Super Visa Canada 2025: For your Parents and Grandpanrents to Stay up to 10 years - The Canada Story

If you’re a Canadian citizen or permanent resident and dream of having your parents or grandparents stay with you for more than a typical short visit, the Super Visa is your family's key to long-term reunion in 2025. This specialized, multiple-entry visa provides unparalleled flexibility, allowing parents and grandparents (and their spouses/common-law partners) to visit Canada for extended periods without the hassle of frequent renewals.

Unlike the regular Temporary Resident Visa (TRV), which typically limits a stay to 6 months at a time, the Super Visa allows the holder to stay for up to 5 years per entry. The visa itself is valid for up to 10 years, providing peace of mind and the flexibility for multiple entries over a decade.

Comprehensive Eligibility Requirements (2025)

The Super Visa is a financial and legal commitment. Both the visiting applicant and the host in Canada must meet strict criteria set by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

For the Canadian Host (Child or Grandchild):

1. Status: Must be a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident residing in Canada.

2. Invitation Letter: Must provide a detailed, signed letter of invitation. This letter must clearly state:

   • A promise of financial support for the applicant for the entire duration of their stay.

   • A list of the host’s family members (used for income calculation).

   • Proof of the host’s Canadian status (PR card or Citizenship certificate).

3. Income Threshold (MNI): Must meet the Minimum Necessary Income (MNI) based on the Low-Income Cut-Off (LICO) figures for their family size. Unlike the PGP, only the most recent tax year’s income must meet the MNI (though providing multiple years is often beneficial).

2025 Minimum Income Requirements (LICO) - Example Estimates:

Number of Family Members	Estimated 2025 MNI (CAD)
2 (Host + 1 Parent)	$38,002
3 (Host + Spouse + 1 Parent)	$46,720
4 (Host + Spouse + 2 Parents)	$56,724
5 (Host + Spouse + 2 Children + 1 Parent)	$64,336

The family size includes the host, their spouse/partner, their dependent children, and the Super Visa applicant(s). The host’s spouse/common-law partner can co-sign the application to combine their incomes.

For the Applicant (Parent or Grandparent):

1. Relationship: Must be the parent or grandparent of the Canadian host (dependent children/siblings cannot be included).

2. Medical Insurance: Must provide proof of a private medical insurance policy that is:

   • Purchased from a Canadian insurance company OR a foreign insurance company authorized by OSFI (Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions).

   • Valid for at least one year from the date of entry.

   • Provide a minimum coverage of $100,000 CAD for healthcare, hospitalization, and repatriation.

   • Paid in full (or financed via a recognized payment plan). Quotes are not accepted.

3. Medical Exam: Must undergo and pass an Immigration Medical Examination (IME) by an IRCC-approved panel physician.

4. Ties to Home Country: Must satisfy the visa officer that they have sufficient ties (financial, family, property, etc.) to their home country to ensure they will leave Canada at the end of their authorized stay.

💰 Detailed Cost Breakdown (2025)

While offering flexibility, the Super Visa has higher upfront costs than a regular visitor visa.

Item	Estimated Cost (CAD)	Notes
Medical Insurance (Mandatory)	$1,500 – $4,000 / year	Varies significantly based on the applicant's age and pre-existing conditions. Must cover $100,000 minimum.
Application Fee (Per Applicant)	$100	Non-refundable processing fee.
Biometrics Fee (Per Applicant)	$85 (or $170/family)	Required once every 10 years.
Immigration Medical Exam (IME)	$200 – $400	Cost depends on the panel physician’s fees and country of origin.
Total Estimated Initial Cost (Per Applicant)	$1,885 – $4,585+	(Excluding travel costs)

📅 2025 Processing Time &  Key Updates

Processing times are subject to change based on the volume of applications and the visa office where the application is submitted.

• Average Processing Time: Varies greatly by country, but generally 3 to 6 months. Certain high-volume visa offices may take longer.

• Crucial Tip: Submit your application electronically (online) for faster processing. Physical mail applications are often much slower.

✅Super Visa Processing Time & Fees

Why Super Visa is Far Superior to a Regular Visitor Visa

The Super Visa offers significant advantages for families planning long-term visits:

Feature	Super Visa (Subclass V-1)	Regular Visitor Visa (TRV)
Maximum Stay Per Entry	Up to 5 years (with an option to extend for 2 more years while in Canada, totaling 7 years)	Up to 6 months
Validity of Visa	Up to 10 years	Up to 10 years or passport validity
Renewal/Exit Requirement	Minimal—no need to exit and re-enter every 6 months.	Must exit and re-enter Canada, or apply for an extension (Visitor Record) every 6 months.
Financial Requirement	Mandatory MNI proof from the host.	No mandatory MNI, but the applicant must show sufficient funds for their stay.
Medical Insurance	Mandatory private Canadian/OSFI-approved insurance ($100k min).	Recommended, but not mandatory for approval.
Availability	Available year-round, regardless of the PGP status.	Available year-round.

✨ Family Sponsorship Immigration

While the Super Visa requires a larger initial investment in time and money, its benefit of allowing parents and grandparents to enjoy extended, worry-free time with their loved ones in Canada for up to five years per entry makes it the premier option for long-term family reunification visits. Ensure your host meets the MNI, and you secure the correct, compliant private medical insurance to avoid delays.

Super Visa in 2025 continues to be the most flexible option for families wanting to stay close without the long wait of PR sponsorship. It's fast, reliable, and parent-friendly.