Parents & Grandparents / Super Visa

Super Visa — key requirements (verify on IRCC)

• Stay and visa validity: Super Visa holders may stay up to 5 years per entry. The visa is usually a multiple-entry visa valid for up to 10 years. From inside Canada, a Super Visa may be extended up to 2 years at a time (verify current IRCC instructions).
• Host income: The host must meet IRCC’s minimum necessary income (LICO). IRCC updated the table effective 29 July 2025. Example minimums (total household size including the visiting parent or grandparent and every person the host counts on the financial evaluation): 1 person $30,526; 2 $38,002; 3 $46,720; 4 $56,724; 5 $64,336. For other sizes, use IRCC’s current table — do not guess.
• Combined income option: The host may have at least 75% of the minimum necessary income if the visiting parent or grandparent’s own income (shown with proof) covers the remainder.
• Letter of invitation: Must include a promise of financial support, proof of the host’s income, and the household list. Only the host’s spouse or common-law partner may co-sign the letter (not other relatives).
• Proof of relationship: For a parent, IRCC expects the host’s birth certificate that names the parent. Other relationship proofs apply for grandparents — verify on IRCC.
• Medical insurance: At least $100,000 emergency coverage for health care, hospitalization and repatriation, valid for at least one year from each entry, from a Canadian insurance company, or a foreign insurer authorized by the Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions (OSFI) to sell accident and sickness insurance in Canada. IRCC does not keep a list of approved foreign insurers. The policy must be paid in full or by instalments with a deposit; quotes are not accepted.
• Immigration medical exam: Required for a Super Visa. IRCC recommends completing an upfront immigration medical exam with a panel physician before you apply.
• Government fees (per person, verify on IRCC): Super Visa application fee $100; biometrics $85 when required.
• Admissibility and standard visitor requirements still apply.

Sources: Super Visa — eligibility · Super Visa — who can apply · Host financial support (LICO)

If Super Visa is not realistic

H&C is discretionary and not a shortcut around normal rules — counsel must assess your facts.

• Humanitarian and compassionate (H&C) under IRPA section 25 may be considered in exceptional cases. IRCC’s processing fee is $660; if approved, the right of permanent residence fee ($600) also applies ($1,260 total for the principal applicant — confirm on the IRCC fee list).
• Learn more on our H&C information page or book a consultation before filing anything.

EBBI consultation

Consultation with Atty. George M. Garvida: CAD $250 + HST for clients in Canada; USD $190 for clients outside Canada; up to 60 minutes; credited toward professional fees if you retain us. This does not include IRCC government fees or insurance premiums.

Free screening is a short eligibility check, not a legal consultation.

Book a consultation · Free screening