2. Learn about super visas for parents and grandparents

Your parents or grandparents may be able to apply for a super visa to come to Canada as visitors. The super visa lasts for 10 years and lets them come and go from Canada during that time. 

Parents and grandparents who enter Canada on a super visa on or after June 22, 2023, can stay for up to 5 years each time they visit. This lets them stay longer than a visitor visa, which is usually for 6 months. And while they're in Canada, they can apply to stay longer. 

The super visa does not make your parents or grandparents permanent residents.

How to apply for a super visa

Your parents or grandparents must apply from outside Canada and meet all the conditions. For example, they must: 

• be able to enter Canada legally
• take an immigration medical exam 

When they apply, they need: 

• proof of your relationship to your parent or grandparent, such as your birth certificate 
• a copy of the document that proves you're a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or person registered under the Indian Act, and 
• a signed letter of invitation from you. 

Letter of invitation

In the letter of invitation, you must: 

• promise to support your parents or grandparents financially while they're visiting Canada 
• give information about how many people are in your household and who they are 

It's also a good idea to talk about the personal and financial connections your parents or grandparents have in their country.  

These can show that they have a reason to return and not stay in Canada longer than they're supposed to. For example, in their country, they might own a home, have a business, or have people who depend on them. 

Financial support

You must also include proof of your income. That's your Notice of Assessment from the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA). Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) uses this information to decide if you have enough money to support your parent or grandparent.  

You can show that you made enough money in either of the 2 tax years before they apply.  

Your married or common-law partner can also co-sign the letter of invitation and provide proof of their income. Then IRCC looks at both of your incomes combined to see if you meet the minimum income needed.  

Or, if you and your co-signer's income in the last year was at least 75% of the minimum income needed, then your parent or grandparent can add their own income to cover the remaining amount.  

If you do not have a Notice of Assessment, you can submit certain other documents to prove your income.  

Medical insurance 

Your parents or grandparents must also show proof that they bought and paid for insurance to cover any medical costs while they're in Canada. They will not be covered by the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP). 

The medical insurance must be from: 

• a Canadian insurance company, or 
• an international insurance company that the government approves. 

And the medical insurance must: 

• cover them for at least one year from the date they arrive in Canada 
• provide coverage worth at least $100,000 

IRCC's decision 

Even if your parents or grandparents include everything that IRCC asks for, IRCC can refuse their application. For example, they may do this if they think that your parents or grandparents will stay in Canada longer than the super visa allows.