If you are a Canadian citizen or permanent resident who wants to bring your parents or grandparents to Canada for an extended period, the Super Visa is currently the most practical option available. The Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) — which provides a path to permanent residence — has not opened for new applications in 2026. The Super Visa, introduced in 2011 and significantly enhanced in 2022, allows eligible parents and grandparents to stay in Canada for up to 5 years per entry and can be renewed. This guide covers everything you need to know about eligibility, requirements, and how to apply.
PGP vs Super Visa: What's the Difference?
| Feature | PGP (PR Sponsorship) | Super Visa |
|---|---|---|
| Result | Permanent residence (PR card) | Temporary status — extended visit |
| Open for 2026? | No — closed, no new applications | Yes — applications accepted year-round |
| Max stay per entry | Permanent (live in Canada) | Up to 5 years |
| Processing time | Typically 20–24 months | 8–12 weeks (typical) |
| Medical insurance required? | No (PR covers provincial health) | Yes — minimum $100,000 CAD |
PGP 2026 status: IRCC has not announced a PGP intake for 2026. Canadian immigration policy on PGP changes annually. Monitor IRCC's official website or sign up for IRCC news for updates. The Super Visa remains available and is not subject to annual lottery caps.
Super Visa Eligibility Requirements
For the Applicant (Parent or Grandparent)
- ✓ Must be the parent or grandparent of a Canadian citizen or permanent resident
- ✓ Must be admissible to Canada (no criminal inadmissibility, no health inadmissibility for non-excessive-demand conditions)
- ✓ Must pass a medical examination by a designated panel physician
- ✓ Must purchase Canadian medical insurance meeting minimum requirements (see below)
- ✓ Must intend to leave Canada at the end of the authorized stay
- ✓ Must have a signed letter of invitation from the sponsoring child/grandchild
For the Canadian Sponsor (Son/Daughter/Grandchild)
- ✓ Must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident
- ✓ Must meet the Minimum Necessary Income (MNI) threshold for their household size
- ✓ Must provide proof of income (NOA, T4, recent pay stubs)
Minimum Necessary Income (MNI) for 2025 — Low Income Cut-Off (LICO)
The sponsor's household income must meet the MNI based on household size. IRCC uses the LICO table. The following figures are for guidance — always verify against IRCC's current published LICO table before applying.
| Household Size (including visitors) | Approximate MNI (pre-tax) |
|---|---|
| 2 persons | $36,407 CAD/year |
| 3 persons | $44,798 CAD/year |
| 4 persons | $54,391 CAD/year |
| 5 persons | $61,735 CAD/year |
| 6 persons | $69,623 CAD/year |
| 7 persons | $77,511 CAD/year |
Source: Based on Statistics Canada LICO data as updated by IRCC. Figures are approximate — always verify with IRCC's current tables at canada.ca.
Medical Insurance Requirements
Medical insurance is a mandatory Super Visa requirement. The insurance must:
- ✓ Provide a minimum of $100,000 CAD in coverage
- ✓ Be valid for a minimum of 1 year from the date of entry to Canada
- ✓ Cover health care, hospitalization, and repatriation
- ✓ Be issued by a Canadian insurance company or a foreign company approved to offer health insurance in Canada
- ✓ Be valid from the date of entry (not just the visa approval date)
2022 update: Since December 2022, IRCC also accepts medical insurance from foreign companies (not just Canadian companies), provided the insurer is eligible under their policy guidance. Confirm coverage eligibility with IRCC before purchasing.
How to Apply — Step by Step
- 1
Gather sponsor documents
Proof of Canadian citizenship or PR status. Notice of Assessment (NOA) or T4 slips for the past tax year. Employment letter + recent pay stubs. Letter of invitation signed by the sponsor (including relationship, duration, household size, income confirmation).
- 2
Schedule and complete a medical exam
The parent/grandparent must visit a IRCC-designated panel physician for a medical exam. Results are submitted directly to IRCC by the physician. Arrange the exam in the applicant's home country before submitting the visa application, or the visa process may be paused pending medical results.
- 3
Purchase medical insurance
Purchase minimum $100,000 CAD medical insurance from a Canadian insurer (or eligible foreign insurer). Ensure the policy start date aligns with the intended entry date and covers at least 1 year.
- 4
Submit the Super Visa application
Apply online via the IRCC portal (MyCIC/IRCC online account) or by paper at the visa application centre in the applicant's country. Government fee: $100 CAD (multiple-entry visitor visa). Biometrics: $85 CAD if required.
- 5
Provide biometrics if required
Most nationalities must provide biometrics. This is done at a designated Visa Application Centre (VAC) in the applicant's country of residence.
- 6
Wait for a decision
Typical processing: 8–12 weeks depending on the visa office. IRCC processes Super Visa applications as multiple-entry visitor visas with a special annotation. Track progress via your IRCC online account.
- 7
Travel to Canada and present documentation at CBSA
Upon arrival, present the Super Visa, medical insurance proof, and invitation letter to the CBSA officer. The officer determines the authorized period of stay — up to 5 years per entry.
Super Visa Stay Rules
- ✓ Up to 5 years per entry — the CBSA officer at the port of entry sets the specific duration
- ✓ The Super Visa itself is valid for up to 10 years and allows multiple entries
- ✓ If the authorized stay is shorter than desired, a stay extension can be applied for from within Canada (Visitor Record)
- ✓ Parents/grandparents may travel in and out of Canada during the authorized period — the 5-year clock is per entry, not cumulative
- ✓ Medical insurance must remain valid for the duration of each entry
Estimate your fees and checklist
Use the fee calculator to estimate government fees, and the document checklist to make sure you have everything required before submitting.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long can my parents stay in Canada with a Super Visa?+
Up to 5 years per entry. The Super Visa is a multiple-entry visa valid for up to 10 years, so parents can leave and re-enter Canada multiple times, each time for up to 5 years. Compare this to the standard visitor visa, which is limited to 6 months per entry.
Can I apply for the Super Visa for my in-laws?+
The Super Visa is specifically for parents and grandparents of the Canadian citizen or permanent resident. In-laws (parents of your spouse) are not eligible unless your spouse is also a Canadian citizen or PR and sponsors their own parents.
What if my parents have a pre-existing medical condition?+
Pre-existing conditions may affect the cost and availability of medical insurance — insurers may exclude pre-existing conditions or charge higher premiums. Some Canadian insurers offer coverage that includes stable pre-existing conditions (defined by stability periods). Ensure the policy you purchase meets the Super Visa minimum requirements. The medical exam by a panel physician is separate from the insurance requirement and assesses health inadmissibility for "excessive demand" on Canadian health services.
Is the PGP expected to open again?+
IRCC has not announced a PGP intake for 2026. The PGP is subject to annual policy decisions. Monitor IRCC's official announcements. Even if the PGP opens, it uses a random selection process (interest to sponsor), and acceptance is not guaranteed. The Super Visa remains the reliable year-round option.
Can my parents work or access provincial health care on a Super Visa?+
No. A Super Visa does not authorize work in Canada and does not provide access to provincial health care (such as OHIP, MSP, or AHCIP). Medical insurance is mandatory specifically because provincial health care is not available to Super Visa holders.
Your Next Step
Use the fee calculator to estimate your total Super Visa government fees, and the document checklist to ensure you have everything ready before applying.
Important: This tool provides general information based on publicly available Canadian immigration law (IRPA). Results are not a determination of admissibility. Only a CBSA officer at a port of entry can make admissibility decisions. For complex legal situations, professional guidance may also be beneficial.