Temporary Residence
Visitor Visas & Super Visas
Make the purpose, support and temporary nature of the visit clear
CanLink assists with visitor visas, visitor records and Super Visa applications, including the updated 2026 family-income rules for eligible parents and grandparents.
Information reviewed September 9, 2026
Understanding the pathway
A visitor visa allows a foreign national to travel to a Canadian port of entry and request admission; it does not determine how long the person may remain. The application should explain the purpose and length of the visit, available finances, accommodation, travel history, family circumstances and the reasons the applicant will comply with the authorized stay.
A Super Visa is a distinct option for eligible parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens, permanent residents or registered Indians. It can permit stays of up to five years at a time, but it adds host-income, invitation, medical-exam and private health-insurance requirements. A visitor record, by contrast, is used to extend status inside Canada and is not a visa for re-entry.
Who It May Suit
Who may benefit from a visitor assessment
Case Assessment
What CanLink assesses
Purpose and timing
The itinerary, proposed length of stay and supporting invitations should be specific, credible and internally consistent.
Funds and support
The application should establish who will pay, whether the funds are available and how the visit fits the parties’ finances.
Temporary compliance
Employment, family, property, travel history and other circumstances may help explain why the applicant will leave as required.
Inviting party
Status in Canada, relationship, household circumstances, accommodation and the invitation letter must be documented accurately.
Super Visa eligibility
Host income, family size, insurance, medical examination and the applicant’s relationship and admissibility require separate review.
Prior history
Previous refusals, overstays, status issues, medical matters and inconsistent disclosures should be addressed rather than repeated.
Current Framework
Choose the correct visitor document
A visa, a period of authorized stay and a visitor record perform different functions.
Visitor visa
Used by visa-required travellers to seek entry for tourism, family visits, business visits and other qualifying temporary purposes.
Super Visa
Designed for eligible parents and grandparents, with longer potential stays and specific host-income, insurance and medical requirements.
Visitor record
Used to extend or change visitor status from inside Canada. It does not replace a TRV or eTA needed for travel back to Canada.
2026 income calculation
Since March 31, hosts may use either of the two preceding tax years; qualifying parent or grandparent income may also help under IRCC’s new rules.
How CanLink Helps
A structured path from assessment to submission
Classify
Confirm whether the applicant needs a visitor visa, Super Visa, visitor record or another authorization.
Document
Organize purpose, relationship, funds, host support, ties, insurance and medical evidence as applicable.
Explain
Present a consistent case that directly addresses the legal requirements and any prior concerns.
Follow through
Respond to biometrics, passport, medical or document requests and plan lawful extensions where needed.
Policy Update
2026 Super Visa income changes
IRCC changed the Super Visa income calculation effective March 31, 2026. A host and co-signer may meet the required income in either of the two tax years before the application. In defined circumstances, the visiting parent’s or grandparent’s income may be added after the host side meets IRCC’s required minimum share. Pending applications and applications filed on or after March 31 are assessed under the new framework.
Last reviewed September 9, 2026. Programs, intake and procedures can change without notice.Frequently Asked Questions
Questions to clarify before filing
Does a visitor visa let me stay until the visa expires?
Not necessarily. The visa lets you travel to seek entry. A border officer determines whether you may enter and the period of authorized stay.
Is a Super Visa the same as parent sponsorship?
No. A Super Visa provides temporary resident status; it does not grant permanent residence. An applicant may apply while a sponsorship application is being processed if eligible.
Is an invitation letter enough for approval?
No. IRCC considers the complete application, including purpose, finances, ties, immigration history and admissibility. The invitation is supporting evidence only.
Can a visitor record be used to return to Canada?
No. A visitor record extends authorized status inside Canada. A separate valid TRV or eTA may still be required to travel and seek re-entry.
Official Sources
Verify the current government instructions
CanLink reviews the rules applicable to the client’s facts and filing date. Use these government pages for the latest public program information.
Plan a well-supported visit to Canada
Book a consultation to review your circumstances, identify the correct pathway and understand the evidence required before you proceed.