Canada Super Visa: Parents Can Stay Up to 5 Years

In a significant move to support family reunification, the Government of Canada has enhanced the Super Visa program, allowing eligible parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens and permanent residents to stay in Canada for up to five years per visit.

The Super Visa, a long-standing initiative aimed at facilitating extended family visits, is a multi-entry visa valid for up to 10 years. Previously, each visit under this program was capped at two years. The recent update now permits up to five consecutive years per entry, making it one of the most generous long-term visitor visas globally.

To qualify for the Super Visa, applicants must:

• Be the parent or grandparent of a Canadian citizen or permanent resident;
• Apply from outside Canada;
• Provide a letter of invitation from their child or grandchild, who must meet minimum income requirements and pledge financial support;
• Undergo a medical examination and obtain private health insurance valid in Canada for at least one year, with minimum coverage of CAD 100,000.

Unlike permanent residency, Super Visa holders are considered temporary visitors and are not permitted to work or access public healthcare services during their stay.

The program continues to serve as an attractive alternative to the Parents and Grandparents Sponsorship Program (PGP), which operates on a lottery-based selection and is limited to a fixed annual intake. The Super Visa remains open year-round, offering a faster and more flexible option for families wishing to reunite.

According to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), the average processing time for Super Visa applications from countries like India is around 78 days.

This update is expected to benefit thousands of immigrant families across Canada, providing more meaningful time for parents and grandparents to bond with their loved ones without the need for frequent visa renewals.