Super Visa Stay Duration: 2 Years vs 5 Years Explained
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Forums are full of 2026 posts arguing about 2 years versus 5 years. The truth is simple once you know which date to look at.
The June 22, 2023 rule
On June 22, 2023, IRCC increased the standard super visa stay from 2 years to 5 years per entry. The change applies based on the date of entry into Canada.
- Entered on or after June 22, 2023 → up to 5 years per entry.
- Entered before June 22, 2023 → 2 years for that entry.
- A CBSA officer's hand-written leave-by date always overrides the default.
Worked examples
Example 1: Entered August 2024, no date stamped → authorized until August 2029 (5 years).
Example 2: Entered March 2023, before the rule → authorized for 2 years (until March 2025) for that entry.
Example 3: Entered May 2025, CBSA stamped 'leave by 1 Dec 2026' → the stamped date governs, so authorized until December 1, 2026.
Try your own dates in the Stay Duration Calculator.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 5-year rule retroactive?
No. It applies to entries made on or after June 22, 2023. An earlier entry keeps the 2-year authorization for that specific entry.
Where do I find the entry date?
It is the date of the most recent admission stamp in the passport, or the eTA/entry record. Automated entries may not be stamped.
Related guides
- Visitor Record for Super Visa HoldersWhat a visitor record is, when a super visa holder needs one, and how filing one by mistake can shorten an authorized stay.
- What Happens When a Super Visa Expires While in CanadaYour super visa (TRV) expiry date and your authorized stay are two different things. Here is what actually matters while in Canada.
- Super Visa Extension: Can You Extend a Super Visa?Whether and how a super visa stay can be extended, the role of visitor records, and current processing times.
- How Long Can Parents Stay on a Super Visa?Super visa holders can stay up to 5 years per entry. Here is exactly how the stay is calculated and what can change it.