With the Parents and Grandparents Program frozen for 2026, the Super Visa is now the primary way to bring your parents to Canada for extended stays. And the March 2026 rule changes just made it significantly easier to qualify.
What is the Super Visa?
The Super Visa is a multiple-entry visa that lets parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens and permanent residents stay in Canada for up to 5 years per visit, without needing to renew their status. The visa itself is valid for up to 10 years.
Compare that to a regular visitor visa, which only allows 6-month stays.
What changed in March 2026
On March 31, 2026, IRCC implemented two major changes that make the Super Visa more accessible:
Change 1: Two-year income lookback
Previously, you had to meet the income requirement based on your most recent tax year only. Now, you can qualify using either of your two most recent tax years.
This is huge if you had a down year. If you earned $60,000 in 2024 but only $45,000 in 2025, you can use your 2024 income to qualify.
Change 2: Visitor income counts (up to 25%)
Under Bill C-12 (which received royal assent in March 2026), the income of the visiting parent or grandparent can now be added to cover up to 25% of the minimum income requirement.
If the threshold is $56,724 and you earn $48,000, your parent's own income (pension, investments, etc.) can cover up to $14,181 (25%) of the gap.
2026 income requirements
You must meet the Low Income Cut-Off (LICO) plus 30%. The family size includes you, your dependents, AND the parents you're inviting.
| Family size | Minimum income required (2026) |
|---|---|
| 2 people | $42,984 |
| 3 people | $51,553 |
| 4 people | $56,724 |
| 5 people | $63,835 |
| 6 people | $71,460 |
| 7 people | $79,085 |
| Each additional | ~$7,600 |
Example: You're a single person inviting one parent = 2 people = $42,984 minimum income. You're married with two kids inviting both parents = 6 people = $71,460 minimum income.
Eligibility requirements
For the host (you):
- Canadian citizen or permanent resident
- Meet the minimum income threshold
- Sign a written commitment to financially support your parent during their stay
For the visitor (your parent/grandparent):
- Valid passport
- Pass an immigration medical exam
- Have private medical insurance from a Canadian insurance company
- Not be inadmissible to Canada (criminal, security, or health grounds)
Medical insurance requirements
This is where Super Visa applications most often fail. The insurance must:
- Be from a Canadian insurance company
- Cover at least $100,000 in benefits
- Cover healthcare, hospitalization, and repatriation
- Be valid for at least 1 year from the date of entry
- Be paid in full or have proof of a payment schedule
Cost: Expect $1,500–$4,000+ per year per parent, depending on age and health. Parents over 70 pay significantly more. Some pre-existing conditions may not be covered — read the policy carefully.
Tip: Get quotes from at least 3 providers. Prices vary dramatically. Major providers include Manulife, Blue Cross, Allianz, and TuGo.
How to apply: Step by step
Step 1: Gather your documents
For you (the host):
- Notice of Assessment (NOA) from CRA for the past 2 tax years
- T4s, T1 General, or other income proof
- Proof of Canadian citizenship or PR
- Letter of invitation to your parent
For your parent:
- Valid passport (at least 6 months remaining)
- 2 passport-sized photos
- Completed forms: IMM 5257 (application), IMM 5645 (family information), IMM 5409 (statutory declaration of common-law union, if applicable)
- Proof of medical insurance (paid or payment plan)
- Immigration medical exam results from a panel physician
- Police certificates if requested
Step 2: Immigration medical exam
Your parent must complete an upfront medical exam with a designated panel physician before submitting the application. Find a panel physician at IRCC's website based on the country where your parent lives.
Cost: $200–$400 depending on the country. Results are sent directly to IRCC.
Step 3: Submit online
Applications are submitted through the IRCC online portal. You'll need to create an account (or use your existing one), upload all documents, and pay fees.
Fees:
- Application fee: $100
- Biometrics: $85
- Total: $185 per parent
Step 4: Biometrics
Your parent will be notified to provide biometrics at a local Visa Application Centre (VAC). This must be done within 30 days of the instruction letter.
Step 5: Wait for processing
Processing times vary by country:
- From India: 3–5 months
- From China: 3–6 months
- From Philippines: 2–4 months
- From most other countries: 2–4 months
You can check current processing times on IRCC's website for the specific visa office handling your application.
Step 6: Passport submission
If approved, your parent submits their passport for the visa to be stamped. This adds 1–3 weeks.
Common mistakes that cause refusals
Insufficient income proof. Don't just submit your NOA — include T4s, employment letters, and bank statements. IRCC officers want to see the full picture.
Wrong insurance. The insurance must be Canadian. International travel insurance from your parent's home country doesn't qualify, even if it covers Canada.
Incomplete medical exam. If the panel physician flags a health issue, additional tests may be required. Start this process early.
Missing invitation letter. Write a clear letter explaining who you are, your relationship, why you're inviting them, how long they'll stay, and how you'll support them financially.
Not declaring the full family size. Your family size includes everyone who depends on you financially AND the visiting parent. Underreporting family size to lower the income threshold is misrepresentation.
Start your parent's medical exam immediately — panel physician appointments can take 2–4 weeks, and results take another 1–2 weeks to reach IRCC. This is the longest lead-time item in the whole process.
Super Visa vs regular visitor visa
| Feature | Super Visa | Regular Visitor Visa |
|---|---|---|
| Stay per visit | Up to 5 years | Up to 6 months |
| Income requirement | Yes (LICO + 30%) | No |
| Medical insurance | Required ($100K minimum) | Not required |
| Medical exam | Required (upfront) | Usually not required |
| Application fee | $100 + $85 biometrics | $100 + $85 biometrics |
| Best for | Long stays, living together | Short visits |
Extending a Super Visa stay
If your parent is already in Canada on a Super Visa and their authorized stay is about to expire, you can apply for a visitor record to extend their stay. Apply at least 30 days before their status expires.
If they want to leave and re-enter, they can do so freely — the Super Visa is multiple-entry. Each re-entry starts a new 5-year authorized stay.
Related guides
- Parent & Grandparent Sponsorship 2026 — PGP status and when it might reopen
- Spousal Sponsorship Guide — sponsoring a spouse or partner
- Cost to Immigrate to Canada — full cost breakdown