How Long Can Parents Stay on a Super Visa?

The super visa is unusually generous: unlike a regular visitor visa, it lets your parent or grandparent stay for years at a time without renewing. But the exact length of stay confuses almost everyone — including, sometimes, the IRCC call centre. Here is the clear version.

The default stay: 5 years per entry

Since June 22, 2023, super visa holders are authorized to stay up to 5 years per entry. Before that date, the limit was 2 years per entry. The date that matters is the date your parent entered Canada, not the date the visa was issued.

When a CBSA stamp changes everything

At the port of entry, a CBSA officer can write a specific leave-by date next to the entry stamp. If there is a hand-written date, that date governs — it overrides the automatic 5 years. Always check the passport for a date written near the stamp.

If there is no stamp or no date, the default 5-year stay applies automatically. Many travellers now receive no stamp at all because of automated entry — this is normal and means the default applies.

Insurance must last the whole stay

Your parent must hold valid medical insurance for the entire authorized stay, not just the first year. Coverage can be renewed annually, but it cannot lapse while they are in Canada.

What if the passport expires first?

If the passport expires before the 5 years are up, the stay is effectively limited by the passport. Renew it well in advance to preserve the full stay.