Canada Super Visa vs Visitor Visa — Which Should Parents Apply For?
If your parents want to visit you in Canada, there are two options: regular Visitor Visa (6-month stays) or Super Visa (up to 5-year stays). Here's which is right for your family.
Super Visa
Long stays for parents of PR/citizens
Pros
- Each stay up to 5 years (changed from 2 years in 2022)
- Multi-entry, 10-year validity
- Ideal for helping with grandchildren or eldercare
- Cheaper per-trip (one application covers 10 years)
Cons
- Only for parents/grandparents of Canadian citizens/PRs
- Requires inviting child's income proof (LICO threshold)
- Mandatory CAD 100,000+ medical insurance (1 year)
- Panel physician medical exam required
- More documentation than regular visitor visa
Cost
CAD 100 + insurance ~CAD 1,500-3,500/year + medical exam
Timeline
6-10 weeks
Best For
Parents wanting extended stays with family in Canada
Visitor Visa (TRV)
Standard short stays, any relationship
Pros
- Available to anyone — not limited to parents
- Simpler application (no medical insurance mandatory)
- Single or multi-entry up to passport expiry
- Cheaper for one-time trips
Cons
- Max 6 months per stay (officer can grant less)
- Must leave and reapply for extensions
- Not suitable for long-term help (e.g., with newborn)
- Has to be renewed when passport expires
Cost
CAD 100 + biometrics CAD 85
Timeline
4-8 weeks
Best For
Short family visits, tourism, one-time events
Key Differences at a Glance
| Factor | Super Visa | Visitor Visa (TRV) |
|---|---|---|
| Max stay per visit | Up to 5 years | Up to 6 months |
| Eligibility | Parents/grandparents of PR/citizen only | Anyone |
| Medical insurance | Mandatory (1 year, CAD 100k+) | Not required |
| Medical exam | Panel physician required | Only if stay >6 months |
| Income proof from child | Required (LICO) | Not required |
Choose Super Visa if...
Choose Super Visa if your parents want to stay long (helping with grandchild, eldercare, extended family time) — the 5-year stay allowance is transformational.
Choose Visitor Visa (TRV) if...
Choose Visitor Visa for shorter trips (weddings, vacations, seeing the country) or if the applicant doesn't qualify for Super Visa.
🏆 Our Verdict
Parents of PRs/citizens who want to be truly present → Super Visa, every time. Other relatives, short trips, or one-offs → Visitor Visa. Many families apply for Super Visa even for just one long trip because the 10-year validity means future trips are automatic.
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