Super Visa (Parents and Grandparents)

The Super Visa is a special category of visitor visa that allows you to stay in Canada for up to 5 years at a time. You must apply for this visa from outside Canada. Most applicants must submit their application online through the IRCC Portal or a GCKey account.

Step 1: Confirm Your Host’s Eligibility

Before you begin, your child or grandchild in Canada must prove they meet the Minimum Necessary Income (MNI). They must provide their most recent Notice of Assessment (NOA) from the Canada Revenue Agency, or other proof of income like a T4 or T1 tax form. Ensure their annual income meets the threshold for their total family size, including you.

Step 2: Gather Required Documents

You will need to collect several specific documents before starting the online form:

• Letter of Invitation: A signed letter from your child or grandchild promising financial support and listing all people living in their household.
• Proof of Relationship: A copy of your child’s or grandchild’s birth certificate or other legal documents naming you as their parent or grandparent.
• Medical Insurance: You must purchase a policy for at least $100,000 in emergency coverage, valid for at least 1 year from your date of entry. This can be from a Canadian company or an authorized international provider.
• Passport: Ensure your passport is valid for several years, as the visa cannot be issued past your passport's expiry date.

Step 3: Complete the Immigration Medical Exam

You must undergo an Immigration Medical Exam (IME) performed by an IRCC-approved Panel Physician (a doctor authorized by Canada to perform these exams). You can find a doctor near you on the official list of panel physicians. It is often faster to do this "upfront" before you submit your application.

Step 4: Submit the Online Application

Create an account on the IRCC Portal, upload your documents, and pay the application fees. Be prepared to demonstrate that you are a "genuine visitor" by showing ties to your home country, such as property ownership, a pension, or other family members remaining at home.

Step 5: Provide Biometrics

After you submit, you will receive a Biometric Instruction Letter (BIL). You must take this letter to a local Visa Application Centre (VAC) to have your fingerprints and photo taken. You should do this as soon as possible to avoid delays.

Step 6: Passport Stamping

If your application is approved, you will receive a request to send your physical passport to the local visa office. They will stick the visa foil (the actual visa sticker) inside your passport and return it to you.

Item	Cost
Application Fee (per person)	$100 CAD
Biometrics Fee (per person)	$85 CAD
Medical Exam	Varies by doctor (approx. $200–$500 USD)
Medical Insurance Premium	Varies by age (approx. $1,500–$4,000+ CAD)

Total Estimate: Aside from the $185 CAD in government fees, the largest expense is the mandatory medical insurance, which must be paid in full or via an authorized deposit before you apply.

Note: This does not include costs for document translation, courier fees for your passport, or travel to a Visa Application Centre.

The time it takes to get your Super Visa depends heavily on your country of residence and the current workload of the local visa office.

• Global Average: Most applications are processed within 3 to 6 months.
• Biometrics & Medicals: The clock starts once the IRCC receives your complete application, but delays in booking your medical exam or biometric appointment will extend the total time.
• Document Validity: Your medical exam results are typically valid for 12 months. If your visa is not processed within that year, you may be asked to take the exam again.
• Visa Validity: If approved, your visa is usually valid for up to 10 years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. Each entry into Canada allows you to stay for up to 5 years.