The Super Visa: The Best Option for Parents and Grandparents to Stay in Canada in 2025
Why the Super Visa Has Become the Smart Alternative to Sponsorship
For many families, having parents or grandparents nearby is one of the most important parts of
feeling truly at home in Canada. However, since 2020, Immigration, Refugees and
Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has not opened a new round for the Parents and Grandparents
Sponsorship Program (PGP) — the process that allows permanent residents and Canadian
citizens to sponsor their parents or grandparents for permanent residency.
Yes, IRCC has continued to process applications submitted before 2020, but no new
applications have been accepted for the past five years. The truth is that nobody knows
when, or even if, a new intake will be announced. Each time IRCC reopens the PGP, it does so
under different conditions — sometimes with a lottery system, sometimes by invitation,
sometimes first-come-first-served — and always with extremely limited spots compared to the
number of Canadian families hoping to apply.
That uncertainty, combined with the restrictions on temporary resident visas and the
complexity of extending a visitor record every six months, has made one thing very clear: If
you want to keep your family together in Canada for longer periods, the Super Visa is
your best option right now.
What Is the Super Visa?
The Super Visa is a long-term, multiple-entry visa that allows parents and grandparents of
Canadian citizens or permanent residents to visit and stay in Canada for up to five
consecutive years at a time, without the need to apply for extensions every few months.
The Super Visa is valid for up to 10 years, which means that during this period, parents and
grandparents can travel back and forth to Canada as needed — maintaining flexibility while
enjoying long visits with their loved ones. Unlike a regular visitor visa, which typically allows
stays of only six months per entry, the Super Visa provides stability, peace of mind, and
continuity for families who wish to live close together for extended periods.
Why Is the Super Visa the Best Option Right Now?
1. The Sponsorship Program Has Been Closed Since 2020
It’s been five years since IRCC accepted new applications under the Parents and
Grandparents Sponsorship Program. While many continue to hope for its reopening, the
reality is that there is no confirmed date or even guarantee that a new intake will happen in
2025 or 2026.
Even if the program were to reopen, the number of available spots would be extremely
limited, often reaching only a few thousand nationwide — while hundreds of thousands of
Canadian families are eligible to apply.
2. The Super Visa Offers Immediate Family Reunification
Unlike the PGP, which takes years to process, the Super Visa offers a faster and more
practical solution.
In most cases, processing times range from a few weeks to a few months, depending on the
applicant’s country of residence and the completeness of the application.
This means your parents or grandparents could be here within the same year — legally,
comfortably, and without the uncertainty of short-term extensions.
3. Avoid the Hassle of Extending Visitor Visas Every Six Months
Families who rely on standard visitor visas often face a cycle of constant extensions,
documentation updates, and waiting periods. Each extension must be justified and approved by
IRCC, and even then, it only grants a few additional months of stay. With a Super Visa, you can
avoid that repetitive process entirely — because each authorized stay lasts up to five
consecutive years.
Who Can Apply for a Super Visa?
To be eligible, the applicant must be:
● A parent or grandparent of a Canadian citizen or permanent resident (you
cannot apply to visit siblings, children-in-law, or extended relatives through this
program).
● Medically admissible to Canada.
● Able to meet IRCC’s financial and insurance requirements (explained below).
What Are the Financial Requirements? (LICO Threshold)
One of the most important parts of the Super Visa application is demonstrating that the child or
grandchild in Canada has enough income to support their visiting parent or grandparent.
IRCC uses the Low Income Cut-Off (LICO) to assess this. The LICO is updated annually and
depends on the size of your family. For example, as of 2025, a Canadian resident supporting
one visiting parent would need to meet a minimum income roughly equivalent to what IRCC
establishes for a household of that combined size.
The sponsor must provide proof of income through:
● The most recent Notice of Assessment (NOA) from the Canada Revenue Agency
(CRA).
● Employment letters showing job position, salary, and employment duration.
● Pay stubs or bank statements to confirm ongoing financial stability.
This requirement ensures that visiting family members are financially supported during their stay
and that they will not need access to public assistance while in Canada.
Medical Insurance: A Key Requirement
Every Super Visa applicant must provide proof of valid medical insurance from a Canadian
insurance company that meets the following criteria:
● Minimum coverage of CAD $100,000 for healthcare, hospitalization, and
repatriation.
● Validity of at least one year from the date of entry to Canada.
● Proof of full payment (not quotes or installments) before submitting the
application.
● This insurance requirement exists because visitors under the Super Visa are not covered by
Canada’s public health care system, and IRCC wants to ensure they have access to
adequate private medical coverage while in the country.
How Long Is the Super Visa Valid?
A Super Visa is valid for up to 10 years, allowing multiple entries to Canada. Each stay can
last up to five consecutive years without renewal. This is significantly more flexible than any
other type of temporary visa available for parents or grandparents. It provides a genuine
opportunity for families to spend quality time together without constant paperwork or
uncertainty.
Common Misconceptions About the Super Visa
“It’s only for short visits.” False. The Super Visa allows parents and grandparents to remain in Canada for five years per visit — far longer than a standard visitor visa.
“It’s difficult to apply for.” Not true. While the process is detailed, it is straightforward if handled properly and with guidance from an authorized immigration representative.
“It replaces the sponsorship program.” No — the Super Visa is not permanent residency. It’s a temporary but long-term solution while waiting for the PGP to reopen.
Should You Still Prepare for the Sponsorship Program?
Yes — if you eventually want your parents or grandparents to become permanent residents, you
can begin preparing documents and financial proofs now. However, it’s important to remain
realistic:
● There is no confirmed reopening date for the Parents and Grandparents Program.
● When it does reopen, it will likely have very limited spots.
● Selection may once again be random, by lottery, or first-come-first-served —
depending on IRCC’s approach.
Until that happens, the Super Visa remains the most reliable and effective option for
reuniting families.
The Bottom Line: Keeping Families Together in a Changing System
In 2025, with continued restrictions, processing delays, and evolving immigration priorities, the
Super Visa stands out as a stable, family-centered solution. It offers long-term flexibility,
predictable requirements, and the peace of mind that comes with knowing your loved ones can
stay close — legally and securely.
At Global Opportunities, we specialize in preparing strong, compliant Super Visa applications
that meet IRCC’s financial and insurance standards, ensuring that your family can stay together
while you plan for future sponsorship opportunities.
📩 Book your consultation today and find out how to bring your parents or grandparents
closer — not just for a visit, but for years of shared time and support.
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