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Super Visa Canada Requirements: Everything You Need to Know About LICO and Insurance

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    Oliver Pelero
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Introduction

The Canada Super Visa is a popular multi-entry visa designed specifically for the parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens and permanent residents.

Unlike standard visitor visas, which only allow stays of up to 6 months, a Super Visa allows parents and grandparents to stay in Canada for up to 5 years at a time without needing to renew their status, with the visa itself remaining valid for up to 10 years.

However, obtaining a Super Visa requires meeting strict eligibility criteria. The two most critical requirements are proving the host's income meets the Low-Income Cut-Off (LICO) and securing qualifying medical insurance.

In this guide, we will detail these requirements. You can verify your eligibility instantly with our Super Visa LICO Calculator.

1. The Low-Income Cut-Off (LICO) Requirement

To sponsor your parents or grandparents, you (the child or grandchild in Canada) must prove that your household income meets or exceeds the minimum LICO. This ensures you can financially support your visiting relatives during their stay.

  • Family Size Calculation: Your family size includes yourself, your spouse/partner, dependent children, any previously sponsored relatives, and the parents/grandparents you are currently inviting.
  • Proof of Income: You must provide official proof of income from the Canada Revenue Agency, such as your most recent Notice of Assessment (NOA) or T4/T1 tax slips.
  • Checking Thresholds: LICO thresholds are updated annually by the Canadian government. You can test your household size and income limits directly using the Super Visa LICO Calculator.

2. Super Visa Medical Insurance Requirements

Because visitors to Canada are not covered by provincial public healthcare plans, sponsors must purchase private medical insurance for their parents or grandparents.

To satisfy the IRCC criteria, the insurance policy must meet the following conditions:

  • Coverage Limit: The policy must cover a minimum of $100,000 in emergency medical care, hospitalization, and repatriation.
  • Validity: The policy must be valid for at least one year from the date of entry into Canada.
  • Provider: The insurance must be issued by a participating Canadian insurance company or an approved international provider.
  • Proof of Payment: You must show proof that the medical insurance premium has been paid in full (IRCC does not accept quotes or unpaid policies).

You can compare rates and calculate insurance premiums using our Super Visa Insurance Calculator.

Other Super Visa Eligibility Requirements

Beyond income and insurance, applicants must also provide:

  1. A Letter of Invitation: A signed letter from the child or grandchild in Canada promising financial support and detailing the household size.
  2. Immigration Status: Proof that the host is a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.
  3. Immigration Medical Exam (IME): The parent or grandparent must undergo a physical medical examination by an IRCC-approved panel physician.
  4. Admissibility: The applicant must be criminally and medically admissible to Canada.

Conclusion

The Super Visa is an excellent way to reunite families in Canada for extended periods. By preparing your financial records (LICO) and purchasing the correct medical insurance in advance, you can ensure a smooth application process.

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