The Super Visa is a multiple-entry temporary resident visa designed specifically for parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens and permanent residents. It is not a form of permanent residence and does not require winning a spot in the Parents and Grandparents Program's limited intake — it can generally be applied for at any time, which is part of why it has become a popular option for families facing long PGP wait times.
What it allows
A standard visitor visa typically permits stays of up to six months per entry. The Super Visa allows much longer stays — historically up to two years at a time, without needing to renew status from within Canada. It remains valid for multiple entries over a period of up to 10 years, subject to the visa holder's passport validity. Approved lengths of stay have changed over time, so current rules should be confirmed before applying or planning a visit.
Core requirements
Applicants generally need a letter of invitation from their Canadian child or grandchild, proof of that person's income meeting a minimum threshold, and private Canadian medical insurance covering health care, hospitalization, and repatriation for a minimum coverage amount and duration. A medical exam is also typically required as part of the visa application itself.
What it doesn't do
A Super Visa does not lead to permanent residence, and time spent in Canada on a Super Visa does not, on its own, count toward a future citizenship application in the way that time as a permanent resident would. Families still planning to pursue permanent sponsorship should treat the Super Visa as a bridge for reunification in the meantime, not a substitute for the PGP process.
Who it tends to suit
The Super Visa is often the more practical choice for families who want extended time together sooner rather than later, particularly when PGP intake is closed, oversubscribed, or simply years away from realistic approval for a given household.