Canada's Super Visa allows parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens or permanent residents to stay for up to 5 years per visit (increased from 2 years). It's renewable, faster than PGP sponsorship, and available year-round.
The Canada Super Visa is a multi-entry visitor visa designed specifically for parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens and permanent residents. Unlike the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP), which involves a lottery-style intake and years-long waiting list for permanent residence, the Super Visa is processed as a standard visitor visa application — with a typical processing time of 4–8 weeks.
Key Features (Updated 2025)
Canada increased the maximum stay per visit from 2 years to 5 years in 2024, and the total validity of the Super Visa was extended to 10 years. This means parents or grandparents can spend extended, uninterrupted time in Canada with their family without the uncertainty of the PGP lottery.
- Up to 5 years per visit (extended from 2 years)
- Valid for up to 10 years (multi-entry)
- Can be extended within Canada
- No annual lottery — applications accepted year-round
- Typical processing: 4–8 weeks
Requirements for Approval
The Canadian child or grandchild sponsoring the visit must meet a minimum income threshold (approximately $55,000/year for a family of three, scaling up with family size). The visiting parent must obtain private Canadian medical insurance providing at least $100,000 in coverage for a minimum of 1 year — this is the most frequently missed requirement. The parent must also complete an immigration medical exam and have a valid passport.
Super Visa vs. PGP Sponsorship
The Super Visa does not lead to permanent residence — it is a visitor status. The PGP remains the pathway to PR for parents and grandparents, but with only 15,000–24,000 spots available annually and a waiting list of several years, the Super Visa is the practical solution for families who want their parents present in Canada now. Many families use the Super Visa for immediate family reunification while waiting for a PGP invitation.
