Super Visa for Parents and Grandparents

Frequently asked Questions

• How much income do I need to apply for a Super Visa?

  Effective from January 1 1 to December 31, 2020
  Your child or grandchild may use the following income scale to assess their ability to meet the income requirements.

  Size of Family Unit	Minimum necessary income
  2 persons	$32,270
  3 persons	$39,672
  4 persons	$48,167
  4 persons	$25,921
  5 persons	$54,630
  6 persons	$61,613
  7 persons	$68,598
  More than 7 persons, for each additional person, add	$6,985

• How does the parent and grandparent super visa differ from a visitor visa?

  Currently, most visitors to Canada may visit for up to six months when they first enter Canada. Visitors who wish to stay longer must apply for an extension, and pay a new fee.

  With the parent and grandparent super visa, eligible parents and grandparents can visit family in Canada for up to two years without the need to renew their status.

  The Super Visa is a multi-entry visa that provides multiple entries for a period up to 10 years. The key difference is that the Super Visa allows an individual to stay for up to two years on each entry into Canada, while a 10-year multiple entry visa would only have a status period for each entry of six months only.

  There are also specific requirements that you must meet to be able to get a super visa.

• Is the parent and grandparent super visa a multi-entry visa?

  Yes, the super visa is a multi-entry visa. It allows multiple entries for up to 10 years.

• What’s the difference between the parent and grandparent super visa and the 10-year multiple entry visa?

  The key difference is that the super visa allows multiple entry periods lasting up to 2 years. Those travelling on a 10-year multiple-entry visa can only stay for up to six months per entry.
  
  A single-entry super visa is also available. This remains at the discretion of a visa officer.

• I need to calculate family size when applying for the parent and grandparent super visa. Whom should I include?

  When applying for a parent and grandparent super visa, include the following people when calculating family size:

  • the inviting child or grandchild;
  • the spouse of the inviting child or grandchild;
  • the dependants of the inviting child or grandchild;
  • any other person whom the inviting child or grandchild is currently sponsoring or co-signing for; and
  • the parents or grandparents of the inviting child or grandchild who are seeking a parent and grandparent super visa.

  
  Here are some examples

  • The inviting child or grandchild in Canada is not married and has no children. He or she has invited one parent to visit Canada for a two-year stay. The family size is two.
  • The inviting family in Canada is a family of four (the inviting child or grandchild, the spouse and two dependent children). They plan to host two visiting parents. The family size is six.
  • The inviting family in Canada is a family of three (inviting child or grandchild, the spouse and one dependent child). The inviting child or grandchild previously co-signed the sponsorship of the spouse’s parents (two persons). That sponsorship is still in effect. Now, the inviting child or grandchild has invited both of his or her parents for a long-term visit on a parent and grandparent super visa. The family size is seven..

  
  

• Can I cancel my sponsorship application and apply for a super visa instead?

  Yes, you can withdraw your sponsorship application at any time. You can still apply for a super visa.

• Who is eligible for a parent and grandparent super visa?

  To be eligible for a super visa, you must:

  • Be the parents or grandparents of Canadian citizens or permanent residents and
  • Have a signed letter from your child or grandchild who invites you to Canada
  • Have medical insurance from a Canadian insurance company that is:
    1. Valid for at least 1 year from the date of entry
    2. At least $100,000 coverage
    3. Have proof that the medical insurance has been paid
  • Have sufficient financial proof of funds