Canada changes super visa income rules for parents and grandparents starting March 31
Latest news on WhatsApp أجدد الأخبار على واتسابCanadian citizens and permanent residents to stay in Canada for up to five years at a time, while other requirements such as health insurance, proof of relationship and a letter of invitation from the host remain in place.
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada has announced a change to how income is calculated for the parents and grandparents super visa, saying the move will make the program more equitable and accessible to more families while preserving financial support requirements for visitors during their stay in Canada. The new rules take effect on March 31, 2026.
Under the new approach, the host in Canada, meaning the child or grandchild, will be able to meet the income requirement using either of the 2 taxation years preceding the application, instead of only the previous year. The updated rules will also allow the visiting parent’s or grandparent’s income to be added to cover the remaining amount, provided the host and co-signer, if there is one, first meet the required minimum percentage of income.
IRCC said that, as of March 31, 2026, the updated income rules will apply both to new applications submitted on or after that date and to applications already in processing that have not yet been finalized. It also said families that qualified under the previous rules will continue to qualify, while those seeking to benefit from the alternative income options will need to submit the documents required to prove they meet the threshold for their family size.
The change is significant for families that rely on the super visa as a more flexible reunification route. The super visa is a multiple-entry visitor visa that allows parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens and permanent residents to stay in Canada for up to five years at a time, while other requirements such as health insurance, proof of relationship and a letter of invitation from the host remain in place.
