Home / News and Articles / Canada

Canada super visa

Canada Super Visa: Bring Your Parents & Grandparents to Canada

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.

By the Westside advisers, DHA Lahore · Reviewed September 2026 · 6 min read

Ask us on WhatsAppGet Monday visa news

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.

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.

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 rejected 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 guide you through the tricky parts.

1. Check eligibilityWe confirm your income, family size, and your parents’ documents fit the rules.
2. Prepare the invitation & income proofWe help you write a strong invitation letter and gather clear income documents.
3. Arrange medical insuranceYour parents secure the required $100,000 coverage for at least one year.
4. Complete the medical examYour parents visit an approved panel physician for their migration medical.
5. Submit the applicationThe full application is submitted to IRCC from outside Canada, and we review it with you first.
6. Approval & reunionOnce 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.

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 rejection.”
• “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.

Why Choose Westside Visa?

A Super Visa rejection 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.

Frequently asked questions

Keep reading

Is Canada Still Worth It for Pakistani Students in 2027? Where Study Permits Are Still Being ApprovedMedical Emergency: How to Apply for a Canada Medical Treatment VisaHow to File a Canada Visa for a PhD Research Program From Pakistan

This guide is general information from Westside Visa Consultants, not legal advice. Visa rules change often, so always confirm the latest position on the official government website before you apply.