Canada Super Visa 2025: Parents & Grandparents Explained (5-Year Stays, New Insurance & Income Rules)

The Parent and Grandparent Super Visa is Canada’s long-stay visitor visa that lets eligible parents and grandparents of Canadians come for extended visits without becoming permanent residents. In 2025, two details matter most: the length of stay (up to five years per entry, with re-entry allowed during the visa’s validity) and tighter clarity on medical insurance (including new permission to use qualifying insurers outside Canada). Below is a specialist, step-by-step breakdown of exactly what you need to meet, prove and avoid.

Eligible relatives. Only biological/adoptive parents and grandparents of a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or registered Indian (under the Indian Act) qualify. Spouses/partners of those parents/grandparents can be included on their own applications. Children or other relatives are not eligible under this program.

You must apply from outside Canada. Super Visa applications are lodged while you are outside Canada; you cannot convert a status inside Canada into a Super Visa.

Visa-exempt nationals still apply. If the parent or grandparent does not need a visa to travel to Canada, they still apply for a Super Visa to get the 5-year stay. If flying, they’ll also need an eTA after approval, and must carry the approval letter to show at the border.

Genuineness and admissibility. Officers assess ties to home country, purpose of travel, financial support and overall circumstances, and you must pass an immigration medical exam and be admissible (no serious criminality, etc.).

Status and age. The host must be your child or grandchild, at least 18, and living in Canada as a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or registered Indian. Proof of status is required.

A proper invitation letter. It must promise financial support for the entire visit and identify everyone counted in “family size” (see below). It’s common for officers to read these letters closely; vague statements (“I will help if needed”) can be risky.

Income at or above the Minimum Necessary Income (MNI/LICO). The host must meet the MNI based on family size. If the host’s spouse/partner is also a Canadian/PR, they may co-sign the commitment to combine income. Co-signers who aren’t Canadian/PR do not count.

Evidence of income. Expect to include a recent CRA Notice of Assessment, T4/T1, pay stubs for the last 12 months, employer letter, and (for self-employed) an accountant’s confirmation. Officers want proof the host can actually carry the financial burden.

Canada updates the thresholds periodically. As of July 29, 2025, the minimum income your host must meet is tied to family size (host, their spouse/partner, their dependants, you and any co-applicant parent/grandparent, plus any individuals still under an existing sponsorship undertaking). Here are the 2025 figures:

LICO/MNI for 2025 (effective July 29, 2025):
1 person: $30,526
2 people: $38,002
3 people: $46,720
4 people: $56,724
5 people: $64,336
6 people: $72,560
7 people: $80,784
Each additional person: add $8,224

How to count family size (worked example).
Suppose your daughter in Canada (host) is married with two dependent children and wants to invite both of her parents (you and your spouse). Family size includes: the host (1), spouse (1), two dependants (2), you (1) and your spouse (1) = 6. The 2025 threshold for 6 is $72,560. If the host’s spouse is also a Canadian/PR, they can co-sign and combine household income to reach that amount.

Common pitfalls. Applicants often miscount family size by forgetting previously sponsored persons whose undertakings still run, or by excluding a separated spouse of the host who may still count for income purposes in some scenarios. Use IRCC’s examples carefully and document your count in the invitation letter.

Who can issue the policy. In 2025, you can buy Super Visa insurance from either a Canadian insurer or a qualifying insurer outside Canada. For non-Canadian insurers, two extra conditions apply: the company must be authorized by OSFI and listed as a federally regulated financial institution, and the policy must be issued under that company’s insurance business in Canada. Insurance brokers/claims administrators are not acceptable as “the insurer.”

Minimum coverage and duration. The policy must cover health care, hospitalization and repatriation; have at least $100,000 in coverage; and be valid for a minimum of 1 year from the date you enter Canada.

Payment standard. You may pay in full or by instalments with a deposit; quotes are not accepted. Carry proof of paid coverage when you travel; border officers can ask to see it.

Keep coverage current. You are expected to maintain valid private insurance for every day you are in Canada on a Super Visa. If you leave and re-enter during the visa’s validity, your insurance must still meet all the requirements.

Avoid these mistakes.

• Submitting only a quote instead of proof of purchase.
• Buying from a broker without the actual underwriter listed.
• Policies that don’t explicitly cover repatriation.
• Policies issued by foreign companies that aren’t OSFI-authorized/listed under Canadian operations.

Per-entry stay. If you enter Canada on a Super Visa, you can be authorized for up to five years on that entry.

Visa validity. The Super Visa is typically a multiple-entry visa valid up to 10 years (or until your passport/biometrics expire sooner), letting you come and go during validity.

Extensions inside Canada. You can apply to extend your stay up to 2 more years per extension while still in Canada. Use the visitor extension form and apply before your current stay ends.

Re-entry. Leaving Canada and re-entering during the visa’s validity can yield a new authorized stay (up to five years again) if you still meet all conditions on entry—especially valid insurance and a valid passport.

Government fees. The Super Visa application fee is about CAD $100 per person (same as a regular visitor visa). Most applicants also pay CAD $85 biometrics (fingerprints/photo); families applying together pay a maximum biometrics total of CAD $170.

Third-party costs. Required immigration medical exams (panel physician) vary by country. Private medical insurance premiums vary with age, health, deductible and coverage options.

Get your documents right first.

• Invitation letter from your host promising financial support and listing family size.
• Proof of host’s income at/above 2025 MNI (NOA, T4/T1, pay stubs, accountant letter for self-employed, employer letter, pension statements, bank statements).
• Proof of relationship (your child’s birth certificate naming you, adoption papers, etc.).
• Proof of health insurance that meets the rules above, with proof of payment (or deposit/instalment plan documentation).
• Medical exam: complete it with a panel physician and keep the proof.
• Identity and travel documents as per IRCC’s country-specific checklist.

Apply online from outside Canada. Create/Use the IRCC Portal (regular or the newer portal version if you qualify) and upload your forms and evidence. Paper is allowed only in narrow circumstances (disability or certain refugee/STAT travel documents).

Pay fees and give biometrics. Pay the application and biometrics fees online. You’ll receive a Biometrics Instruction Letter; book at a VAC and submit within the stated window.

Watch for any additional requests. IRCC may ask for more documents or an interview. Respond within deadlines.

If approved: understand your entry documents.

• Visa-required nationals get a Super Visa counterfoil in the passport; bring insurance proof when you travel.
• Visa-exempt nationals get a Port of Entry (POE) letter of introduction. If travelling by air, also obtain an eTA linked to the same passport. Carry the POE letter and insurance proof to show the border officer.

At the border (CBSA). Have your passport, visa/POE letter, insurance proof and any supporting documents ready. Officers can authorize up to five years on entry; ask for a stamp/visitor record if needed.

LICO/MNI miscalculations. Officers frequently refuse when the host falls even slightly below the threshold after counting everyone correctly. Double-check family size and provide multiple income proofs (NOA + job letter + pay stubs).

Weak travel purpose or ties to home. Long visits are allowed, but the purpose must make sense (e.g., childcare help for a newborn, extended family time, milestone events). Include return plans, property/employment ties, and caregiving obligations back home.

Insurance not compliant or unpaid. Submitting a quote or a broker letter without the actual underwriter and proof of purchase is a common reason for refusal or for being turned around at the border.

Passport validity limits your stay. The stamp/visitor record can’t outlive your passport. Renew the passport before applying if it expires soon.

Applying from inside Canada. Not allowed for a Super Visa—plan timelines so you’re outside Canada when you file.

Maintain insurance the whole time. Renew before expiry if you’re staying longer. Keep receipts and policy documents accessible; CBSA can ask on re-entry.

Don’t work. A Super Visa is a visitor status. You can’t work in Canada, and study is limited to short courses that don’t require a study permit.

Re-entry strategy. If you’re planning frequent trips, keep insurance continuous and your passport/eTA/visa valid. Bring your POE letter when relevant.

Conclusion

The Canada Super Visa in 2025 remains one of the most practical options for parents and grandparents seeking extended visits, but its benefits come with precise requirements that must be met without error. The 5-year per-entry stay, updated LICO income thresholds, and stricter insurance rules give families more flexibility while also demanding thorough preparation. Success depends on accurate family size calculations, compliant insurance from OSFI-approved providers, and strong evidence of financial and personal ties. By planning documents, finances, and travel strategies well in advance, applicants can avoid common pitfalls and enjoy longer, worry-free time with loved ones in Canada.