Pathway finder
Sponsor my parents or grandparents: Long visits to the family here
Routes people usually look at
1
The super visa
A multiple-entry visa for parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens and permanent residents. IRCC says it allows stays of up to five years at a time, with multiple entries for up to ten years.2
A regular visitor visa
For shorter visits. Some visitors from visa-exempt countries need an electronic travel authorization (eTA) instead.
What’s usually involved
- Confirm the child or grandchild in Canada is a citizen or permanent resident and meets the minimum income requirement for the super visa.
- Write a letter of invitation that includes a promise of financial support.
- Buy private medical insurance from an insurance company that meets IRCC’s requirements. The insurance must give at least $100,000 of emergency coverage and be valid for at least one year from entry. IRCC updated the super visa rules in 2026, so check the current insurance and income rules before you apply.
- Your parent or grandparent completes an immigration medical exam.
- Apply online from outside Canada, and give biometrics.
- If approved, the visa is placed in the passport. The border officer decides the length of the stay on arrival.
Documents you’ll typically need
Timing
Timing depends on the country the application is made from, medical exam results, and how complete the application is. Check the current estimates on IRCC’s processing times page.
Common pitfalls
- Income below the required level, or the wrong year’s income documents
- Insurance that does not meet IRCC’s requirements
- Ties to the home country that look weak to the officer
- A previous visa refusal or overstay that is not explained
- Not keeping track of the length of stay granted at the border
This is general information, not legal advice about your situation.
Talk it through with Manny
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