Preparing a Super Visa application means gathering a specific set of documents, and missing or incorrect paperwork is one of the most common reasons applications are delayed or refused. This checklist covers every document you need for a 2026 Super Visa application, what each one must include, and what to watch for. For the underlying rules behind these documents, see our full guide to Super Visa requirements; when you are ready, compare Super Visa insurance that meets every IRCC rule.
Super Visa Document Checklist: The Complete List for 2026
The following documents are required by IRCC for a Parent and Grandparent Super Visa application. All documents must be accurate, complete, and up to date at the time of submission.
| Document | What it needs to include / notes |
|---|---|
Letter of invitation | From the Canadian child or grandchild. See Section below for what this letter must include. |
Proof of health insurance | From a Canadian insurer or OSFI-approved foreign insurer. Must be paid (initial deposit at minimum if on a monthly plan). $100,000 minimum coverage. Policy must be valid for 1 year, and cover the applicant's health care, hospitalization, and repatriation. |
Medical exam results | You must provide proof that you had a medical exam with an approved panel physician. |
Proof of host Canadian citizenship or PR status | You must provide proof that your host is one of the following: a Canadian citizen, a permanent resident, or a person registered under the Canadian Indian Act (Status Indian). |
Proof of relationship | Documents showing the applicant is the parent or grandparent of the Canadian sponsor. Typically birth certificates for each generational link. |
Proof of financial support | Evidence that the sponsor meets the LICO (Low Income Cut-off) threshold. See Section 4 for acceptable documents. |
Valid passport | Must be valid for at least the duration of the intended stay. Some visa officers prefer validity beyond the stay - check IRCC guidelines. |
IRCC application requirements can change. Please verify this checklist against the official IRCC requirements at: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/visit-canada/parent-grandparent-super-visa/eligibility.html
What to Include in the Super Visa Invitation Letter
The invitation letter is written by the Canadian child or grandchild who is sponsoring the Super Visa application. It is not a legal document, but it must be detailed and credible. A vague or incomplete invitation letter is a common reason for application delays.
Your invitation letter should include:
• Your full name, address, date of birth, and Canadian citizenship or permanent resident status
• Your relationship to the applicant — for example, 'I am the son of [parent's name]'
• The full name and date of birth of each applicant you are inviting
• The intended length of stay and purpose of the visit
• A clear commitment to financially support the applicant during their stay in Canada, including housing, food, and other living expenses
• Your current employment status and reference to the financial documents you are providing
• Your household size (used to calculate LICO requirements)
Your host child’s or grandchild’s spouse or common-law partner may co-sign the letter of invitation and provide proof of income, if required, to meet the minimum necessary income. Other family members of your host, such as siblings, can’t co-sign.
Using a co-signer Your host child’s or grandchild’s spouse or common-law partner may co-sign the letter of invitation and provide proof of income, if required, to meet the minimum necessary income. Other family members of your host, such as siblings, can’t co-sign.
Proof of Financial Support: What Documents Does the Sponsor Need?
The Canadian sponsor must demonstrate that their income meets or exceeds the Low Income Cut-off (LICO) threshold for their household size. LICO is a Statistics Canada measure updated annually. The 2025 minimum for a single-person household is $30,526 - this figure increases with household size. Always verify the current threshold from the IRCC website before submitting, as it changes each year. Here are the minimum income amounts your host needs based on the size of the family:
| Number of family members | Minimum income the host needs (in canadian dollars) |
|---|---|
1 | $30,526 |
2 | $38,002 |
3 | $46,720 |
4 | $56,724 |
5 | $64,336 |
6 | $72,560 |
7 | $80,784 |
If more than 7 people, for each additional family member, add | $8,224 |
Acceptable documents to prove financial support includes:
•mMost recent Notice of Assessment (NOA) from the Canada Revenue Agency - this is the strongest form of evidence
• T4 slips for the most recent tax year
• Employment letter on company letterhead confirming current employment, position, and annual salary
• Recent pay stubs (typically last 2–3 months)
• Bank statements showing consistent income deposits
• If self-employed: business registration documents, accountant-prepared financial statements, and/or CRA business income tax return
IRCC will compare the total household income against the LICO threshold for the household size. Household size includes the sponsor, their spouse or partner, dependent children, and the parent or grandparent being invited. A household size of four people has a higher LICO threshold than a household of two.
The Super Visa Insurance Requirement: What to Include With Your Application
Super Visa insurance is one of the few application requirements that must be fully paid before you apply, a quote is not accepted. Your insurance documents must confirm that coverage is in place, with proof of payment. Here is exactly what IRCC requires from your insurance policy:
• Minimum $100,000 CAD in emergency medical coverage per person
• Valid for at least one full year from the date of entry into Canada
• Covers healthcare, hospitalization, and repatriation
• Issued by a Canadian insurer or an OSFI-authorized foreign insurer conducting business in Canada
• Paid in full, or with an initial deposit confirmed for a monthly payment plan
• The policy certificate must include the insurance company's name (the underwriter, not just the broker)
BestQuote provides all required policy documentation immediately upon purchase. Your proof of insurance certificate will include the insurer name, coverage amount, effective dates, and confirmation of payment - everything an IRCC officer needs to verify compliance.
Not sure which Super Visa insurance plan to choose? Compare Super Visa insurance plans and get a free instant quote - all plans available through BestQuote meet IRCC requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most commonly asked questions about our services.
Super Visa insurance is mandatory for anyone applying for Canada’s Super Visa program, which allows parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens or permanent residents to visit for up to five years at a time. This insurance provides emergency medical coverage for hospitalization, doctor visits, and other urgent health costs during their stay.
The Canadian government requires Super Visa insurance to provide at least $100,000 in emergency medical coverage. The policy must be valid for at least one year from the date of entry.
Yes, you must buy Super Visa insurance before applying. Proof of coverage is required to submit a Super Visa application.
Yes, some Super Visa insurance policies cover pre-existing medical conditions, but only if the condition has been stable for a required period before travel. Stability periods vary by insurer, typically from 90 days up to 365 days, and eligibility is confirmed through medical questionnaires.
Yes, you can usually get a refund on a Super Visa policy if your parents return home early and no claims have been made. Refunds are issued on a pro-rata basis, though most insurers charge a small administration fee.
The insurance company will review your request, and in most cases, the policy can be extended.