Updated October 2026. Figures checked against IRCC on October 4, 2026.
Super Visa in brief
- What it is: a multiple-entry visitor visa that lets parents and grandparents stay in Canada for up to 5 years at a time, with multiple entries for up to 10 years.
- Who qualifies: parents and grandparents whose child or grandchild (biological or adopted) is at least 18 years old, lives in Canada, and is a Canadian citizen, permanent resident or registered Indian. The parent or grandparent must be outside Canada when applying, take an immigration medical exam, and hold private health insurance of at least $100,000 that is valid for at least 1 year.
- Income: the host must meet IRCC’s minimum necessary income for their family size, from $38,002 for a family of 2 to $80,784 for a family of 7, plus $8,224 for each additional person. Since March 31, 2026, there are two ways to meet it.
- Cost: $185 per applicant in government fees ($100 visa fee plus $85 biometrics; applicants over 79 don’t give biometrics, so they pay $100). The medical exam and the insurance are extra.
- Processing time: 97 days for applications from the Philippines (IRCC, as of Oct 1, 2026).
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.
How to Apply for a Super Visa: 8 Steps
- Confirm eligibility and family size, and check the host’s income against IRCC’s table.
- Book the immigration medical exam with an IRCC panel physician.
- Buy health insurance: at least $100,000, valid for at least 1 year.
- Gather the documents from the applicant and the host, including the signed letter of invitation.
- Complete the application forms.
- Apply online and pay the government fees: $100 per applicant, plus $85 for biometrics if the applicant is 79 or younger.
- Give biometrics after the instruction letter arrives.
- Wait for the decision, then send in the passport for the visa.
Each step is explained in the step-by-step section below.
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
- 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
- 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
Can You Apply for a Super Visa From Inside Canada?
No. IRCC requires the parent or grandparent to be outside Canada when the application is submitted, and the visa must be printed by a visa office outside Canada. It cannot be printed in Canada. A parent who is already here as a visitor would need to leave Canada and apply from the Philippines or another country. See IRCC’s Who can apply page.
New Super Visa Income Rules Since March 31, 2026
Since March 31, 2026, a super visa host can meet the income requirement in two ways: by meeting or exceeding the minimum in either of the two tax years before the application, or by earning at least 75% of the minimum in the year before applying and adding the visiting parent’s or grandparent’s own income to cover the rest.
IRCC announced the change on March 20, 2026: Changes to how the parents and grandparents super visa income requirement is calculated. The dollar amounts are separate from this change. IRCC’s income table, shown in the next section, is labelled Updated July 29, 2025.
- Either of your last two tax years. The host (and their co-signer, if any) can now meet or exceed the required amount in either one of the two tax years before applying — not only the most recent year. A single strong year is enough.
- Combine the parent’s/grandparent’s own income. If the host (with their co-signer’s income, if any) earned at least 75% of the minimum required amount in the year before applying, the visiting parent’s or grandparent’s own income (for example, a foreign pension) can be added to cover the rest, as long as the combined total meets or exceeds the MNI.
These changes apply to all applications already in processing on, or submitted on or after, March 31, 2026. Families who qualified under the old rule still qualify.
Minimum Necessary Income (MNI) Requirements (2026)
The Canadian host must show that their income meets or exceeds IRCC’s minimum necessary income (MNI) for their family size. IRCC’s table below is labelled Updated July 29, 2025, and it was still the current table when we checked on October 4, 2026. The amount depends on total family size, counted the way IRCC counts it (see the box below). For the two ways the income can be met, see the March 31, 2026 rules above.
How to Calculate Family Size: IRCC counts all of the following people:
- the parent(s) or grandparent(s) being invited
- the host
- the host’s spouse or common-law partner (IRCC notes this can include a separated spouse)
- the dependent children of the host and of the spouse or partner, regardless of custody or child support arrangements
- super visa holders named in an earlier letter of invitation, still in effect, signed by the host or the host’s spouse or partner
- anyone the host or co-signer previously sponsored, or co-signed a sponsorship for, while that undertaking is still in effect
For example, if you are married with 2 children and inviting both parents, your family size is 6 (you + spouse + 2 children + 2 parents). IRCC’s own example: a host with a spouse and 1 dependent child who invites 1 grandparent, while the spouse is already hosting 2 parents on super visas, also has a family size of 6. Those 2 parents count even when they are not currently in Canada. Source: IRCC, Proof of financial support.
| 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: Two rules govern whose income counts. A co-signer must be the host’s spouse or common-law partner, and must be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident or registered Indian. A sibling or other relative cannot co-sign. Separately, under the March 31, 2026 change, if the host (with the co-signer’s income, if any) earned at least 75% of the required amount in the year before the application, the visiting parent’s or grandparent’s own income can be added to cover the remainder. For the either-of-two-tax-years route, IRCC requires the host’s or co-signer’s Canada Revenue Agency Notice of Assessment (NOA). For the 75% route the NOA is preferred, and other income documents are accepted if it is unavailable. A parent contributing income can provide pay stubs for the most recent 12-month period, an employer letter, bank statements or pension statements, and must show that the income will continue while they are in Canada.
Acceptable Proof of Income Documents
- Notice of Assessment (NOA) — issued by the Canada Revenue Agency for the tax year you are relying on (required for the either-of-two-tax-years route; preferred for the 75% route)
- 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 insurers outside Canada that meet the OSFI conditions below |
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.
To qualify, an insurer outside Canada must:
- Be authorized by OSFI under the Insurance Companies Act to provide accident and sickness insurance
- Appear on OSFI’s public list of federally regulated financial institutions
- Have issued the policy while doing insurance business in Canada, and the policy document must include a statement saying so
Brokers and claims administrators are not insurers. IRCC says insurance brokers and insurance claims administrators are not insurance companies and will not appear on the OSFI list, and that OSFI does not list foreign insurance companies outside Canada unless they are registered with OSFI as branches or subsidiaries in Canada. Check the insurance company named on the policy (the insurer or underwriter) before you pay.
IRCC sets out these conditions under Proof of health insurance. OSFI’s website is www.osfi-bsif.gc.ca.
Tip for Filipino Families: Premiums vary by insurer and by applicant, so ask for written quotes early and confirm that the insurer meets the conditions above. Before you apply, the policy must be paid in full, or in instalments with a deposit. A quote alone is not accepted.
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
- ☑ 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 (renew it if it has expired), 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 the income requirement is met — remember you can now use either of your last two tax years, and if you reach at least 75% of the threshold you may add the visiting parent’s or grandparent’s income to make up the difference. Count everyone who will be included in the family size: the host, their spouse or common-law partner, their dependent children, the parent(s) or grandparent(s) being invited, and anyone already hosted on a super visa or sponsored (or co-signed for) under an undertaking that is still in effect (see how IRCC counts family size). 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 |
Processing Times from the Philippines
IRCC’s processing-time tool shows 97 days for super visa applications from the Philippines (IRCC, as of October 1, 2026). The figure changes, so check the current processing time before you plan travel. IRCC’s service standard for new super visa applications submitted outside Canada is 112 days, with a target of meeting it for 80% of applications.
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 the minimum necessary income (MNI) | 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. Check the Insurer Before You Buy
Since January 28, 2025, IRCC also accepts policies from insurers outside Canada that are authorized by OSFI. Before purchasing, confirm that the insurance company itself, not a broker or claims administrator, appears on OSFI’s list, and that the policy states it was issued while the company was doing insurance business in Canada.
Common Reasons for Super Visa Refusal
Understanding why applications get refused can help you avoid common pitfalls. 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 is a super visa applicant in their own right: IRCC charges the $100 visa fee per person and says dependants can’t be included in the application. Each parent needs an immigration medical exam and proof of health insurance. 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. Your parent or grandparent must be outside Canada when the super visa application is submitted, and the visa must be printed by a visa office outside Canada. A parent who is already in Canada as a visitor would need to leave Canada and apply from the Philippines or another country.
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: the Philippines is on IRCC’s list of visa-required countries. IRCC says some citizens of the Philippines may be eligible for an eTA if they meet certain requirements.
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?
Check three things. First, your spouse or common-law partner can co-sign the letter of invitation and add their income, if they are a Canadian citizen, permanent resident or registered Indian. Siblings and other relatives cannot co-sign. Second, since March 31, 2026, you can meet the requirement in either of the two tax years before the application. Third, also since March 31, 2026, if your income (with your co-signer’s, if any) in the year before the application was at least 75% of the minimum, the visiting parent’s or grandparent’s own income can be added to cover the rest. If you still fall short after all of these, a regular visitor visa may be the alternative.
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 855-522-5290 | 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 October 4, 2026, reflecting the March 31, 2026 changes to how the super-visa income requirement is calculated and IRCC’s income table labelled Updated July 29, 2025.
Planning a Super Visa application for your parents or grandparents? Speak with our Toronto Filipino immigration lawyers.
