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Tourist Visa vs Super Visa: For many Canadian citizens and permanent residents, bringing parents or grandparents to Canada is a dream come true. Canada offers several temporary and permanent family reunification options, but understanding the difference between a regular Visitor Visa (Tourist Visa) and the Super Visa can be confusing.

Canada continues to update its immigration policies to balance family reunification, healthcare capacity, and economic needs. This guide explains both visa options, who can apply, how to apply, and the latest IRCC updates—helping you choose the best option for your family.

Why Understanding These Visa Options Matters

Canada strongly supports family reunification, especially as the country’s population continues to age.

• The Super Visa, introduced in 2011, received major updates in 2025, particularly related to health insurance rules, making it more accessible for families.

• The Visitor Visa remains the fastest and simplest option for short visits.

• While the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) cap increased to 25,000 PR applications in 2025, this article focuses only on temporary visa options.

In today’s fast-paced world, staying connected with family is essential for mental well-being, emotional support, and cultural continuity. With proper documentation, proof of funds, and eligibility, these visas help bridge long distances.

You can visit celpip.biz for free CELPIP practice tests, accepted by the Canadian government.

Let’s understand each option step by step.

What Is a Tourist Visa (Visitor Visa)?

The Visitor Visa, also called a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV), is the most common way for non-Canadians to enter Canada for a short stay.

It is issued as a visa stamp or sticker in your passport by IRCC and allows visitors to enter Canada for purposes such as:

• Tourism

• Visiting family

• Attending events or celebrations

• Short business visits

Even in 2025, a Visitor Visa allows families to reunite temporarily—whether it’s visiting Stanley Park in Vancouver or attending a family function in Toronto.

Types of Visitor Visas

Visitor Visas are issued in two main formats, depending on travel needs:

1. Single-Entry Visitor Visa

• Allows one entry into Canada

• Ideal for short, planned visits

• Visa becomes invalid once you leave Canada

• Valid for up to 10 years or until passport expiry

• Maximum stay per visit: up to 6 months

2. Multiple-Entry Visitor Visa

• Allows unlimited entries while valid (up to 10 years)

• Suitable for parents and grandparents who visit frequently

• Each stay is usually up to 6 months, decided by a border officer

• No need to reapply for each visit

Visitor Visa Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must prove they are genuine temporary visitors who will leave Canada after their stay.

Key Requirements Include:

1. Purpose of Travel

• Clear reason for visiting (tourism or family visit)

• Letter of invitation from the child or grandchild in Canada is strongly recommended

2. Strong Ties to Home Country

Evidence may include:

• Property ownership

• Employment letters

• Business commitments

• Family responsibilities

These documents show the applicant’s intention to return home.

3. Proof of Funds

• Recent bank statements required

• Recommended funds: CAD 2,000–3,000 per month, depending on travel plans

4. Clean Background

• No serious criminal record

• Medical exam usually not required unless stay exceeds six months

Important:

• Visitors cannot work or study in Canada

• Extensions may be requested but are carefully reviewed by IRCC

How to Apply for a Visitor Visa (Step-by-Step)

Step 1: Prepare Documents

Include:

• Valid passport

• Recent photographs

• Letter of invitation (if visiting family)

• Proof of funds

• Travel details

Step 2: Pay Fees

• Visitor Visa fee: CAD 100

• Biometrics fee (if required): CAD 85

Step 3: Submit Application

• Apply online via IRCC portal (recommended in 2025)

• Or apply at a Visa Application Centre (VAC)

Step 4: Biometrics

• Must be completed within 30 days

Step 5: Processing Time

• Ranges from 15 to 120 days, depending on country of residence

Step 6: Approval & Entry

• Present visa at the port of entry for final inspection

Step 7: Extension Option

• Visitors may apply for a 6-month extension

• Fee: CAD 100

• Approval is not guaranteed

IRCC strongly encourages online applications in 2025 to reduce delays and speed up processing.

The Super Visa, introduced in 2011 as a solution to the delays in the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP), is a special multiple-entry visa designed only for the parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens, permanent residents, or registered Indians under the Indian Act.

It was created to make family reunification easier without requiring permanent residency. According to IRCC, as of May 2025, Canada issues about 100,000 Super Visas every year, showing how popular the program has become.

The Super Visa has no subtypes. It is a single visa category that allows long-term stays. It is valid for 10 years and allows visitors to stay in Canada for up to five years per visit, much longer than a normal visitor visa.

For applicants from visa-exempt countries, a letter of introduction is issued instead of a visa sticker.

Eligibility Criteria

To maintain program quality and sustainability, Super Visa eligibility requirements are strict.

Proof of Relationship:
Applicants must show documents such as birth certificates or DNA reports confirming the parent-child or grandparent-grandchild relationship with a Canadian host.

Eligible Host:
The host must be at least 18 years old, live in Canada, and earn at least 30% more than the Low-Income Cut-Off (LICO). From July 29, 2025, the income minimums are as follows:

Family Size – Minimum Annual Income (CAD):

• 1 → 30,526

• 2 → 38,002

• 3 → 46,720

• 4 → 56,724

• 5 → 64,336

• 6 → 72,560

• 7 → 80,784

• Each additional person → +8,224

Invitation Letter:
The host (or spouse) must provide a letter confirming financial support and listing the household size.

Medical Insurance:
Applicants must show private health insurance of at least CAD 100,000, valid for a minimum of one year. From January 28, 2025, non-Canadian insurance companies approved by OSFI can also provide coverage, giving applicants more options and lower prices.

Intent to Return:
IRCC assesses ties to home country, purpose of visit, and overall ability to return after the stay.

Language Skills:
Applicants must show CLB Level 4 in listening, reading, writing, and speaking. Accepted tests include CELPIP-General, IELTS, TEF, and TCF.
If the applicant completed a Canadian degree in English or French, the test is not required.

Free practice materials are available on celpip.biz, helping applicants reach CLB 4 more easily.

Medical Exam:
A medical examination is mandatory for the Super Visa but not always required for a standard visitor visa.

How to Apply

Applying for a Super Visa is similar to a visitor visa but requires additional documentation.

The host must provide an invitation letter and proof of income, such as the past three years’ tax returns.
Applicants must complete the online form and submit a valid passport, photos, relationship proof, paid insurance documents, and language test results.

The cost is CAD 100 plus biometrics, and processing takes 60 to 180 days.
Applications must be filed from outside Canada.

At the port of entry, the final decision is made by the border officer, who can grant a stay of up to five years.

For renewal, applicants must reapply completely before their authorized stay ends. From 2025, uploading digital insurance proof will become easier and fully online.

Super Visa vs Visitor Visa

Both visas allow entry into Canada, but they serve very different purposes. Here is a quick comparison:

Target Group

• Visitor Visa: Anyone, including parents and grandparents

• Super Visa: Only parents and grandparents of Canadians and PRs

Length of Stay

• Visitor Visa: Up to 6 months

• Super Visa: Up to 5 years

Validity

• Visitor Visa: Up to 10 years

• Super Visa: Up to 10 years

Entry Type

• Visitor Visa: Single or multiple

• Super Visa: Always multiple entry

Income Requirement

• Visitor Visa: Applicant’s own funds

• Super Visa: Host must meet LICO + 30%

Health Insurance

• Visitor Visa: Not required

• Super Visa: Mandatory CAD 100,000 coverage

Language Requirement

• Visitor Visa: None

• Super Visa: CLB 4 required

Medical Exam

• Visitor Visa: Only sometimes

• Super Visa: Always required

Processing Time

• Visitor Visa: 15–120 days

• Super Visa: 60–180 days

Renewal

• Visitor Visa: Extension application

• Super Visa: Full reapplication

These differences show that while a Visitor Visa is better for short visits, the Super Visa is ideal for long-term stays, caregiving needs, and extended family time.

Latest Updates in 2025

Several updates in 2025 make the Super Visa more flexible and affordable.

The insurance policy reform starting January 28, 2025 opens the door for international insurance providers. This could reduce costs by 20–30% for many applicants.

The income threshold increase scheduled for July reflects rising inflation.

More applicants are choosing CELPIP online, and platforms like celpip.biz provide free practice that helps many applicants successfully achieve CLB 4+.

For visitor visas, eTA integration and faster mobile biometrics have improved processing. Meanwhile, the PGP cap increase to 25,000 invitations in 2025 offers a PR pathway, but the Super Visa remains the quickest temporary solution.

Canada’s Immigration Levels Plan for 2024–2026 aims for 110,000 family-class admissions each year, supporting stronger family reunification indirectly benefiting Super Visa applicants.

Conclusion

Choose a Visitor Visa for short visits, vacations, or trial stays.
Choose the Super Visa for longer stays, caregiving needs, or extended reunions.

If you are unsure which option is best especially regarding finances or documentation consulting a licensed RCIC can help you make the right decision.