Dreaming of bringing your parents or grandparents to Quebec? Ever since the federal government paused the parent and grandparent sponsorship program for permanent residence on July 15, 2026, another route has become the practical answer: the super visa. It's a federal program, so it applies across Canada — including here in Quebec — and it has just been made easier to qualify for.
So what exactly is the super visa? It's a multiple-entry visitor visa reserved for the parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens and permanent residents. Unlike an ordinary tourist visa, it lets your relatives stay for up to five years per visit and remains valid for up to ten years in total, according to the Government of Canada. In other words, your loved ones can live near you for a long time without renewing their status every few months.
The big 2026 change is about income. To support an application, you — the host, the person doing the welcoming — must prove a minimum income tied to the LICO (Low Income Cut-Off), an amount set by Ottawa based on your family size. Starting March 31, 2026, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada applies two new flexibilities to every application already in processing and to all new ones.
First flexibility: two tax years instead of one. You can now meet the income threshold in either of the two most recent tax years, not only the most recent one. A rough year, a leave, a job change? The other year can rescue your application. A co-signer (often your spouse) can still combine their income with yours, as before.
Second flexibility: add the visitor's own income. If you and your co-signer reach at least 75% of the required threshold, the income of the visiting parent or grandparent can be added to cover the rest. This is a real boost for families on a modest income, and families who already qualified under the old rules stay eligible.
Don't forget medical insurance — it's non-negotiable. Your relatives must hold health insurance valid for at least one year from the date of entry, covering health care, hospitalization and repatriation, with a minimum of $100,000 in emergency coverage. Since January 28, 2025, it may come from an approved non-Canadian insurer, which widens your options and often lowers the cost. Always confirm the current coverage amount and terms before you buy.
Good to know for newcomers: the super visa is now the realistic way to reunite your family while sponsorship is paused. Three habits: (1) recheck the income rule — it's easier to meet now; (2) line up medical insurance early, because without it the application is refused; (3) always check the official pages for the exact figures, which change from year to year.
