Super Visa (Parents and Grandparents)
A 10-year multiple-entry visa to visit family long-term when PGP is closed.
Official Canada pageWho this route is for
Parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens or PRs who want to stay long-term as visitors - the main fallback while the PGP is closed.
Eligibility requirements
- The host (child or grandchild) must be a Canadian citizen or PR and meet the Low Income Cut-Off (LICO) for their household size
- As of 31 Mar 2026, the host must meet LICO for the two most recent tax years (not just one); the visiting parent's own verifiable Canadian income can now be counted toward it
- 2026 LICO host-income examples: ~$30,526 (1 person host) up to ~$80,784 (7+)
- The visitor must buy Canadian (or IRCC-approved foreign) medical insurance with at least CAD $100,000 coverage valid for 1 year, covering hospitalization, repatriation and healthcare
- Pass a medical exam and convince the officer they will leave at the end of an authorized stay
Requirements reviewed June 2026. They change frequently — confirm the current rules on the official page before relying on them.
Recent changes & caveats
Promoted by IRCC as the primary route for parents/grandparents while the PGP has no 2026 intake. Income rules tightened on 31 Mar 2026.
Other Canada routes
Federal Skilled Worker Program (Express Entry)
PermanentClassic points route to PR for skilled professionals with foreign work experience.
Canadian Experience Class (Express Entry)
PermanentThe fastest in-Canada route - turns skilled Canadian experience into PR.
Federal Skilled Trades Program (Express Entry)
PermanentPR for experienced tradespeople - no education or selection-grid pass mark needed.
Express Entry Category-Based Draws
PermanentTargeted invitations that let lower-CRS candidates get picked for in-demand work.