How to apply
On this page
- Get your documents ready
- Apply online through the IRCC Portal
Get your documents ready
There are specific requirements for a super visa, including the need for health insurance. You must include all the documents listed on this page when you apply.
Letter of invitation from your child or grandchild
Your letter of invitation from your host child or grandchild must include
- a promise of financial support for the duration of your visit
- the list (including name and date of birth) and number of people included in the family size calculation
How to calculate family size
To confirm your host’s minimum necessary income, include the following people in the family size count:
- yourself and any other super visa applicant applying at the same time (such as your spouse or common-law partner)
- host child or grandchild
- host’s spouse (which might include a separated spouse) or common-law partner
- dependent children of the host and of their spouse or common-law partner
- Children who meet the definition of a dependent child must be included in the count, regardless of custody and child support arrangements.
- previously approved super visa applicants
- These are super visa holders that were in another letter of invitation, signed by the host or the host’s spouse or common-law partner, that is still applicable.
- previously sponsored individuals
- These are individuals the host or co-signer has previously sponsored (or acted as a co-signer for) where the duration of the undertaking is still in effect.
Get examples of how to calculate your family size.
Minimum necessary income requirements
You must provide proof that your host child or grandchild meets the minimum necessary income requirements. Your host child’s or grandchild’s spouse or common-law partner may co-sign the letter of invitation and provide proof of income, if required, to meet the minimum necessary income.
Documents we accept:
- the last notice of assessment issued by the Canada Revenue Agency
- T4 or T1 for the last tax year
- pay stubs for the most recent 12-month period available
- employment insurance benefit statements
- a letter from an accountant confirming the annual income, if self‑employed
- proof of other sources of income (for example, pension statements)
- a letter from the employer stating the job title, job description and salary
- bank statements
Proof of health insurance
You must provide proof of payment for health insurance from a Canadian insurance company or an insurance company outside Canada that has been approved by the minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship. More information on approved insurance companies outside of Canada will be available in the coming months.
Your medical insurance must
- be valid for a minimum of 1 year from the date of entry
- be paid in full or in instalments with a deposit (quotes aren’t accepted)
- cover health care, hospitalization and repatriation
- provide a minimum coverage of $100,000, and
- be valid for each entry to Canada and be available for review by a border services officer upon request
Proof of completing a medical exam
You must provide proof that you had a medical exam with an approved panel physician.
Proof that your host is a Canadian citizen, a permanent resident of Canada or a registered Indian
You must provide proof that your host is one of the following:
a Canadian citizen: Option 1 of 3
- Provide a copy of Canadian citizenship for your host (and their spouse or common-law partner if applicable).
a permanent resident: Option 2 of 3
- Provide a copy of a permanent resident document for your host (and their spouse or common-law-partner, if applicable).
a registered Indian: Option 3 of 3
- Provide a copy of a Secure Certificate of Indian Status or Certificate of Indian Status (status card) for your host (and their spouse or common-law-partner, if applicable).
Proof of your relationship to your host
You must prove that you’re the parent or grandparent of your host.
Documents we accept:
- a copy of the host’s birth certificate or baptismal certificate
- another official document naming you as the parent or grandparent of your host
Apply online through the IRCC Portal
You must be outside Canada when you apply for a super visa.
Applying on paper for specific situations
If you need a super visa to travel to Canada, you must apply online for one. Only online applications will be accepted and processed. However, you can apply on paper if either
- you can’t apply online because of a disability, or
- you’re travelling with an identity or travel document that was issued to a refugee, a stateless person or a non-citizen
The application package includes an instruction guide and all the forms you need to fill out.
Read the guide carefully before you complete your application. We will not refund your application fee, so make sure you need a super visa before you apply.
Each individual applicant must submit a completed application form.
Download the application package.
Pay your application fees
In most cases, your fees will include processing fees for you and anyone you include on your application.
If you’re applying for the first time, you must pay the biometrics fee when you submit your application (unless you’re exempt). Otherwise, you may experience delays.
Third-party fees
Depending on your situation, you may need to pay third parties for
- your medical exam
- a police certificate
Our instruction guides (opens in a new tab) can help you understand which fees apply to you.
Submit your application
Families should send their individual applications in one package. The principal applicant must send this combined package to the location where their application will be processed.
If you need to give biometrics (fingerprints and a photograph), and you’re applying on paper, submit your application in person. The visa application centre staff will check that it is complete and confirm that you have paid the correct fees before you can give your biometrics.
This online service will be unavailable from 12:00 a.m. to 5:30 a.m. Tuesday, May 14, 2024, Eastern time, in order to perform system maintenance.
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