.
IRCC will also provide instructions for completing a medical exam, which must be included in the application once completed.
Ensure all requirements are met and documents are properly prepared before submitting your application.
After submission, processing times may vary depending on the visa office handling the application.
If you have any concerns or questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
Our dedicated immigration lawyer is here to guide you every step of the way, ensuring your immigration journey is smooth and stress-free. We’re excited to help you achieve your goals!
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