Super Visa for Canada: A Complete Guide for Parents and Grandparents

The Canada Super Visa is a special long-term visa that allows eligible parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens or permanent residents to stay in Canada for up to 5 years per entry — much longer than a regular visitor visa.

In this article, Phan Immigration clearly explains who qualifies for the Super Visa, what requirements both the applicant and sponsor must meet, and walks you through each step of the application process — from preparing documents to submitting biometrics and tracking your results. You’ll also find important updates, cost breakdowns, and expert tips to avoid mistakes that could delay or deny your application.

Whether you’re just starting or already preparing your paperwork, this complete guide will help you apply with confidence and improve your chances of success.

What is super visa in Canada?

The Canada Super Visa ̣(PG-1) is a special long-term, multi-entry visitor visa designed for parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens or permanent residents. It allows each entry stay up to 5 years, compared to only 6 months for a regular visitor visa

Comparison Between Super Visa and Visitor Visa

Similarities:

• Both visa types allow foreign nationals to enter Canada to visit family members.
• Both visas can be valid for up to 10 years.
• Both can be extended if necessary.

Differences:

Who is eligible for Super Visa Canada?

The Super Visa for Canada is specifically designed for the following individuals:

• Parents or grandparents of a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.
• Individuals currently living outside of Canada who intend to visit their children or grandchildren for more than 6 months.

To qualify for the Super Visa, you must meet all the following requirements:

1, You are a parent or grandparent of a Canadian citizen or permanent resident. Your dependents (e.g., children or spouses) cannot be included on this visa—they would need a separate visitor visa if visiting Canada

2, You must apply from outside Canada and have your visa printed by a Canadian visa office abroad

3, You need valid private medical insurance:

• Coverage of at least CAD 100,000, valid for one year from the date you enter Canada
• The insurer must be Canadian or be an international company authorized by Canada’s OSFI and active in Canada

4, Your sponsor (child or grandchild in Canada) must:

• Be at least 18 years old and a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or registered Indian
• Meet the Low-Income Cut-Off (LICO) requirements for their household size (e.g., CAD 29,380 for one person; CAD 54,594 for a four-person household as of June 2024)
• Provide a detailed invitation letter and commit in writing to financially supporting you during your visit

5, Other “genuine visitor” conditions:

• You must pass an immigration medical exam.
• You need to demonstrate ties to your home country (e.g., property, employment, family) to show intent to return
• You must be admissible to Canada (no serious criminal history or health issues)

If you meet all these requirements—including being outside Canada, having insurance, a qualifying sponsor, financial support, and medical admissibility—you can apply for a Super Visa.

How to apply for super visa Canada?

To apply for a Canadian Super Visa effectively, follow these 5 steps:

Step 1: Gather Your Documents

Collect all required documents, including:

Personal Documents

• Valid passport (with at least 6 months validity) and all stamped pages (if applicable)
• Completed IMM5257 and IMM5645 (Family Information) forms
• One passport-sized photo (3.5 x 4.5 cm, white background, taken within the last 6 months)
• Other documents: National ID, household registration, birth certificate, marriage certificate or proof of marital status (if applicable)

Proof of Financial Resources

• Bank savings account balance confirmation
• Ownership documents for assets (property, vehicles, stock investments, etc.)

Employment Proof

• For employees: Employment contract, leave approval letter, last 3 months’ payslips
• For business owners: Business registration certificate, tax declaration, and business account statements
• For retirees: Pension statements and retirement decision letter

Sponsor’s Documents in Canada

• Invitation letter including financial commitment and detailed information of both sponsor and invitee
• Sponsor’s proof of income: pay stubs, bank statements, tax documents (e.g., T4)
• Proof of travel health insurance with minimum coverage of CAD 100,000, valid for 1 year

Notes:

• All documents must be translated and notarized into English or French
• Color scan all documents and save them as separate files if applying online
• Organize your documents neatly and in the correct order to avoid confusion

Step 2: Complete the Application Online

To apply online for a Super Visa, start by creating or logging in to your IRCC account—either via IRCC Portal (using an invite code and email) or the IRCC Secure Account (with GCKey or Sign‑In Partner).

Once signed in, complete the online application form, upload all required documents (such as IMM 5257, IMM 5645, invitation letter, proof of insurance, and LICO-based income proof), and pay the processing and biometrics fees—all according to the checklist provided in the system .

Step 3: Pay the Application and Biometrics Fees

You will need to pay a CAD 100 application fee for the Super Visa, plus a CAD 85 biometrics fee per person—or CAD 170 total if two or more family members apply simultaneously—when completing your application online .

Be sure to keep your payment receipts, uploading one with your application and retaining another for your records. Proper fee payment and documentation are essential to avoid processing delays and ensure your Super Visa application moves forward smoothly.

Step 4: Submit Your Application

You can submit your Super Visa application online through your IRCC Secure Account or in person at your nearest Visa Application Centre (VAC).

After submission and payment, you will receive a Biometric Instruction Letter (BIL), which confirms that you must provide your fingerprints and photo.

You have 30 days from receipt of the BIL to book and complete a biometrics appointment at an official VAC or Service Canada office. Booking in advance is recommended—appointments are free, and missing the deadline may delay your application

Here are the locations where you can submit your Super Visa application and complete biometrics in Vietnam:

• Ho Chi Minh City: 180 Nguyen Thi Minh Khai Street, Ward 6, District 3, HCMC
• Hanoi: Floor 2, Hong Kong Tower, 243A La Thanh Street, Lang Thuong, Dong Da District, Hanoi

Step 5: Track your application and receive your result

Track your application status through your GCKey account on the official IRCC website. Once you receive your visa result, make sure to verify all details on the visa to avoid any errors.

How long does it take for Super Visa Canada?

The processing time for a Canadian Super Visa application typically ranges from 8 weeks to 2 months, depending on several factors:

• Application volume: Processing times may be longer during peak periods, such as back-to-school seasons.
• Completeness of the application: Complete applications are processed faster than those with missing or incomplete documents.

Thorough preparation and submitting all required documents will help minimize delays and shorten the waiting period.

How Much Does It Cost to Apply for a Super Visa to Canada?

In total, an individual applicant should expect to pay about CAD 185.

The cost of applying for a Super Visa to Canada includes:

• Application processing fee: CAD 100 (approximately VND 1,855,000)
• Biometrics fee: CAD 85 (approximately VND 1,576,000), applicable in certain cases

Please note that medical exam and insurance costs are not included in these government fees and must be arranged and paid separately.

Notes:

• For paper applications, fees can be paid in USD at the current exchange rate, or online by credit/debit card, which may incur foreign transaction fees.
• All fees paid to the Government of Canada are non-refundable, even if the application is refused.
• Fee amounts are subject to change based on the latest updates from IRCC.

Important Notes When Applying for a Super Visa to Canada

When applying for a Super Visa to Canada, it’s important to avoid mistakes that could affect the outcome of your application. Key points to keep in mind include:

• Ensure all information in your application is complete, accurate, and truthful. Avoid misrepresentation or submitting fraudulent documents.
• Comply with the authorized length of stay and do not remain in Canada beyond the visa expiry date.
• Carefully research the requirements or consider working with a reputable immigration service provider to increase your chances of approval.

Frequently Asked Questions About Canada’s Super Visa

Here are the most common questions about Canada’s Super Visa, answered clearly and concisely to help you understand the process quickly.

Can i apply for super visa while in Canada?

You cannot apply for a Super Visa from within Canada — the application must be submitted from outside the country. According to IRCC, one key eligibility requirement is that applicants must be outside Canada when they apply, and their visa must be officially issued by a Canadian visa office abroad.

How much bank balance is required for Canada super visa?

There is no specific bank balance requirement set for a Super Visa applicant themselves, but the sponsoring child/grandchild in Canada must meet the Low-Income Cut-Off (LICO) as defined by IRCC.

Is medical required for Canada super visa?

Yes, the Super Visa requires a medical exam conducted by an approved Panel Physician. You can complete it upfront or after IRCC requests it, which helps satisfy the health requirement for longer stays.

Is return ticket required for super visa to Canada?

You’re not required to have a return ticket when entering Canada on a Super Visa. Airlines may still ask about your travel plans—but showing a one-way ticket is acceptable. However, if you prefer, you can optionally purchase a flexible return ticket valid within a year for peace of mind.

Can you renew super visa Canada?

You cannot renew a Super Visa while in Canada — to get a new one, you must apply from outside the country. According to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), Super Visas must be issued by a Canadian visa office abroad, and the original visa cannot be extended from within Canada.

We hope this article has helped you understand the process and requirements for applying for a Super Visa to Canada. If you need more detailed assistance, don’t hesitate to contact Phan Immigration for personalized guidance and support throughout your application journey!