Living in Canada but missing your parents back home in Pakistan? You don’t have to choose between your new life and your loved ones. The Canada Super Visa lets your parents and grandparents visit you and stay for years, not just months. For many Pakistani families, it’s the sweetest way to reunite.
In this guide, we explain everything in plain English — how it works, who qualifies, what it costs, and the 2026 rule changes that make it easier than ever. Let’s begin.
What Is the Super Visa?
The Super Visa is a special multi-entry visa for parents and grandparents. Unlike a normal visitor visa — which usually allows just 6 months the Super Visa lets your parents stay for up to 5 years per entry. And the visa itself stays valid for up to 10 years, so they can come and go, again and again.
In short, your parents get long, repeated visits without renewing their status every few months. For families split between Pakistan and Canada, that changes everything.
Super Visa — Quick Facts (2026)
Good News — 2026 Rules Are Easier
On March 31, 2026, Canada made the income test more flexible. This is great news for Pakistani families. Now the host can qualify in one of two ways:
- Show the full income in either of the last two tax years so one strong year is enough
- Or show at least 75% of the income in the most recent year, and add the visiting parent’s own income to cover the rest (when they live with the host)
These changes help more families meet the requirement. If you missed the mark before, it’s worth checking again today.
Not sure if your income qualifies?
Don’t guess. Our team checks your family size, income, and the new 2026 rules then tells you exactly where you stand.
Who Qualifies? — Eligibility
Both the visiting parent and the Canadian host must meet a few clear conditions.
Your parents/grandparents must:
- Be the parent or grandparent of a Canadian citizen or PR
- Apply from outside Canada
- Pass a medical exam by an approved panel physician
- Have valid medical insurance (at least CAD $100,000, 1 year)
- Show strong ties to Pakistan — proof they’ll return home
- Be admissible (no serious criminal or security issues)
You (the host in Canada) must:
- Be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident
- Meet the LICO income for your family size
- Write a signed invitation letter promising financial support
- Provide proof of income (Notice of Assessment, pay slips, etc.)
The Income Requirement (LICO)
This is the part that decides most cases, so let’s keep it simple. Your income in Canada must meet the Low Income Cut-Off (LICO) for your family size. Good news: the Super Visa uses plain LICO not the higher figure used for parent sponsorship so the bar is a little lower.
Your “family size” includes you, your dependants, and the parents or grandparents you’re inviting. The bigger the family, the higher the income needed. Failing this test is the number-one reason Super Visa applications get refused so it pays to get it right.
Medical Insurance Don’t Skip This
Medical insurance is mandatory, and officers check it carefully. Your parents need coverage that:
- Is at least CAD $100,000 in emergency medical coverage
- Stays valid for at least 1 year from the date of entry
- Comes from a Canadian insurer or an IRCC-approved foreign insurer
- Is paid in full, or on an approved installment plan
Think of it as protection, not just paperwork. It keeps your parents safe and your application strong.
The Process — Step by Step
Here’s how the journey usually looks. We handle the tricky parts for you.
Check eligibility
We confirm your income, family size, and your parents’ documents fit the rules.
Prepare the invitation & income proof
We help you write a strong invitation letter and gather clear income documents.
Arrange medical insurance
Your parents secure the required $100,000 coverage for at least one year.
Complete the medical exam
Your parents visit an approved panel physician for their immigration medical.
Submit the application
We file the full application to IRCC from outside Canada.
Approval & reunion
Once approved, your parents travel to Canada — and your family reunites.
How Much Does It Cost?
Let’s talk money honestly. The visa fee is small; the biggest cost is usually the insurance.
Typical Costs (Guide Only)
Myths vs Reality
Let’s clear up the confusion around the Super Visa.
❌ The Myths
- “The Super Visa gives my parents PR.”
- “They can only stay 6 months, like a visitor visa.”
- “Insurance is optional if they’re healthy.”
- “Any sibling or relative can apply.”
- “One weak income year means automatic refusal.”
- “They can apply from inside Canada.”
✅ The Reality
- It’s a long-stay visitor visa, not permanent residence.
- They can stay up to 5 years per entry.
- Insurance of $100,000 is always mandatory.
- Only parents and grandparents qualify.
- Since 2026, you can use the better of two tax years.
- The application must be filed from outside Canada.
Super Visa vs Regular Visitor Visa
Both let your parents visit, but they’re very different. A regular visitor visa usually allows just 6 months per stay and needs no insurance or host income. The Super Visa allows up to 5 years per stay, but requires medical insurance, host income proof, and a medical exam. For long, repeated visits, the Super Visa wins every time.
Ready to bring your parents home to you?
We make the Super Visa simple from your invitation letter to insurance and filing. Honest advice, nominal fees, and full support.
Why Choose Westside Visa?
A Super Visa refusal often comes down to small mistakes a weak income proof, a missing insurance detail, or a poorly written invitation letter. At Westside Visa, we get these details right. We know the 2026 rules, we prepare strong applications, and we guide Pakistani families from the first question to a happy reunion at competitive, nominal fees, with your data kept fully private.
Your family deserves to be together. Let’s make it happen.
Bring Your Parents to Canada the Easy Way
Book a free consultation today. Tell us about your family — we’ll show you the clearest path to reunion.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long can my parents stay on a Super Visa? +
Up to 5 years per entry, and they can request a 2-year extension from inside Canada. The visa itself stays valid for up to 10 years, allowing multiple visits.
Does the Super Visa lead to permanent residence? +
No. It’s a long-stay visitor visa, not a PR route. If permanent residence is your goal, the Parent and Grandparent Program (PGP) is the sponsorship route but while PGP intake is limited, the Super Visa is the most reliable way to keep parents in Canada for long visits.
Is medical insurance really compulsory? +
Yes, always. Your parents need at least CAD $100,000 in emergency medical coverage, valid for at least one year, from a Canadian or IRCC-approved insurer. There are no exceptions.
What income do I need as the host? +
Your income must meet the LICO threshold for your family size (including the parents you invite). Since March 2026, you can use the better of your last two tax years, or show 75% and add your parent’s income in some cases. We calculate your exact figure.
Can my parents work in Canada on a Super Visa? +
No. The Super Visa is for visiting only. Your parents cannot work, but they can enjoy long stays with family, travel, and time with grandchildren.
Do you help Pakistani families with the Super Visa? +
Yes, it’s one of our favourite services. We guide Pakistani families through every step, from income proof to insurance and filing, with honest advice and nominal fees. Contact us to begin.
Disclaimer: This blog is general information only and not legal advice. Immigration rules, income thresholds, fees, and insurance requirements change often the Super Visa income rules were updated in 2025 and 2026. Always confirm current details with the official IRCC website and seek personalised guidance from Westside Visa before applying.
