Super Visa Requirements 2026

This page lists every super visa requirement in plain language, so you can check them off one by one. There are no hidden surprises — just income, relationship, insurance, a medical exam, documents, and biometrics. Let's take them in order.

Host eligibility and relationship

The host is the person in Canada doing the inviting. They must be a Canadian citizen, a permanent resident, or a registered Indian under the Indian Act. A person on a work or study permit cannot be a super visa host.

The host must also be the child or grandchild of the visitor. The super visa is only for parents and grandparents — not aunts, uncles, siblings, or in-laws. A spouse or dependent child of the parent can sometimes be added to the same application.

Income

The host must prove a minimum income for their family size. The bar is set by the Low Income Cut-Off (LICO) plus a margin, and it goes up for each additional person in the household.

Since March 31, 2026, a two-year rule lets you qualify using either of your two most recent tax years — whichever is better. A parent's own income may also help, but only after the host (with any co-signer) reaches at least 75% of the requirement alone. We explain all of this, plus the most common family-size mistakes, in the income requirements guide.

Test your numbers in the income calculator before you apply — it is the fastest way to know whether you clear the bar.

Medical insurance

The visitor must buy medical insurance that meets all of these conditions:

• At least CAD $100,000 in coverage.
• From a Canadian insurer (or an IRCC-approved foreign insurer).
• Valid for at least one year from the date of entry.
• Covers health care, hospitalization, and repatriation.
• Stays valid for the entire stay — it cannot lapse while they are in Canada.

Coverage can be paid monthly or annually, and many insurers refund the premium if the visa is refused. The full details are in our insurance guide.

Immigration medical exam

The visitor must complete an immigration medical exam (IME) performed by an IRCC panel physician. Your own family doctor cannot do this — only doctors on IRCC's approved list count. Book early, because slots can be limited in some cities.

Documents you submit

A typical application includes a signed invitation letter from the host, proof of the host's income, proof of relationship (such as a birth certificate), proof of insurance, and the visitor's passport and forms. Build the letter with our invitation letter helper.

Biometrics

The visitor must give biometrics — fingerprints and a photo — usually at a VFS Global centre. Biometrics are valid for 10 years, so a recent set may still count.

The full checklist

Here is the requirement list at a glance:

• Host is a citizen, PR, or registered Indian, and is the child or grandchild.
• Visitor is a parent or grandparent.
• Host meets the minimum income for the family size.
• $100K Canadian medical insurance, valid 1 year, covering the visitor.
• Immigration medical exam by an IRCC panel physician.
• Signed invitation letter and proof of relationship.
• Biometrics given and valid.

For a printable, upload-ready version, use our document checklist.