Super Visa

The Super Visa is a long-term, multiple-entry visa designed specifically for parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens and permanent residents. Unlike a regular Temporary Resident Visa (TRV), which generally allows stays of up to six months, the Super Visa permits eligible parents and grandparents to remain in Canada for up to two years per visit, without the need for extensions. It provides a stable, predictable mechanism for family reunification while ensuring that applicants meet strict financial, medical, and insurance requirements. Because of these added safeguards, Super Visa applications receive enhanced scrutiny, and preparing them requires precise legal and documentary planning.

Let's have a thorough, lawyer-level analysis of the Super Visa program—including eligibility, income requirements for sponsors in Canada, mandatory medical insurance, medical examinations, proof of relationship, application documentation, refusal patterns, extensions, restorations, PFL responses, and judicial review strategy. A well-prepared Super Visa application must be evidentiary, structured, and compliant with the standards established by IRPA, IRPR, and IRCC Program Delivery Instructions.

Legal Framework

The Super Visa is governed by:

• IRPA s.20(1)(b) – temporary intention and admissibility,
• IRPR s.179(b) – core temporary resident visa approval test,
• IRPR s.190(3)(c) – exemptions for extended stay,
• Program Delivery Instructions specific to parent/grandparent long-term visits.

The officer must be satisfied that the applicant:

• is a genuine visitor,
• will leave Canada when required,
• is financially supported by the child/grandchild in Canada meeting income thresholds,
• holds valid medical insurance,
• is medically admissible,
• has no criminal or security concerns.

Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for a Super Visa, the applicant must:

• be the parent or grandparent of a Canadian citizen or permanent resident,
• provide a written invitation from the child/grandchild,
• show proof that the host meets income requirements (LICO),
• purchase private medical insurance (minimum one year),
• undergo an immigration medical exam if required,
• demonstrate temporary intention.

Income Requirement (LICO Assessment)

Sponsors in Canada must meet the Low-Income Cut-Off (LICO). IRCC requires verification via:

• Notice of Assessment (NOA),
• Option C printout,
• employment letters,
• pay stubs,
• bank statements (optional but helpful).

If multiple household members contribute to income, co-signing may be required.

Mandatory Medical Insurance

Applicants must purchase private Canadian medical insurance with:

• minimum coverage of $100,000,
• validity for at least 365 days,
• coverage for hospitalization, repatriation, and health care,
• proof of full payment (quotes are insufficient).

Insurance may be refundable if the application is refused, depending on the provider’s policy.

Medical Examination Requirement

Because parents and grandparents often fall in a higher-risk age category, IRCC generally requires an Immigration Medical Examination (IME). Applicants should complete upfront medicals or wait for IRCC instructions based on country requirements.

Invitation Letter Requirements

The invitation letter must:

• confirm the relationship,
• guarantee financial support,
• state household size,
• include address and status of host in Canada,
• provide purpose and duration of intended visits.

Proof of Relationship

• birth certificates,
• PR cards/citizenship certificates of host,
• family registers (in some countries),
• legal guardianship/adoption records if applicable.

Super Visa vs. TRV

The Super Visa has several advantages over a regular visitor visa:

• up to 2-year stays per entry,
• valid for up to 10 years (depending on passport validity),
• fewer extensions required,
• clear pathway for long-term family reunification.

However, financial and medical scrutiny is significantly higher.

Common Reasons for Refusal

• insufficient ties to home country,
• weak travel history,
• failure to prove financial support (LICO not met),
• insurance not fully paid,
• unclear purpose of travel,
• host’s unstable immigration status,
• inadmissibility issues (medical or criminal),
• suspected misrepresentation.

Addressing Ties and Temporary Intent

Even though the Super Visa permits long-term visits, applicants must still demonstrate temporary intention. Strong ties include:

• property ownership,
• dependant family members,
• pension income or continuing obligations,
• community involvement,
• ongoing employment (if applicable).

Financial Assessment of Host

Hosts must prove financial stability. Officers analyze:

• employment history,
• income consistency,
• household size and dependants,
• ability to support the visiting parent/grandparent.

If the host is self-employed, additional documents (GST/HST returns, contracts, financial statements) strengthen the case.

Inside Canada: Extending Super Visa Status

Parents and grandparents already in Canada on Super Visa status can extend their stay beyond the two-year period by applying for a Visitor Record. Requirements include:

• ongoing medical insurance,
• proof of funds (host + applicant),
• updated invitation letter,
• explanation for extended stay.

Restoration of Status

If status expires, applicants have 90 days to restore. During restoration:

• no work or study is permitted (Super Visa never permits work),
• travel outside Canada voids restoration,
• full explanation and documents are required.

Procedural Fairness Letters (PFL)

A PFL may be issued when IRCC questions:

• authenticity of documents,
• medical insurance validity,
• financial sufficiency,
• temporary intent,
• misrepresentation concerns.

A comprehensive legal response is required to avoid refusal and potential five-year bans.

Judicial Review (Federal Court)

Super Visa refusals may be challenged if the officer:

• misinterprets LICO compliance,
• ignores medical insurance evidence,
• fails to consider strong family ties,
• provides unreasonable findings on intent,
• breaches procedural fairness.

Strategies for a Successful Super Visa Application

• Ensure LICO is clearly met with strong evidence.
• Purchase insurance upfront; include full payment receipt.
• Provide detailed proof of relationship.
• Highlight strong ties to home country.
• Submit complete travel history and identity documents.
• Prepare a detailed invitation letter explaining the need for the visit.
• Address any previous refusals directly.
• Establish credibility through consistent, verifiable data.

Role of Skilled Counsel

Experienced counsel ensures:

• LICO calculations are correct,
• insurance meets IRCC standards,
• documentation is complete and credible,
• misrepresentation risks are addressed,
• PFL responses are properly drafted,
• Federal Court litigation is pursued if warranted.

A well-prepared Super Visa application provides long-term family reunification, stability, and predictable access to Canada for parents and grandparents.