For many Canadians and permanent residents, having their parents or grandparents visit them in Canada is a dream come true. While Canada offers multiple temporary and permanent immigration pathways, the process can feel overwhelming especially when trying to understand the difference between a regular Tourist Visa (Visitor Visa) and the Super Visa.
Canada continues to refine its immigration policies, making it easier for families to reunite while protecting the country’s economic and medical priorities.
A Visitor Visa allows short-term entry for tourism, family visits, or business. The Super Visa, on the other hand, is designed specifically for parents and grandparents who want extended stays and deeper family connections.
This guide explains the visa types, eligibility requirements, application steps, and the key differences between them along with the latest IRCC updates.
We also highlight how these options support family bonding, especially across generations, and provide useful tips to help you choose the right pathway.
Why Understanding These Visas Matters
Canada’s population is aging, and the government strongly supports family reunification. The Super Visa, introduced in 2011, underwent major updates in 2025, especially regarding health insurance rules, making the process easier for families.
The Visitor Visa remains the simplest entry route for short-term stays. Whether you’re planning a quick holiday or a long multi-year stay, this guide helps you make an informed decision.
Although the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) has increased its 2025 cap to 25,000 PR applications, this article focuses only on temporary options.
In today’s world, staying connected with your family is essential for emotional well-being and cultural continuity. These visas help bridge the gap provided applicants are prepared with the right documents, financial proof, and (if needed) language skills.
For English exam prep, you can check out celpip.biz, which offers free CELPIP practice tests recognized by the Canadian government.
Let’s break things down step by step.
Understanding the Tourist Visa (Visitor Visa)
The Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) commonly called the Visitor Visa or Tourist Visa is the most common entry permit issued to non-residents who want to visit Canada for a short time.
IRCC issues the Visitor Visa as a sticker or stamp in your passport, confirming that you are allowed to enter Canada.
In 2025, the Visitor Visa continues to allow a wide range of activities, from sightseeing in Vancouver’s Stanley Park to attending a family celebration in Toronto.
Types of Visitor Visas
There are two main types, based on entry frequency:
1. Single-Entry Visitor Visa
Allows one entry into Canada.
Ideal for a planned one-time visit, such as a short family trip.
After leaving Canada, the visa becomes invalid.
Valid for up to 10 years or until the passport expires.
Maximum stay is six months.
2. Multiple-Entry Visitor Visa
Allows unlimited entries during the validity period (up to 10 years).
Perfect for parents/grandparents who want frequent short visits.
Each stay can last up to six months, decided by the border officer.
Offers flexibility without needing to reapply.
Some travellers may qualify for a visa exemption or an eTA, but most parents and grandparents from countries like India, China, and the Philippines will still need a full TRV.
Requirements for a Visitor Visa
Applicants must prove that they are genuine visitors who intend to return to their home country.
Key requirements include:
✔ Reason for Visit
Applicants must clearly state the purpose—tourism or family visit.
Parents or grandparents should attach a letter of invitation from the hosting family member.
✔ Ties to Home Country
This can include:
Property ownership
Employment letters
Family obligations
Business commitments
These show the applicant will leave Canada after the visit.
✔ Proof of Funds
Bank statements must show the applicant can afford their stay.
Typically, around CAD 2,000–3,000 per month is suggested, depending on the trip.
✔ Clean Background
No serious criminal history.
A medical exam is usually not required unless the stay goes beyond six months.
Note:
Visitors cannot work or study during their stay but may apply for an extension if needed.
Application Process for the Visitor Visa
Here is how to apply:
1. Prepare Documents
Include:
Valid passport
Recent photos
Invitation letter (if visiting family)
Financial proof
Travel details
2. Pay Fees
Visa fee: CAD 100
Biometrics fee: CAD 85, if applicable
3. Submit Application
Apply online through the IRCC portal or at a Visa Application Centre (VAC).
4. Provide Biometrics
Must be completed within 30 days.
5. Processing Time
Depending on the applicant’s country, it takes 15 to 120 days.
6. Approval
Once approved, bring your visa to the port of entry for inspection.
7. Extension Option
Visitors can request a six-month extension for another CAD 100, but IRCC reviews such requests carefully.
IRCC encourages online applications in 2025 to reduce delays and streamline 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.
