Canada’s Super Visa program is a popular choice for families who want to bring their parents or grandparents to visit for extended periods. The program allows eligible parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens or permanent residents to stay in Canada for up to two years at a time, with the visa itself valid for up to 10 years and allowing multiple entries. However, to qualify, sponsors must meet certain financial and insurance requirements. Starting July 29, 2025, the Canadian government is updating the Canada Super Visa income requirement for sponsors, reflecting a 3.9% increase over the 2024 thresholds. This update is part of the government’s regular review to keep pace with inflation and economic changes. Here’s a detailed look at what’s changing, who is affected, and what steps families need to take to ensure a successful Super Visa application.
Summary of Changes to the Canada Super Visa Income Requirement
The most important change is the increase in the minimum gross income that sponsors must show to support their parents or grandparents under the Super Visa program. This adjustment, effective July 29, 2025, means that sponsors will need to prove they have earned more income in each of the three tax years before applying. The increase is 3.9% across all family sizes compared to the 2024 requirements. This change is meant to reflect the rising cost of living and ensure that sponsors can truly support their visiting family members during their stay in Canada.
Below is a breakdown of the new income thresholds:
- 1 person (sponsor only): $30,526 (up from $29,380 in 2024)
- 2 people: $38,002 (up from $36,576)
- 3 people: $46,720 (up from $44,966)
- 4 people: $56,724 (up from $54,594)
- 5 people: $64,336 (up from $61,920)
- 6 people: $72,560 (up from $69,834)
- 7 people: $80,784 (up from $77,750)
- Each additional person: $8,224 (up from $7,916)
These figures represent the minimum gross income a sponsor must have earned in each of the three tax years before the application date. “Gross income” means income before taxes and deductions. The family size includes the sponsor, their spouse or partner, any dependent children, and the parents or grandparents being invited.
Why the Income Requirement Matters
The income requirement is a key part of the Super Visa process. It is designed to make sure that sponsors can financially support their visiting parents or grandparents, so they do not become a burden on Canada’s public services. The government reviews and updates these thresholds regularly to keep up with inflation and changes in the economy. This helps maintain the program’s integrity and ensures that families are prepared for the real costs of hosting relatives for long stays.
How to Prove You Meet the Income Requirement
Sponsors must provide proof that they meet or exceed the required income for their family size. The government accepts several types of documents as proof:
- Notices of Assessment (NOA): These are official documents from the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) showing your income for each tax year. You can get your NOA from your CRA My Account online.
- T4 or T1 tax forms: These forms show your employment income and are filed with your taxes each year.
- Employment letters: A letter from your employer stating your job title, salary, and length of employment.
- Recent pay stubs: These show your current earnings.
- Bank statements: These can help show regular income deposits.
It’s important to gather these documents for each of the last three tax years before you apply. If you are married or have a common-law partner, you can combine your incomes by having your spouse or partner co-sign the application. This can help families who might not meet the income requirement on their own.
Recent Policy Changes: Health Insurance Rules
Another important update for Super Visa applicants is the change in health insurance rules, which took effect on January 28, 2025. Before this date, applicants had to buy private health insurance from a Canadian insurance company. Now, applicants can also buy insurance from foreign companies, as long as those companies are authorized by the Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions (OSFI). The insurance must:
- Cover health care, hospitalization, and repatriation (returning the visitor to their home country if needed)
- Provide at least $100,000 in coverage
- Be valid for at least one year from the date the visitor enters Canada
This change gives families more options and may help them find better prices or coverage that fits their needs. However, it’s still very important to make sure the insurance provider is approved by OSFI. Proof of paid health insurance must be shown at the Canadian border when the visitor arrives.
Application Processing Times and Practical Steps
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) aims to process Super Visa applications within 90 to 120 days. However, processing times can vary depending on demand and other factors. It’s a good idea to apply well in advance of your planned visit to avoid disappointment.
Here’s a step-by-step guide for sponsors and applicants:
- Determine Family Size: Add up everyone in your household, including yourself, your spouse or partner, any dependent children, and the parents or grandparents you want to invite.
- Check the Income Requirement: Look at the updated 2025 income thresholds and make sure your gross income meets or exceeds the amount for your family size for each of the last three tax years.
- Gather Proof of Income: Collect your Notices of Assessment, T4/T1 forms, employment letters, pay stubs, and bank statements for the last three years.
- Arrange Health Insurance: Make sure the applicant buys health insurance from an OSFI-approved provider (either Canadian or authorized foreign company) with at least $100,000 coverage for one year.
- Apply from Outside Canada: The parent or grandparent must apply for the Super Visa from outside Canada. The visa will be issued by a visa office outside Canada.
- Submit All Documents: Include all required documents with the application, including proof of income, proof of relationship, and proof of paid health insurance.
- Wait for Processing: Processing usually takes 90–120 days, but can be longer. Plan accordingly.
- Entry to Canada: When the visa is approved, the visitor must show proof of paid health insurance and their visa at the Canadian border.
Who Is Affected by These Changes?
The new income requirement affects all Canadian citizens and permanent residents who want to sponsor their parents or grandparents for a Super Visa, starting July 29, 2025. Anyone applying on or after this date must meet the new, higher income thresholds. If you apply before July 29, 2025, the 2024 income requirements still apply. It’s important to check the date you plan to apply and make sure you use the correct income figures.
What If You Don’t Meet the Income Requirement?
If your income alone is not enough, you can ask your spouse or common-law partner to co-sign the application. This means you can combine both incomes to meet the requirement. If you still don’t qualify, you may need to wait until your income increases or consider other options, such as applying for a regular visitor visa, which has different requirements but does not allow for such long stays.
Why the Super Visa Is Popular
The Super Visa is a unique program that allows parents and grandparents to visit their families in Canada for up to two years at a time, much longer than the standard six-month visitor visa. The visa is valid for up to 10 years, allowing for multiple entries. This flexibility is especially helpful for families who want to spend more time together, help with childcare, or support each other during important life events.
Insurance Requirement: What You Need to Know
The health insurance requirement is a key part of the Super Visa program. The Canadian government wants to make sure that visitors have enough coverage in case they get sick or need medical care while in Canada. Medical costs can be very high, and visitors are not covered by Canada’s public health system. The insurance must cover health care, hospitalization, and repatriation, with at least $100,000 in coverage for one year.
With the new rule allowing insurance from certain foreign companies, families may be able to find better deals or coverage that suits their needs. However, it’s very important to check that the insurance provider is on the OSFI list of approved companies. If you arrive at the border without valid insurance, you may be refused entry.
Processing Times and Planning Ahead
While IRCC tries to process Super Visa applications within 90 to 120 days, delays can happen. High demand, missing documents, or other issues can slow things down. To avoid problems, apply as early as possible and double-check that all your documents are complete and accurate. If you need help, consider consulting a legal expert or immigration consultant.
Official Sources and Where to Get Help
For the most up-to-date information on the Super Visa, income requirements, and application forms, visit the official IRCC Super Visa page. This page includes eligibility details, required documents, and links to application forms.
To check if an insurance provider is approved, visit the OSFI’s List of Federally Regulated Financial Institutions.
If you need legal advice or help with your application, law firms like the Cohen Immigration Law Firm offer free consultations and can guide you through the process.
Looking Ahead: Future Policy Changes
The Canadian government regularly reviews its immigration and temporary resident policies. There is a plan to reduce the temporary resident population to 5% of Canada’s total population by the end of 2026, down from 7.4% in October 2024. This could affect future Super Visa policies, processing times, or eligibility rules. It’s important to stay informed and check for updates each year, as income thresholds and insurance requirements may change again to reflect inflation or new government priorities.
Practical Tips for a Smooth Application
- Start Early: Begin gathering your documents and arranging insurance several months before you plan to apply.
- Double-Check Everything: Make sure all forms are filled out correctly and all required documents are included.
- Combine Incomes if Needed: If your income is close to the threshold, consider having your spouse or partner co-sign.
- Keep Copies: Make copies of all documents for your records.
- Stay Informed: Check the IRCC website regularly for updates to requirements or processing times.
- Consult Experts: If you’re unsure about any part of the process, seek help from a qualified immigration consultant or lawyer.
Conclusion and Next Steps
The update to the Canada Super Visa income requirement effective July 29, 2025, means sponsors must show higher income to bring their parents or grandparents to Canada. The increase reflects inflation and aims to ensure families can support their visitors. The new rules on health insurance give families more options, but it’s important to use an approved provider. As reported by VisaVerge.com, staying up to date with these changes is key for a successful application.
If you are planning to apply for a Super Visa, review the new income thresholds, gather your documents, and arrange health insurance early. Visit the official IRCC Super Visa page for detailed instructions and forms. By preparing carefully and following the updated requirements, you can help ensure a smooth process and enjoy more time with your loved ones in Canada 🇨🇦.
Learn Today
Super Visa → A Canadian visa allowing parents/grandparents to stay up to two years per visit with multiple entries.
Sponsor → A Canadian citizen or permanent resident who supports visiting parents or grandparents financially.
Gross Income → Total earnings before taxes and deductions used to calculate sponsor eligibility.
OSFI → Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions, approving foreign insurance companies for Super Visa.
Notice of Assessment → Official CRA document confirming an individual’s income for each tax year.
This Article in a Nutshell
Effective July 29, 2025, Canada’s Super Visa income thresholds rise 3.9%, requiring sponsors to prove higher income. Health insurance can now be from approved foreign companies, improving options for families hosting parents or grandparents during extended visits.
— By VisaVerge.com
