Visas to Canada: Visitor Visa and Super Visa for Parents & Grandparents

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Guest visa – Visitor Visa

A visitor visa, also known as a Temporary Resident Visa, is an official document that is placed in your passport to certify that you are eligible to enter Canada. This visa is suitable for short-term trips, including tourism, visiting family and friends, and business. Typically, visitors can stay in Canada for up to 6 months, but the exact length of stay is determined by the border services officer upon entry.

Who needs a Visitor Visa?

Most foreign nationals must obtain a visitor visa to come to Canada. The exception is citizens of certain countries, who may need an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) instead of a visa.

You can check whether you need a Visitor Visa or eTA on the official website of IRCC.

Requirements:

1. Convince the immigration officer that your visit is short-term and that you will leave Canada at the end of your stay.

2. Provide sufficient financial resources to support yourself and your family in Canada and to return to your home country.

3. Have no criminal record that could affect your ability to enter the country.

4. Not pose a risk to the security of Canada.

5. Be in good health and, if necessary, undergo a medical examination.

Parents & Grandparents Super Visa

Super visa is for parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens or permanent residents. It allows its holders stay in Canada for up to 5 years at a time without having to leave or renew, and is a multiple-entry visa valid for up to 10 years.

Basic requirements:

1. Relative in Canada. The inviting party is a child or grandchild who is a citizen or permanent resident of Canada and who is 18 years of age or older.

2. Financial support. The inviting party must provide a letter promising financial support during the visit and also prove that their income meets the minimum requirements.

3. Medical insurance. Valid health insurance of at least CAD $100,000 for at least one year is required.

4. Medical examination. Super Visa applicants must undergo a medical examination by a licensed physician.

Financial requirements:

The required income is calculated based on the number of people the host must support. This includes:

The inviting party and immediate family members;
Applicants (parents or grandparents);
Persons who have previously been issued a super visa;
Persons sponsored by the inviter, if the sponsorship obligation is still in effect;
All persons for whom the spouse signed a sponsorship commitment, if one is in effect and the inviter was a co-sponsor

Minimum required income (MNI) is updated annually. Current data can be found at official website.

Important: This page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Immigration requirements may change, please check the official resources for up-to-date information.

Sponsorship of spouses and children

This program allows Canadian citizens and permanent residents to reunite with their families

Parental sponsorship

This program allows Canadian citizens and permanent residents to bring their parents and grandparents to Canada