For Filipino families dreaming of reuniting with parents and grandparents in Canada, the Enhanced Super Visa offers one of the most generous visitor programs in the world. Since June 2023, Super Visa holders can stay in Canada for up to 5 years per visit — a major improvement over the previous 2-year limit. This comprehensive 2026 guide covers everything Filipino-Canadian sponsors and their parents need to know: updated income requirements, the new OSFI foreign insurer option, step-by-step application instructions, and tips tailored specifically to applicants from the Philippines.
What Is the Super Visa and What Makes It “Enhanced”?
The Super Visa is a special multi-entry visitor visa designed exclusively for the parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens and permanent residents. Unlike a regular visitor visa that typically authorizes stays of up to 6 months, the Super Visa provides:
- Up to 5 years per visit — no need to leave and re-enter every 6 months
- Multi-entry validity for up to 10 years (or until passport expiry)
- Faster alternative to the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) — no lottery, no cap on applications
- No limit on the number of times you can enter Canada during the visa’s validity
What Changed in 2023 (The “Enhanced” Super Visa): On June 22, 2023, the Government of Canada enhanced the Super Visa by extending the authorized stay from 2 years to 5 years per visit. This means your parents or grandparents can live with you continuously for up to 5 years before needing to leave Canada, making it far more practical for long-term family reunification.
Super Visa Eligibility Requirements (2026)
Both the applicant (your parent or grandparent) and the host (the Canadian sponsor) must meet specific requirements.
Applicant Requirements (Parent or Grandparent)
- Must be the parent or grandparent of a Canadian citizen or permanent resident
- Must be admissible to Canada (no criminal inadmissibility or security concerns)
- Must pass an immigration medical exam conducted by a designated panel physician
- Must hold a valid passport (should be valid for at least the duration of the requested stay)
- Must demonstrate ties to their home country (proof they intend to return)
- Must have private medical insurance meeting specific requirements (see below)
- Must be outside Canada when applying
Host (Sponsor) Requirements
- Must be the applicant’s child or grandchild, at least 18 years old
- Must be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or registered Indian
- Must reside in Canada
- Must meet or exceed the Minimum Necessary Income (MNI) threshold
- Must provide a signed letter of invitation promising financial support
Minimum Necessary Income (MNI) Requirements — Updated July 2025
The Canadian host must demonstrate that their household income meets or exceeds the Low Income Cut-Off (LICO) threshold. These amounts were updated on July 29, 2025, reflecting a 3.9% increase to account for inflation. The income is calculated based on the total family size, which includes the host, their dependants, and the visiting parent(s) or grandparent(s).
How to Calculate Family Size: Count the host + their spouse/partner + their dependent children + the parent(s)/grandparent(s) being invited. For example, if you are married with 2 children and inviting both parents, your family size is 6 (you + spouse + 2 children + 2 parents).
| Total Family Size | Minimum Necessary Income (CAD) |
|---|---|
| 1 person | $30,526 |
| 2 persons | $38,002 |
| 3 persons | $46,720 |
| 4 persons | $56,724 |
| 5 persons | $64,336 |
| 6 persons | $72,560 |
| 7 persons | $80,784 |
| Each additional person | +$8,224 |
Important for Filipino Families: If multiple family members are pooling income to meet the threshold, only income earned by the host and their spouse or common-law partner counts. Income from the visiting parent or other relatives living in the household does not qualify. Your most recent Notice of Assessment (NOA) from the Canada Revenue Agency is the primary proof document.
Acceptable Proof of Income Documents
- Notice of Assessment (NOA) — most recent, issued by the Canada Revenue Agency
- T4 or T1 tax returns — for the most recent tax year
- Employment letter — confirming position, salary, and length of employment
- Recent pay stubs — covering the last 12 months
- Bank statements — showing regular income deposits
- Employment Insurance (EI) statements — if applicable
- Self-employment documentation — letter from accountant with income details
- Pension or investment income statements
Medical Insurance Requirements — Including the 2025 OSFI Change
One of the key differences between a Super Visa and a regular visitor visa is the mandatory private medical insurance requirement. Here is what you need to know for 2026:
Insurance Coverage Requirements
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Minimum Coverage | $100,000 CAD |
| Validity Period | Minimum 1 year from the date of each entry to Canada |
| Coverage Must Include | Healthcare, hospitalization, and repatriation |
| Payment Status | Policy must be fully paid or have a deposit paid (quotes are not accepted) |
| Eligible Providers | Canadian insurance companies OR OSFI-authorized foreign insurers |
2025 OSFI Change: Foreign Insurers Now Accepted
New as of January 28, 2025: IRCC now accepts private health insurance policies from foreign insurance companies authorized by the Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions (OSFI). Previously, only Canadian-based insurance companies were accepted. This change makes the Super Visa more accessible and potentially more affordable for Filipino families.
To qualify, the foreign insurer must:
- Be authorized by OSFI to provide accident and sickness insurance
- Appear on OSFI’s list of federally regulated financial institutions
- Issue the policy under its insurance business in Canada
You can verify whether a foreign insurer is OSFI-authorized by checking OSFI’s website at www.osfi-bsif.gc.ca.
Tip for Filipino Families: Super Visa medical insurance typically costs between $1,000 and $5,000 per year, depending on the applicant’s age and health conditions. Comparing quotes from both Canadian and OSFI-authorized foreign insurers can help you find the best rate. Applicants over 70 years old generally face higher premiums. Be sure your policy is paid (not just quoted) before submitting your application.
Required Documents Checklist
Prepare all of the following documents before submitting your Super Visa application:
Documents from the Applicant (Parent/Grandparent in the Philippines)
- ☑ Valid Philippine passport (valid for at least 1 year beyond planned entry date)
- ☑ Completed application forms — IMM 5257 (Application for Visitor Visa) and IMM 5645 (Family Information Form)
- ☑ Two recent passport-sized photos (per IRCC photo specifications)
- ☑ Proof of relationship — birth certificate of the Canadian host showing the applicant as parent, or other official documents establishing the relationship
- ☑ Immigration medical exam results — from an IRCC-designated panel physician in the Philippines
- ☑ Private medical insurance policy — meeting all requirements listed above (paid, not quoted)
- ☑ Proof of ties to the Philippines — property ownership, bank accounts, employment, pension, family members remaining
- ☑ Travel history — previous visas or stamps in current and old passports
- ☑ Biometrics — fingerprints and photo at a designated collection point
Documents from the Host (Canadian Sponsor)
- ☑ Signed letter of invitation — promising financial support for the duration of the visit, listing all family members included in the income calculation with their names, dates of birth, and relationship
- ☑ Proof of Canadian status — Canadian citizenship certificate, permanent resident card, or Indian Status card
- ☑ Proof of income — Notice of Assessment (NOA), T4/T1 forms, employment letter, pay stubs, bank statements
- ☑ Proof of residence in Canada — utility bills, lease agreement, or mortgage statement
- ☑ Birth certificate — showing relationship to the applicant (host’s birth certificate listing applicant as parent)
Step-by-Step Application Process
Follow these steps to submit a successful Super Visa application:
Step 1: Confirm Eligibility and Calculate Family Size
Before gathering documents, confirm that the Canadian host meets the MNI threshold. Count everyone who will be included in the family size: the host, their spouse or common-law partner, their dependent children, and the parent(s) or grandparent(s) being invited. Check the MNI table above to confirm the income requirement.
Step 2: Schedule the Immigration Medical Exam
The applicant must undergo a medical exam with an IRCC-designated panel physician in the Philippines. Medical results are valid for 12 months. You can find designated panel physicians in Manila and other Philippine cities on the IRCC website. Schedule this early as appointments may have wait times.
Step 3: Purchase Medical Insurance
Obtain a private medical insurance policy that meets all Super Visa requirements: minimum $100,000 coverage, at least 1 year validity, covering healthcare, hospitalization, and repatriation. The policy must be paid (or have a deposit paid) — insurance quotes alone are not accepted. You may now purchase from Canadian insurers or OSFI-authorized foreign insurers.
Step 4: Gather All Supporting Documents
Collect all documents from both the applicant and the host as listed in the checklist above. Ensure all documents are current and that translations are provided for any documents not in English or French.
Step 5: Complete the Application Forms
Fill out the required forms completely — do not leave any sections blank. Key forms include:
- IMM 5257 — Application for Temporary Resident Visa
- IMM 5645 — Family Information Form
- IMM 5409 — Statutory Declaration of Common-Law Union (if applicable)
- Document Checklist (IMM 5484)
Step 6: Submit Online and Pay Fees
Create an account on the IRCC online portal and submit the application with all supporting documents. Pay the application processing fee and biometrics fee online.
Step 7: Provide Biometrics
After submitting the application, you will receive a Biometrics Instruction Letter. The applicant must then visit a designated biometrics collection point in the Philippines to provide fingerprints and a photograph. Biometrics are valid for 10 years.
Step 8: Wait for Processing and Decision
IRCC will process the application. If approved, the applicant will be asked to submit their passport for visa stamping. If additional information is needed, IRCC will send a request letter.
Processing Times and Fees
Application Fees
| Fee Type | Amount (CAD) |
|---|---|
| Application Processing Fee | $100 |
| Biometrics Fee | $85 |
| Total Government Fees | $185 |
| Medical Exam (approximate, Philippines) | $200 – $300 |
| Medical Insurance (annual, varies by age) | $1,000 – $5,000 |
Processing Times from the Philippines
As of the most recent IRCC data, Super Visa applications from the Philippines are typically processed within 95 to 116 days (approximately 13 to 17 weeks). The IRCC service standard is 112 days, with a goal of processing 80% of applications within this timeframe.
Planning Tip: Allow at least 4 to 5 months from the time you start preparing documents to when you expect your parents or grandparents to arrive. This accounts for medical exam scheduling, document gathering, application processing, and passport submission for visa stamping. If you are planning for a specific occasion (e.g., a grandchild’s baptism or graduation), start the process well in advance.
Super Visa vs. Regular Visitor Visa: Comparison
Understanding the differences between the Super Visa and a regular visitor visa helps you choose the right option for your family:
| Feature | Super Visa | Regular Visitor Visa (TRV) |
|---|---|---|
| Who Can Apply | Parents and grandparents only | Anyone with a valid purpose of visit |
| Authorized Stay Per Visit | Up to 5 years | Up to 6 months |
| Visa Validity | Up to 10 years (multi-entry) | Up to 10 years (multi-entry) |
| Medical Insurance Required | Yes — $100,000 minimum, 1 year | No (recommended but not required) |
| Medical Exam Required | Yes — mandatory | No (unless requested by IRCC) |
| Host Income Requirement | Yes — must meet MNI/LICO | No formal income threshold |
| Application Fee | $100 + $85 biometrics | $100 + $85 biometrics |
| Can Extend Stay in Canada | Yes | Yes (must apply before status expires) |
| Work Permit Eligibility | No | No |
| Path to PR | No (separate PGP application needed) | No |
Our Recommendation: If your parents or grandparents plan to stay for more than 6 months, the Super Visa is almost always the better choice. The additional requirements (medical insurance and income proof) are well worth the benefit of a 5-year authorized stay. For short visits of a few weeks or months, a regular visitor visa may be simpler and more cost-effective.
Tips for Filipino Families Applying for the Super Visa
Based on our experience helping Filipino-Canadian families with Super Visa applications, here are practical tips to improve your chances of approval:
1. Demonstrate Strong Ties to the Philippines
Even though the Super Visa allows a 5-year stay, your parents must still demonstrate they intend to return to the Philippines. Include evidence such as property ownership (land titles, tax declarations), active bank accounts, pension payments from SSS or GSIS, or family members remaining in the Philippines.
2. Write a Strong Invitation Letter
The letter of invitation is a critical document. It should be detailed and personal — explain why your parents are visiting (e.g., to help with a new baby, attend a family milestone, spend time with grandchildren). Include your commitment to financially support them during their stay.
3. Prepare Income Documents Carefully
If you are close to the MNI threshold, include multiple forms of income proof — not just your NOA. Supplementing with T4s, pay stubs, an employment letter, and bank statements creates a stronger financial profile. If your spouse also works, include their income documentation as well.
4. Get the Medical Exam Done Early
Schedule the immigration medical exam as soon as you begin the application process. Panel physician appointments in Manila and Cebu can have wait times, and results are valid for 12 months, so there is no disadvantage to completing this step early.
5. Do Not Submit a Bare-Minimum Application
Visa officers process thousands of applications. A well-organized, complete application with clear supporting documents stands out. Use a document cover page listing all enclosed items, and organize documents in the same order as the checklist.
6. Compare Insurance Quotes — Including Foreign Insurers
With the January 2025 OSFI change, you now have more options for medical insurance. Compare quotes from both Canadian and OSFI-authorized foreign insurers. Some Filipino families have found more affordable coverage through international providers. Just ensure the company is on the OSFI authorized list before purchasing.
Common Reasons for Super Visa Refusal
Understanding why applications get refused can help you avoid common pitfalls. In 2024, over 54% of all temporary resident visa applications to Canada were refused. The most common reasons for Super Visa refusals include:
1. Insufficient Proof of Income
The host’s income falls below the MNI threshold, or the income documentation is weak, inconsistent, or incomplete. Always verify your family size calculation and ensure your income clearly exceeds the minimum.
2. Inadequate Ties to Home Country
The visa officer is not convinced that the applicant will return to the Philippines. This is especially challenging for applicants who have children in Canada and few immediate family members remaining in the Philippines. Provide strong evidence of property, financial assets, community involvement, or obligations in the Philippines.
3. Medical Insurance Issues
The insurance policy does not meet requirements — it may have insufficient coverage, be from a non-qualifying insurer, not cover the required categories (healthcare, hospitalization, repatriation), or only be a quote rather than a paid policy.
4. Incomplete or Inconsistent Application
Missing forms (such as IMM 5257), blank fields, unsigned declarations, or information that conflicts between documents. Double-check every form before submission.
5. Failed Medical Exam
Certain medical conditions may result in inadmissibility. If your parent has a pre-existing condition, consult with an immigration lawyer before applying to understand the potential implications.
6. Purpose of Visit Not Consistent with Super Visa
If the officer believes the true purpose of the visit is not a family visit — for example, if there is evidence the applicant intends to work in Canada or not return to their home country — the application may be refused.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can my parents work in Canada on a Super Visa?
No. The Super Visa is a visitor visa only. Your parents or grandparents are not authorized to work in Canada. If they wish to work, they would need a separate work permit, which is not typically available under these circumstances.
Can I invite both parents at the same time?
Yes. Each parent must submit a separate application with their own medical exam and insurance policy. Both parents are included in the family size calculation for the income requirement. For example, inviting both parents would add 2 to your family size.
What happens if my parent’s insurance expires while they are in Canada?
Super Visa holders must maintain valid medical insurance at all times while in Canada. If the policy expires, it must be renewed before it lapses. Failure to maintain insurance could affect future entries or extensions. Many Canadian insurers offer renewal options for existing policyholders.
Can my parent apply for the Super Visa from inside Canada?
No. Super Visa applications must be submitted from outside Canada. If your parent is already in Canada on a visitor visa, they would need to leave Canada, apply for the Super Visa from the Philippines (or another country), and wait for approval before re-entering.
Is the Super Visa the same as the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP)?
No. The PGP is a permanent residence program that grants your parents PR status in Canada. The Super Visa is a temporary visitor visa that allows extended stays. Many families apply for the Super Visa while waiting for the PGP lottery or while their PGP application is in progress.
Do visa-exempt nationals need a Super Visa?
Citizens of visa-exempt countries (such as those with dual citizenship in countries like the US) can still apply for the Super Visa to get the 5-year authorized stay benefit. Without a Super Visa, visa-exempt nationals are typically only authorized to stay for 6 months. Note: Philippine passport holders are not visa-exempt and must obtain a visa.
Can I sponsor my parents for the Super Visa if I am a temporary resident (e.g., on a work permit)?
No. The host must be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or registered Indian. If you are on a work permit, study permit, or any other temporary status, you do not qualify to host a Super Visa applicant. You would need to obtain permanent residence first.
What if my income is slightly below the MNI threshold?
If your income is below the required threshold, your application will likely be refused. Consider whether your spouse or common-law partner’s income can be added (their income counts toward the household total). If you still fall short, you may need to wait until your income increases or explore a regular visitor visa instead.
How JCA Law Office Can Help
At JCA Law Office Professional Corporation, we have extensive experience helping Filipino-Canadian families reunite with their parents and grandparents through the Super Visa program. Our immigration team understands the unique challenges Filipino families face — from navigating Philippine document requirements to building strong applications that address common refusal reasons.
Our Super Visa services include:
- Eligibility assessment — We review your income, family size, and circumstances to confirm you meet all requirements
- Document preparation — We prepare and organize all application forms and supporting documents
- Invitation letter drafting — We help craft a compelling invitation letter that satisfies IRCC requirements
- Insurance guidance — We advise on compliant insurance options, including OSFI-authorized foreign insurers
- Application submission and follow-up — We submit the application and monitor its progress
- Refusal response — If a previous application was refused, we analyze the refusal reasons and prepare a stronger re-application
Book Your Super Visa Consultation Today
Let our team guide your family through the Super Visa application process. We serve Filipino-Canadian families across the Greater Toronto Area and throughout Ontario.
Call us at (416) 838-8078 | Email: info@jcalaw.ca
Related Resources
Continue exploring our immigration guides for Filipino-Canadians:
Immigration Guides:
- The Complete Filipino Immigrant Guide to Canada — Our comprehensive pillar guide covering all immigration pathways
- Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) Guide
- British Columbia PNP Guide
- Alberta Advantage Immigration Program Guide
- Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program Guide
- Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program Guide
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Immigration laws and policies change frequently. For advice specific to your situation, please consult with a qualified immigration lawyer. Information is current as of February 2026, based on IRCC policies and the MNI thresholds effective July 29, 2025.
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