Canada Super Visa: Bring Your Parents for Up to 5 Years
New income rules took effect March 31, 2026. More families now qualify.
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What Is the Canada Super Visa?
The Canada Super Visa is a multi-entry visitor visa that allows parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens or permanent residents to visit Canada for up to five years per entry. Unlike a standard visitor visa, it does not need to be renewed annually during the stay. The Super Visa can remain valid for up to 10 years total and allows multiple trips to Canada within that period. It is the most practical long-stay option for families awaiting permanent residence sponsorship.
The Super Visa was introduced by the Government of Canada in 2011 as a family reunification tool. It fills the gap for families who are not yet at the stage of sponsoring parents or grandparents for permanent residence but want them in Canada for extended periods.
It is important to understand that the Super Visa is a visitor document. It does not grant your parent or grandparent the right to work or study in Canada. It also does not lead to permanent residence on its own. But for staying close to family while longer-term options are explored, it is the most flexible tool available.
Super Visa vs. Standard Visitor Visa: The Key Difference
A standard visitor visa typically allows stays of up to six months at a time and requires a new application each trip. The Super Visa allows a single authorized stay of up to five years. For families planning multi-year visits, the cost and effort savings are significant.
Who Qualifies for the Canada Super Visa?
There are two sides to a Super Visa application: the host in Canada and the visitor abroad. Both must meet specific requirements.
Requirements for the Host in Canada
The host must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident who is the child or grandchild of the applicant. The host must also meet the Minimum Necessary Income (MNI) threshold for their family size.
As of March 31, 2026, IRCC updated how income is assessed. You now have two options:
| Income Rule | Before March 31, 2026 | From March 31, 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| Tax year used | Most recent tax year only | Either of the last two tax years |
| Visitor's income | Not counted at all | Can count if host meets minimum percentage |
| In-processing files | Assessed under old rules only | Automatically reassessed under new rules |
Source: Canada.ca IRCC Notice, March 2026
Minimum Necessary Income (MNI) Thresholds — 2025/2026
Income is verified using your CRA Notice of Assessment (Line 15000). The table below shows the current MNI by family size.
| Family Size | Minimum Necessary Income |
|---|---|
| 2 persons | $38,002 |
| 3 persons | $46,713 |
| 4 persons | $56,759 |
| 5 persons | $64,381 |
| 6 persons | $72,601 |
| 7 or more | $80,784 |
Source: IRCC MNI figures 2025-2026. Verify current thresholds at Canada.ca before submitting.
Family size includes: yourself, your spouse or partner, your dependent children, the visiting parent or grandparent, and any individuals under active sponsorship undertakings.
A co-signer (your spouse or common-law partner who is also a Canadian citizen or PR) can combine their income with yours to meet the threshold.
On the visitor’s income: If you already meet a minimum income percentage yourself, your parent’s or grandparent’s regular, recurring income (a pension, rental income, documented investment income) can be added to cover any remaining gap. A savings balance alone is unlikely to qualify.
Requirements for the Visiting Parent or Grandparent
The visitor must be admissible to Canada. They must also have Canadian private medical insurance for a minimum of one year, with coverage of at least $100,000 for healthcare, hospitalization, and repatriation. This insurance must be from a Canadian provider.
The visitor must also demonstrate genuine temporary intent, meaning they intend to return to their home country at the end of their stay.
Who Is the Super Visa NOT Right For?
The Super Visa is not available to siblings, uncles, aunts, or friends of Canadian citizens or PRs. Only parents and grandparents qualify. If your family member is admissible to Canada and requires only a short visit, a standard visitor visa may be simpler and less costly. If your long-term goal is permanent residence for your parents, the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) sponsorship may be the better route. Currently, PGP is paused until further notice.
Frustrated by the Pause on Parent & Grandparent Sponsorship? Let's Reunite Your Family with a Super Visa.
While you wait for the PGP to reopen, the Super Visa allows your parents and grandparents to stay in Canada for up to five years at a time. We can help you prepare a strong application.
Not sure if you qualify under the new rules?
Send us your last two Notices of Assessment and a summary of your parent’s income. We will calculate your family size, check both income options, and tell you exactly where you stand before you invest in an application.
How the Super Visa Application Works: Your Step-by-Step Path
Confirm your income meets the MNI using either of your two most recent tax years. Calculate the correct family size and identify whether a co-signer is needed or whether Option 2 (visitor income supplement) applies.
Your parent or grandparent purchases qualifying Canadian medical insurance for a minimum of one year with at least $100,000 in coverage.
Collect the CRA Notice of Assessment (Line 15000) for the qualifying tax year, proof of citizenship or PR status, proof of relationship (birth certificate or adoption records), and the insurance policy.
The Super Visa application is submitted online through the IRCC portal by the visiting parent or grandparent (or their designated representative).
IRCC reviews the application and issues a decision. Upon approval, your parent or grandparent can travel to Canada for a stay of up to five years per entry.
Why Families Trust Amir Ismail & Associates
- 35 years of Canadian immigration experience. We have processed Super Visa applications through every rule change since the program launched in 2011. Including the March 31, 2026 update.
- Licensed and regulated — RCIC #R412319. Amir Ismail is accountable to the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants (CICC). Many online services and unofficial consultants are not. Your family’s immigration file is handled by a licensed professional.
- Two licensed consultants on your file. Our team includes Rijah Amir, also a licensed immigration consultant. A second expert reviews your application before it is submitted.
- Offices on both ends of the journey. With offices in Toronto, Dubai, and Karachi, we understand the process from the Canadian host’s perspective and from the applicant’s home country perspective. We serve Pakistani, South Asian, and Gulf families in both languages and time zones.
- Amir immigrated himself. He knows what it means to build a life in Canada while your family is thousands of kilometres away. He understands what is at stake.
- 2026 Canadian Choice Award winner. 25,000+ clients served across 35+ years. Our reputation is built on outcomes, not promises.
Your Success is Our Mission
Frequently Asked Questions About the Canada Super Visa
What changed about Super Visa income rules on March 31, 2026?
Two new flexibilities took effect. First, you can now use income from either of your last two tax years, not just the most recent one. If 2023 was a stronger year than 2024, you can use 2023. Second, if you already meet a minimum income percentage, your visiting parent’s or grandparent’s regular recurring income (such as a pension) can be added to cover any remaining shortfall. Both rules apply to new applications and to files already in processing as of March 31.
What is the minimum income to qualify for a Super Visa in 2026?
The minimum income depends on your family size. For a family of 2, the Minimum Necessary Income is $38,002 per year. For a family of 4, it is $56,759. For families of 7 or more, it is $80,784. Income is verified using your CRA Notice of Assessment, Line 15000.
Which tax year should I use now that two years are accepted?
Use whichever of your two most recent tax years shows the higher income on your CRA Notice of Assessment. If your 2023 income is above the MNI but your 2024 income is not, submit your 2023 NOA. IRCC will apply the more favourable year to your assessment.
Do my parent’s savings count toward the income requirement?
Not on their own. The new option for visitor income is designed for regular, recurring income, such as a monthly pension, rental payments, or documented investment dividends. A savings balance or one-time withdrawal is not the same as income and is unlikely to satisfy the requirement. If your parent’s financial profile is primarily savings-based, seek professional advice before relying on this option.
How long can my parents stay in Canada on a Super Visa?
Up to five years per entry. The Super Visa itself is valid for up to 10 years or until your parent’s passport expires. Extensions can be applied for from within Canada if your parent wishes to stay longer than the initial authorized period granted at the port of entry.
What medical insurance is required for a Super Visa?
Your parent or grandparent must have valid Canadian private medical insurance for a minimum of one year with at least $100,000 in coverage for healthcare, hospitalization, and repatriation. The insurance must be purchased from a Canadian provider before the application is submitted.
My parents’ application was refused before. Can they reapply?
Yes. A previous refusal does not permanently bar a new application. The new application must address the reason for the original refusal. If income was the issue, the updated March 2026 rules may resolve it. We recommend a professional review before resubmitting to avoid repeating the same outcome.
How do I get started with Amir Ismail & Associates for a Super Visa?
Book your Strategy Consultation at amirismail.com/book-a-consultation. Our licensed team will review your income documents, calculate your family size, and give you a clear answer on your eligibility before any application is filed.
Ready to Bring Your Parents to Canada?
The income rules just changed in your favour. Your parent’s pension may now count. A previous refusal is not the end. Let us check your eligibility and build your application properly the first time.
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This page is maintained by Amir Ismail & Associates (RCIC #R412319) and is updated regularly to reflect current IRCC policy. The information provided is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Immigration rules are subject to change. Consult a regulated immigration consultant or licensed lawyer for advice specific to your situation. Last reviewed: March 2026.