What the Super Visa is
The Super Visa lets parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens, permanent residents and registered Indians stay in Canada for up to 5 years at a time. It's a visitor document, so your parents can visit but not work.
What the host in Canada needs
- To be the applicant's child or grandchild, and able to prove it.
- To be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident or registered Indian, at least 18, and living in Canada.
- To meet the minimum income for the family size.
- To write and sign a letter of invitation.
From March 31, 2026, hosts can use either of the two tax years before the application, and a parent's own income can top up the host's income once the host meets a minimum share. For parents with income in the Gulf, this can make a real difference.
What your parents need
- To apply from outside Canada. Parents legally living in the UAE or another Gulf country can apply from there.
- Private medical insurance from a Canadian company or an approved company outside Canada, valid for at least one year from entry. Check IRCC's current minimum coverage before buying.
- An immigration medical exam with an IRCC-approved panel physician.
- To show they're genuine visitors who will leave Canada at the end of their stay, with ties, finances and a clear purpose.
The Gulf-specific details
- Their passport decides the visa. Parents with Emirati or Qatari passports don't need a visitor visa but still get a Super Visa approval letter for the longer stay, plus an eTA to fly.
- Long absences from the Gulf. A 5-year stay in Canada can affect a Gulf residence visa that requires regular presence. Plan the trip around their residence rules so they have a home to return to.
- Retired in the Gulf. If their residence is sponsored by another child or relative there, explain it and include that sponsor's documents.
Fees and processing times
The Super Visa fee is CAD $100 per person, plus CAD $85 per person for biometrics (CAD $170 maximum for a family). Current IRCC estimates for Super Visa applications from the Gulf:
| Applying from | Super Visa |
|---|---|
| United Arab Emirates | 50 days |
| Saudi Arabia | 92 days |
| Qatar | not published |
| Kuwait | not published |
| Oman | not published |
| Bahrain | not published |
IRCC published times, updated October 29, 2026. "Not published" means IRCC hasn't published a time for that country right now.
Frequently asked questions
Can my parents apply for a Super Visa from the UAE?
Yes, if they're legally living there. Super Visa applicants must apply from outside Canada, and parents with UAE residence can apply from the UAE.
How long can parents stay in Canada on a Super Visa?
Up to 5 years at a time, according to IRCC.
What changed with the Super Visa income requirement in 2026?
From March 31, 2026, hosts can meet the income requirement using either of the two tax years before applying, and the visiting parent's income can make up the remainder once the host meets a minimum share of the threshold.
Do Emirati parents need a Super Visa?
Emirati citizens don't need a visitor visa, but they can apply for a Super Visa to stay up to 5 years. If approved, they receive a letter to show the border officer and need an eTA to fly.
Applying from the Gulf? Let's talk.
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This guide is general information based on IRCC's published rules as of October 30, 2026. It isn't legal advice and doesn't assess any individual case. Rules, fees and processing times change, so please confirm current requirements on IRCC.ca.