When planning for your parents or grandparents to visit you in Canada, it can be confusing when looking at Super Visa vs Visitor Visa. In this article, we will let you know the best option for you.

In most cases, visitors to Canada may stay for up to six months after first entering the country. However, if you want to stay longer, you must apply for an extension and pay a new fee.

The Super Visa is a multi-entry visa that allows parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens or permanent residents to enter Canada multiple times, for up to 10 years.

The main difference between the two visas is that the super visa allows you to stay in Canada for up to five years at a time, while a visitor visa only allows you to stay in Canada for up to six months at a time.

In this post, we explain the key contrast between the two options and how to make a decision that benefits your family.

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Our professional team provides personalized support to guide you through the Super Visa process. From meeting the eligibility requirements to gathering the necessary documentation, let us assist you in bringing your parents or grandparents to Canada.

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Super Visa vs Visitor Visa

Consider how long your parents or grandparents will stay in Canada when they visit before deciding whether to apply for a Super Visa vs Visitor Visa. If they plan to stay for less than six months, a basic visitor visa would be the best option in their case.

Note that a regular TRV ( Temporary resident multiple entry visitor visa) will be valid for 10 years or until the passport expires, so your parents or grandparents can apply once for the visa and then use it for multiple entries to Canada. There’s no point in applying for a Super Visa if your relatives are only paying you a brief visit.

If your parents or grandparents wish to stay in Canada for longer than six months, you must ensure that you fulfil the income requirements for a Super Visa application. If your income doesn’t meet the requirements, don’t worry – you can still apply for a regular TRV. Then, once your parents or grandparents come to Canada and before their 6-month entry expires, you can ask to extend their stay.

In this case, you’ll need to make a new extension program every six months or have your parents or grandparents go home for a while and then return. As long as they possess a multiple entry TRV, holders of the visa can travel to Canada freely until it expires.

In order to be eligible for a super visa, you must meet certain requirements. Learn more about the super visa and who can apply.

There are also specific requirements that you must meet to be able to get a super visa. Find out more about the super visa and who can apply.

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Who can apply for a super visa?

Below are the requirements necessary to be eligible to apply for a Super Visa.

In order to qualify for a super visa, you must:

  • you must be a parent or grandparent of either a Canadian citizen or a permanent Canadian resident.
  • have a signed letter from your child or grandchild who invites you to Canada that includes:
    • a guarantee of monetary support during your stay
    • the number of people in this individual's household
    • this person's Canadian citizenship or permanent resident document
  • have Canadian medical insurance from a insurance company that is:
    • valid for a minimum of 1 year from the date of entry at least $100,000 in emergency coverage provide evidence that the medical insurance has been paid (a quote is not accepted)

You must also:

You can not include dependents in your super visa application.

Super Visa income requirements

The amount of money your family earns annually is a deciding factor in whether or not you can bring your parent or grandparent to Canada on a Super Visa. The number of individuals who will be included in your super visa application is based on your family size. This includes you, your spouse or partner, and any dependent children under the age of 22.

Income table

Effective from January 1, 2022 to December 31, 2022, the following income table will help your child or grandchild determine if they satisfy the required earnings criteria.

Size of Family UnitMinimum necessary gross income
1 person (your child or grandchild)$26,620
2 persons$33,140
3 persons$40,742
4 persons$49,466
5 persons$56,104
6 persons$63,276
7 persons$70,448
More than 7 persons, for each additional person, add$7,172

The Canadian immigration department will need documentary evidence that your income is above the minimum set for your family.

The child or grandchild who invites you must show that their family meets the required financial support threshold. The following documents might be used as proof of income:

  • Notice of Assessment (NOA) or T4/T1 for the most recent tax year
  • Employment Insurance (EI) Benefit statements
  • Pay stubs
  • Bank statements
  • Employment letter including salary, job title, job description, and date of hire
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Super Visa insurance

You must provide proof that you obtained private medical insurance for your parent or grandparent from a Canadian insurance provider that covers $100,000 in coverage in order to apply for a Super Visa.

The premium for this coverage will differ depending on your parent’s or grandparent’s age and health condition. If your visa is refused, most reputable businesses will give you a refund as well as a later start date for the insurance coverage.

How to apply for a Super Visa

If you are a parent or grandparent of a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, you can apply for a super visa online or through a paper application. To qualify, you must provide documentation that proves you are the parent or grandparent of somebody who is either a Canadian citizen or permanent resident. In order for your application to be complete, you must include a letter of invitation from your child or grandchild. The letter should include details about their plans for your care and information about the number of people living in their household in Canada.

You must also show that you have private health insurance from a Canadian insurer that is valid for at least a year. To ensure that your child or grandchild can support you during your visit, they will need to meet the Low Income Cut-Off (LICO) minimum for their family size.

Super Visa vs Visitor Visa Conclusion

The parent and grandparent Super Visa program is a special temporary visa for parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens or permanent residents. In order to be eligible for a Super Visa, you must meet certain income requirements and provide documentation to a border services officer that you have purchased private medical insurance from a Canadian insurance company. You must also take an immigration medical examination.

The Super Visa program is a great way for parents and grandparents to visit Canada for five consecutive years. This used to be only up to two years. With the right planning, it can be a smooth process.

We hope our Super Visa vs Visitor Visa post was helpful. If you need help with your Visitor visa or Super visa application, speak to a Super Visa Consultant.