You can apply to bring your parents to Canada as visitors or sponsor them for permanent residence. The wait times for parental sponsorships are lengthy, so many people will bring their parents to Canada as visitors while they wait for the sponsorship application to be processed.

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The Super Visa and Bringing your Parents to Canada as Visitors

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There is a special visitor category for parents and grandparents called the super visa. Some super visa requirements are the same as a visitor visa, including ties to the home country and purpose of the visit; however, there are extra factors that are a little different from a super visa.

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First, parents and grandparents who apply need to have a child or grandchild who is a Canadian citizen or permanent resident. If you are a temporary resident of Canada, your parents will need to apply under the general visitor visa category. Also, the super visa is only for parents and grandparents.

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Second, proof of financial ability to support the relative’s stay is required. The child or grandchild in Canada needs to demonstrate that they meet a minimum income threshold and provide a statement indicating that they can support their parents' stay. The Canadian government defines how much income someone needs, based on their family size, and publish it on their website. The requirements are updated each year so it is important to double-check before you apply.

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Your parents will also need to undergo an immigration medical examination and have valid Canadian medical insurance coverage for at least one year. There are many Canadian insurance providers who supply coverage at different price points.

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