Canada has introduced an important change that will make it easier for families to bring their parents and grandparents for extended visits.
Starting March 31, 2026, the country is relaxing financial eligibility under the Super Visa program. This move is expected to benefit thousands of families who previously struggled to meet strict income rules.
What is the Super Visa?
The Super Visa is a long-term visitor visa designed specifically for parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens and permanent residents. Unlike a regular visitor visa, it allows multiple entries over a period of up to 10 years.
One of its biggest advantages is that holders can stay in Canada for up to five years at a time without needing to renew their status frequently. This makes it a popular option for families who want to spend extended time together without applying for permanent residence right away.
This visa is often seen as an alternative to the Parents and Grandparents Program, which provides permanent residence but has limited intake opportunities and long processing times.
What is the income requirement?
To sponsor a parent or grandparent under the super visa, the host in Canada must prove they can financially support their visiting family member. This is done by meeting a minimum income threshold known as the Low Income Cut Off.
The purpose of this requirement is to ensure that visitors will not depend on public funds during their stay. It also helps demonstrate that the host can cover basic needs such as accommodation, food, and other living expenses.
Until now, this requirement has been a major barrier for many families. Even those with stable jobs sometimes failed to qualify because the assessment was based on only one person
The second major change allows the income of the visiting parent or grandparent to be included in the calculation. Under this option, the host must first meet a certain portion of the required income. After that, the remaining amount can be covered by the visitor’s own income.
Application process
To apply for a Super Visa, applicants must receive an invitation from their Canadian child or
grandchild, who must demonstrate that they meet the minimum income requirement based on
their family size. The required documents to prove income include:
The latest tax year’s Notice of Assessment (NOA)
T4/T1 forms
Statement of Benefits for Employment Insurance
Employment letter, including salary, job title, job description, and date of hire
Recent pay stubs
Bank statements
Additionally, applicants must submit proof of a valid health insurance plan from a Canadian insurer that covers at least one year and includes a minimum of $100,000 for health care, hospitalisation, and repatriation.
Info By: Syed Riazuddin Khan
I Can Help Immigration Services
Email: syed.khan@icanhelpimmigration.com
