Immigration · Super visa
Super visa vs visitor visa comparison.
Tell us how long you plan to stay and who your host is. See which route IRCC's own rules point to.
The visitor visa usually allows up to 6 months per visit; the super visa allows up to 5 years at a time and is valid for up to 10 years, but needs a child or grandchild host who meets the income minimum, plus a $100,000 insurance policy.
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Choosing between the two
IRCC points applicants planning stays of 6 months or less to the visitor visa. Most visitors can stay up to 6 months, and a border services officer may allow more or less. A visitor visa can be valid for up to 10 years, so a long validity alone is not a reason to choose the super visa.
The super visa matters when you want to stay longer. Applicants who applied on or after 22 June 2023 can stay 5 years at a time. The cost is the extra paperwork: the host's income evidence and letter, a medical exam, proof of relationship and a paid insurance policy valid at least a year from entry.
If you choose the super visa, start with the requirements checklist and the income requirement calculator.
Sources
Official IRCC pages, retrieved 16 October 2026. Rules and amounts change; confirm on canada.ca before you apply.
Frequently asked questions
How long can I stay on a super visa?
Up to 5 years at a time if you applied on or after 22 June 2023. The visa is valid for multiple entries for up to 10 years.
How long can I stay on a visitor visa?
IRCC says most visitors can stay up to 6 months; a border services officer may allow more or less.
Does a visitor visa need a host's income proof?
The super visa does. This comparison does not list an income test for the visitor visa because IRCC's visitor visa page does not describe one; check the visitor visa supporting documents page for your case.
Is health insurance required for both?
Private health insurance is required for the super visa. IRCC's visitor visa page does not state an insurance rule, so the table says so rather than assuming.
Self-check only
This tool is not legal or immigration advice and is not affiliated with IRCC. It runs in your browser; nothing you enter is sent anywhere. IRCC makes the final decision on every application.