Why Apply for a Canada Super Visa?

Parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens or permanent residents are eligible to apply for the Canada Super Visa, a long-term, multiple-entry visa. It is a better option than the standard visitor visa because it permits prolonged stays of up to five years per entry.

Here’s why it’s worth applying:

• In 2024 alone, more than 17,000 Super Visas were granted, indicating rising demand.
• Stay for up to 5 years per visit, compared to 6 months under a regular visitor visa.
• Valid with multiple entries for a maximum of 10 years.
• Designed especially for parents and grandparents, it helps families stay together for longer.
• In order to ensure their safety while visiting, applicants must be covered by medical insurance.

What is a Canada Super Visa?

Parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens or permanent residents are eligible for a special visa called the Super Visa Canada. In contrast to the TRV (temporary resident visa), it provides:

• Multiple entries for a maximum of ten years
• Each stay can be up to 5 years without renewing status
• Requires proof of a relationship, financial support, and private health insurance.

Although it permits longer stays and eliminates the need for frequent visa renewals, it is not a permanent resident visa.

Benefits of Canada Super Visa

• Extended stay of up to 5 years at a time without visa renewal
• Multiple entries during a 10 year period
• Mandatory health insurance ensures medical protection during your stay
• Promotes reunification of families without permanent immigration
• Re-entries made easier for frequent visitors

Eligibility for Canada Super Visa

In order to be eligible for the Canada Super Visa, the applicant needs to:

• Have a Canadian citizen or permanent resident as a parent or grandparent.
• Provide a letter of invitation from the child/grandchild
• Have health insurance from a Canadian provider.
• Undergo a medical examination (if necessary)
• Provide evidence of the sponsor's financial support (fulfilling the LICO – Low Income Cut-Off) requirements.
• Have close ties to your homeland to demonstrate your desire to go back.

How to get a Canada Super Visa for my Parents?

Here's how to bring your parents or grandparents to Canada for a prolonged stay if you live in the UK:

• Verify that you are a citizen or permanent resident of Canada.
• Present proof of income and an invitation letter.
• Your parents need to get private health insurance that lasts for a minimum of a year.
• Submit the Super Visa application online or via paper through the IRCC portal
• Attend medical examinations and submit biometrics, if necessary.
• Your parents may visit Canada for a maximum of five years after being granted permission.

Step-by-step application process for Canada Super Visa

To guarantee a successful application, there are several well-defined steps involved in applying for a Canada Super Visa. For applicants in the UK who want to bring their parents or grandparents to Canada for extended stays, here is a comprehensive, step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Make sure the applicant (parent/grandparent) and sponsor (child/grandchild in Canada) fulfill the prerequisites before submitting an application. The sponsor needs to:

• Be a citizen or permanent resident of Canada.
• Fulfill the Low-Income Cut-Off (LICO) prerequisite
• Be prepared to offer a formal pledge of funding.
• The candidate should be in good health, have no criminal history, and be determined to return home after the visit.

Step 2: A letter of invitation sent to the Canadian immigration authorities must be provided by the sponsor. This letter should include:

• Full information about the applicant and sponsor, including names, relationships, and addresses
• Status of sponsor in Canada (citizenship or proof of permanent residence)
• A clear promise of financial assistance
• Information regarding the visit's purpose and duration
• The number of residents in the sponsor's home

This is one of the most crucial documents in the application.

Step 3: Applicants for Super Visas must purchase private health insurance from a Canadian insurance provider. The insurance needs to:

• Be valid for at least 1 year.
• Provide a minimum coverage of CAD $100,000.
• Provide proof of full payment (quotes are not accepted).

This guarantees that the applicant is covered for health emergencies during their stay in Canada.

Step 4: Gather all the necessary documents, which typically include:

• A valid passport 
• Proof of relationship with the sponsor.
• Financial documents from the sponsor (pay slips, job letters, and tax returns)
• Documents related to insurance policies
• Completed immigration documents (such as IMM 5257 and IMM 5645)
• Proof of ties to home country (job, family, or property ownership)

To prevent delays, make sure all documents are accurate

Step 5: Visit the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website and:

• Create a secure account.
• Complete the online application forms for the Super Visa.
• Upload every scanned letter and document.
• Online payment of the relevant biometrics and visa fees
• Double-check all information before final submission

An email with additional instructions and a submission confirmation will be sent to you.

Step 6: Once the application is reviewed, you might be given instructions to:

• Schedule a biometrics appointment at the Visa Application Center (VAC) that is closest to you.
• Undergo a medical examination with an IRCC-approved panel physician.

These procedures are necessary for final approval and security clearance.

Step 7: Your application will be processed by the IRCC, which may take up to 12 weeks. Immigration officials may ask for the following during this time:

• Other documents
• Interview (rarely)
• Clarifications on financial or relationship proofs

Check your IRCC account frequently to stay informed.

Step 8: The IRCC will send you a Passport Request Letter if your application is accepted. Take the actions listed below:

• Submit your original passport to the VAC that is closest to you.
• Wait for the Super Visa to be stamped
• Collect the passport with the visa and travel to Canada!

Canada Super Visa Processing Time

The typical processing time for a Canada Super Visa varies depending on the country of application:

• 8–12 weeks on average from the UK
• Incomplete paperwork or background checks could cause processing to take longer.
• Timelines may also be impacted by biometrics and medical examinations.
• Applying well in advance of the planned trip is advised.

Canada Super Visa Processing Cost

The Canada Super Visa cost includes:

Expense	Estimated Cost (in GBP)
Visa Application Fee	£75–£100
Biometrics Fee (if required)	£50
Medical Insurance (1 year, per applicant)	£700–£1,500+
Medical Exam	£100–£150

Why choose Y-Axis?

Y-Axis is one of the world’s most trusted names in visa and immigration consulting, with a strong track record of helping families reunite across borders. Here are some reasons why Y-Axis is the best partner if you intend to apply for a Canada Super Visa from the UK:

• With more than 20 years of experience in immigration to Canada, Australia, and other countries, we have successfully processed thousands of parent and grandparent visas.
• Complete document preparation, including health insurance support, financial documentation, and guidance for the invitation letter.
• Worldwide support with a UK base, so you can get individualized help whenever you need it.
• Quicker turnaround time through timely follow-ups, correct submissions, and tracking updates.
• Detailed instructions for every step of the procedure, from the eligibility check to the last visa stamping.