Super Visa vs Visitor Visa: Which Is Right for Your Parents?
A visitor visa suits a short visit of up to 6 months. A Super Visa lets parents and grandparents stay up to 5 years at a time, with multiple entries for up to 10 years, but needs a host income test and private health insurance. We help you pick the right one before anyone pays a fee.
since 1991
Which is better for your parents?
Choose a visitor visa for a trip of 6 months or less. Choose a Super Visa if your parents want to stay for long periods, because it lets them stay up to 5 years at a time. IRCC says if you want to stay 6 months or less, apply for a visitor visa (IRCC).
What does the Super Visa require?
The host must be the applicant’s child or grandchild, a citizen, PR or registered Indian, at least 18, living in Canada, meeting the minimum income and writing a letter of invitation. The applicant must be outside Canada, pass a medical exam and show private health insurance valid for at least 1 year. See our Super Visa page, the income calculator, the visitor visa guide and the parents guide.
Key rules at a glance
- Stay: a visitor visa usually means up to 6 months. A Super Visa means up to 5 years at a time for those who apply on or after June 22, 2023.
- Validity: a Super Visa gives multiple entries for up to 10 years. A visitor visa is valid up to 10 years or until the passport or biometrics expire.
- Dependants: you cannot include dependants on a Super Visa application.
- Where to apply: a Super Visa applicant must be outside Canada when they submit.
Which situation matches yours?
Pick the situation that matches yours below.
A Super Visa fits if
- Your parents want to stay for months or years at a time.
- You meet the income test as the host and can write the invitation letter.
- Your parents can get private health insurance for at least 1 year and pass the medical exam.
A visitor visa fits if
- The trip is short: a few weeks or up to 6 months.
- You do not meet the income test: a visitor visa has no host income test.
- You want a quick first visit: you can apply for a Super Visa later.
See the visit Canada hub, the family hub and the parents sponsorship page.
Why parents’ visas get refused
Five problems cause most trouble. Source: IRCC.
Weak ties to home
Officers must be convinced that the visitor will leave at the end of the visit. This applies to both visas.
Host income too low
The Super Visa host must meet or exceed the minimum necessary income. Read our income calculator.
No valid insurance
A Super Visa needs private health insurance for at least 1 year from the date of entry, from a Canadian insurer or an approved company outside Canada.
Missing invitation letter details
The host must write and sign the letter, with the promise of support and the family size list.
Inadmissibility
Medical, criminal or security issues can make a parent inadmissible. Read our inadmissibility and refusals hub.
Not sure which visa fits your parents?
We check your income, your parents’ plans and the paperwork before you file.
Timing you cannot miss
6 months or 5 years
If your parents plan to stay for 6 months or less, a visitor visa is the simpler route. For longer stays, plan for a Super Visa and its insurance and income rules.
A Super Visa applicant must show private health insurance valid for at least 1 year from the date of entry. Get quotes before you apply.
If your parents are in Canada as visitors and need more time, they apply for a visitor record before their status expires.
Documents to gather
The checklist differs a little for each visa. Start with these.
How to choose and apply, step by step
Six stages from your plan to your parents’ arrival.
Decide how long
Pick a short visit or a long stay.
Check the host income
Use the income calculator for a Super Visa.
Get insurance quotes
Super Visa insurance must last at least 1 year.
Gather the papers
Invitation letter, proof of relationship and funds.
Apply online
Your parents apply from outside Canada.
Plan the arrival
Border officers decide the stay when they arrive.
Costs compared
From IRCC pages. Last updated: October 2026.
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Super Visa vs visitor visa FAQs
What is the difference between a Super Visa and a visitor visa?
A visitor visa usually allows stays up to 6 months. A Super Visa allows parents and grandparents to stay up to 5 years at a time, with multiple entries for up to 10 years. A Super Visa also needs a host income test and private health insurance.
Which should my parents choose?
A visitor visa for a short trip of 6 months or less. A Super Visa for long or repeated stays. IRCC says to apply for a visitor visa if you want to stay 6 months or less.
Who can apply for a Super Visa?
Parents and grandparents of a Canadian citizen, permanent resident or registered Indian. The host must be at least 18, live in Canada, meet the minimum income and write a letter of invitation.
Is health insurance required?
For a Super Visa, yes: private health insurance valid for at least 1 year from the date of entry. For a visitor visa, IRCC does not list it as a requirement, but you may want it.
Does a visitor visa have an income test?
No. The income test is part of the Super Visa host requirements. Visitor visa officers look at the visitor’s own ties, funds and plan.
Can my parents apply for a Super Visa from inside Canada?
No. A Super Visa applicant must be outside Canada when they submit the application.
Can they bring dependants?
No. You cannot include dependants in a Super Visa application.
Do both visas cost the same?
IRCC lists both as starting from CAD$100. Biometrics cost CAD$85 if needed, and a Super Visa also needs a medical exam and insurance.
Can my parents extend a visitor stay instead of getting a Super Visa?
They can apply for a visitor record before their status expires. A Super Visa is often better for long stays. Read our visitor record guide.
Can a Super Visa be refused?
Yes. Common reasons include weak ties, low host income, missing insurance and inadmissibility. Read our Super Visa page and our refused guide.
What about sponsoring my parents for PR?
The Parents and Grandparents Program is paused at the time of writing. Read our parents sponsorship page for the current status.
Can you help with my parents’ application?
Yes. We check the income test, insurance, letter and ties before you file. Book a Strategy Consultation.