Canada Super Visa vs Visitor Visa — Which Should Parents Apply For?
If your parents want to visit you in Canada, there are two options: regular Visitor Visa (6-month stays) or Super Visa (up to 5-year stays). Here's which is right for your family.
Super Visa
Long stays for parents of PR/citizens
Pros
- Each stay up to 5 years (changed from 2 years in 2022)
- Multi-entry, 10-year validity
- Ideal for helping with grandchildren or eldercare
- Cheaper per-trip (one application covers 10 years)
Cons
- Only for parents/grandparents of Canadian citizens/PRs
- Requires inviting child's income proof (LICO threshold)
- Mandatory CAD 100,000+ medical insurance (1 year)
- Panel physician medical exam required
- More documentation than regular visitor visa
- Cost
- CAD 100 + insurance ~CAD 1,500-3,500/year + medical exam
- Timeline
- 6-10 weeks
- Best For
- Parents wanting extended stays with family in Canada
Visitor Visa (TRV)
Standard short stays, any relationship
Pros
- Available to anyone — not limited to parents
- Simpler application (no medical insurance mandatory)
- Single or multi-entry up to passport expiry
- Cheaper for one-time trips
Cons
- Max 6 months per stay (officer can grant less)
- Must leave and reapply for extensions
- Not suitable for long-term help (e.g., with newborn)
- Has to be renewed when passport expires
- Cost
- CAD 100 + biometrics CAD 85
- Timeline
- 4-8 weeks
- Best For
- Short family visits, tourism, one-time events
Key Differences at a Glance
| Factor | Super Visa | Visitor Visa (TRV) |
|---|---|---|
| Max stay per visit | Up to 5 years | Up to 6 months |
| Eligibility | Parents/grandparents of PR/citizen only | Anyone |
| Medical insurance | Mandatory (1 year, CAD 100k+) | Not required |
| Medical exam | Panel physician required | Only if stay >6 months |
| Income proof from child | Required (LICO) | Not required |
Choose Super Visa if...
Choose Super Visa if your parents want to stay long (helping with grandchild, eldercare, extended family time) — the 5-year stay allowance is transformational.
Choose Visitor Visa (TRV) if...
Choose Visitor Visa for shorter trips (weddings, vacations, seeing the country) or if the applicant doesn't qualify for Super Visa.
Our Verdict
Parents of PRs/citizens who want to be truly present → Super Visa, every time. Other relatives, short trips, or one-offs → Visitor Visa. Many families apply for Super Visa even for just one long trip because the 10-year validity means future trips are automatic.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better — Super Visa or Visitor Visa (TRV)?
Parents of PRs/citizens who want to be truly present → Super Visa, every time. Other relatives, short trips, or one-offs → Visitor Visa. Many families apply for Super Visa even for just one long trip because the 10-year validity means future trips are automatic.
How much does Super Visa cost compared to Visitor Visa (TRV)?
Super Visa: CAD 100 + insurance ~CAD 1,500-3,500/year + medical exam. Visitor Visa (TRV): CAD 100 + biometrics CAD 85.
Who should choose Super Visa?
Choose Super Visa if your parents want to stay long (helping with grandchild, eldercare, extended family time) — the 5-year stay allowance is transformational.
Who should choose Visitor Visa (TRV)?
Choose Visitor Visa for shorter trips (weddings, vacations, seeing the country) or if the applicant doesn't qualify for Super Visa.
Can SureshotVisa help me decide?
Yes. Our experts analyze your profile (education, experience, English scores, family situation, budget) and recommend the best option for YOU. Talk to us on WhatsApp to get a personalized roadmap.
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