Super Visa Eligibility Calculator Canada 2026

Check Super Visa eligibility for parents and grandparents. Calculates MNI income requirement, insurance check, fees, and visa details.

Key Takeaways

  • The Minimum Necessary Income (MNI) is LICO + 30% for the total family unit size — this is higher than the standard LICO used for settlement funds in Express Entry.
  • Medical insurance must provide at least $100,000 in coverage, be valid for at least one year from the date of entry, and be purchased from a Canadian insurance company.
  • Super Visa holders can stay in Canada for up to five years per entry without needing to renew their status. The visa itself is valid for up to ten years.
  • The total family unit size includes everyone in the inviter's household plus the persons being invited — inviting multiple parents increases the threshold.
  • Only one tax year of income is required for the Super Visa, unlike PGP sponsorship which requires three consecutive years.

Super Visa Eligibility Calculator for Parents and Grandparents

The Super Visa is a multi-year visitor visa designed specifically for parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens and permanent residents. Unlike a standard visitor visa that allows stays of up to six months, the Super Visa permits stays of up to five years per entry and is valid for up to ten years. It provides an alternative to the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) for families who want their loved ones to visit for extended periods without sponsoring them for permanent residence.

To qualify for a Super Visa, the Canadian host (child or grandchild) must meet the Minimum Necessary Income (MNI) requirement, and the parent or grandparent must obtain private medical insurance from a Canadian insurance company. This calculator checks both the income and insurance eligibility criteria based on your specific family situation.

How It Works

1. Enter the inviter's household size — count the inviter, their spouse or common-law partner, and all dependent children. Do not count the parent or grandparent being invited at this step.

2. Enter the number of parents or grandparents being invited. The calculator adds these to the household size to determine the total family unit size used for the income threshold.

3. Enter the inviter's gross income from their most recent Notice of Assessment (NOA) issued by the Canada Revenue Agency.

4. Enter the medical insurance details for the applicant — coverage amount and policy validity period.

5. The calculator computes the Minimum Necessary Income (MNI) for your total family unit size, which is the LICO threshold plus 30%, and checks whether the inviter's income meets it. It also verifies that the medical insurance meets the minimum $100,000 coverage and one-year validity requirements.

MNI Income Requirement Explained

The Minimum Necessary Income (MNI) for the Super Visa is calculated as the Low Income Cut-Off (LICO) plus 30% for the total family unit size. The family unit size includes everyone in the inviter's Canadian household — the inviter, their spouse or partner, and dependent children — plus all parents and grandparents being invited.

For example, if the inviter lives with a spouse and one child (household of 3) and is inviting one parent, the total family unit size is 4. The MNI threshold for a family of 4 is the LICO amount for 4 persons multiplied by 1.3. Income is verified using the inviter's most recent Notice of Assessment (NOA) from the Canada Revenue Agency. Unlike PGP sponsorship, the Super Visa requires only one year of income verification, making it more accessible for inviters whose income has recently increased.

Medical Insurance Requirements

The Super Visa has specific medical insurance requirements that must be met before the visa can be issued. The parent or grandparent must purchase private medical insurance from a Canadian insurance company that provides a minimum of $100,000 in coverage for health care, hospitalization, and repatriation. The policy must be valid for at least one year from the date of the applicant's entry into Canada.

Proof of medical insurance must be submitted with the Super Visa application. The insurance must be prepaid or show proof that premiums have been paid for the coverage period. Insurance from a non-Canadian company is not accepted. The cost of Super Visa medical insurance varies based on the applicant's age, health, and coverage level, but typically ranges from $1,000 to $3,000 per year for basic coverage. Comparing quotes from multiple Canadian insurers is recommended.

Super Visa vs. Standard Visitor Visa vs. PGP

The Super Visa, standard Temporary Resident Visa (TRV), and Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) serve different purposes for families wanting to bring parents or grandparents to Canada. A standard TRV allows visits of up to six months per entry and has no income or insurance requirements beyond standard admissibility. The Super Visa extends the permitted stay to five years per entry and requires proof of MNI income and medical insurance.

PGP sponsorship leads to permanent residence but has a limited annual intake through a lottery-style interest-to-sponsor process, requires three consecutive years of meeting MNI, involves a 20-year financial undertaking, and has processing times of 20-24 months. The Super Visa is often the practical choice for families who were not selected in the PGP lottery, do not yet meet three years of MNI, or whose parents prefer to maintain their home-country residence while making extended visits.

Key Facts

  • MNI (Minimum Necessary Income) thresholds are updated annually by IRCC based on Statistics Canada LICO data, with a 30% premium added.
  • Super Visa application fee is $100 per applicant, plus $85 for biometrics per person.
  • Medical insurance must provide at least $100,000 coverage from a Canadian insurer, valid for at least one year from the date of entry.
  • The Super Visa program was enhanced in June 2022 to allow stays of up to 5 years per entry, increased from the previous 2-year maximum.
  • Inviting multiple parents or grandparents increases the total family unit size and raises the MNI threshold accordingly.

FAQ

What income do I need to invite my parents on a Super Visa?

You must meet the Minimum Necessary Income (MNI), which is the LICO threshold plus 30% for your total family unit size. The family unit includes your household (you, spouse, children) plus the parents or grandparents being invited. For example, a household of 2 inviting one parent has a family unit of 3. The exact MNI amount depends on the current year's LICO figures — use this calculator with your specific family size to see the threshold.

What medical insurance is required for the Super Visa?

The parent or grandparent must have private medical insurance from a Canadian insurance company with at least $100,000 in coverage for health care, hospitalization, and repatriation. The policy must be valid for a minimum of one year from the date of entry into Canada. Proof of insurance (policy document and payment confirmation) must be submitted with the Super Visa application. Insurance from foreign companies is not accepted.

How long can my parents stay in Canada with a Super Visa?

Super Visa holders can stay in Canada for up to five years per entry without needing to apply for a visitor record extension. The visa itself is valid for up to ten years (or until the passport expires), allowing multiple entries during that period. If your parent leaves Canada and returns, each new entry permits another stay of up to five years.

Can I use my spouse's income to meet the Super Visa MNI?

Yes. If you are filing jointly or your spouse is a co-signer on the invitation, their income can be combined with yours to meet the MNI threshold. The relevant figure is the household income as reported on the Notice of Assessment. Both spouses' NOAs should be provided to demonstrate the combined income meets the threshold for the total family unit size.

What is the difference between the Super Visa and PGP sponsorship?

The Super Visa is a visitor visa allowing extended stays of up to five years per entry, while PGP grants permanent residence. The Super Visa requires one year of income proof and private medical insurance; PGP requires three consecutive years of income proof and a 20-year financial undertaking. PGP intake is limited through a lottery process, while the Super Visa is available year-round without intake caps. Many families use the Super Visa while waiting for PGP selection.

Updated April 2026. Information on this page is provided for educational purposes only. Tax rules, rates, and government programs may change — verify details with the CRA or a qualified financial advisor.