Super visa document checklist 2026: the complete list for the parent and the host

The super visa file has four parts: the host’s documents, the parent’s documents, the insurance and medical proofs, and the fees and biometrics. IRCC’s forms and documents page sets the list, the portal generates a personalized checklist after the questionnaire, and an incomplete file may be refused rather than queried, per the after you apply page. Print this page and tick each line before the parent presses submit.

Each list below is in the order you will gather it. Links go to the page that explains the item.

Part 1: the host’s documents

Three items, all from the child or grandchild in Canada: the letter, status proof and income proof. A co-signing spouse doubles the last two.

• Letter of invitation, written and signed by the host, containing: a promise of financial support for the length of the authorized stays; the co-signer’s name and relationship if any; every person in the family-size count with full name and date of birth; every person providing income evidence with date of birth; the list of income documents attached. See invitation letter.
• Co-signer’s signature on the letter, if the spouse or common-law partner’s income is counted. See co-signer rules.
• Host’s status proof: Canadian citizenship certificate or card, permanent resident card or confirmation, or Secure Certificate of Indian Status.
• Co-signer’s status proof, same options, if co-signing.
• Proof of the co-signer’s relationship to the host: marriage certificate or common-law evidence.
• Host’s Notice of Assessment for either of the two preceding tax years (2025 or 2024 for an October 2026 application). See income requirement.
• Co-signer’s Notice of Assessment for the same year, if co-signing.
• If no NOA: T4 or T1 for the last tax year, pay stubs for the most recent 12 months, an original employer letter stating title, duties and salary, bank statements for the last calendar year showing deposits, pension statements, or ownership and lease documents for rental income. See proof of income documents.
• If using the 75% + 25% option: the parent’s income evidence (pay stubs, employer letter, bank statements, pension statements or leases), with the currency shown, plus proof the income will continue while in Canada.

Part 2: the parent’s documents

Identity, relationship and anything the local visa office adds.

• Valid passport, with enough validity for the intended stay; the visa cannot outlast it, per IRCC’s how to apply page.
• Proof of relationship to the host: a copy of the host’s birth or baptismal certificate, or another official document naming the applicant as parent or grandparent.
• For a grandparent: the chain of documents linking grandparent to parent to host.
• Local visa office instructions: any additional documents the office for the parent’s country requires, as listed in the portal checklist.
• Use of a Representative, form IMM 5476, only if a representative is used.
• Certified translations with affidavits for every document not in English or French.
• Passport-style photo, if the personalized checklist asks for one.

Part 3: insurance and medical proof

The two documents that most often fail. Both must be done before submission.

• Insurance certificate or confirmation of coverage, not a quote, showing: the name of the issuing insurer (underwriter); at least $100,000 of emergency coverage per applicant; health care, hospitalization and repatriation; validity of at least one year from the date of entry; payment in full or by instalments with a deposit; and, for a foreign insurer, OSFI authorization and the statement that the policy was issued in the course of its insurance business in Canada. See the sample certificate.
• A policy start date that can be moved before it begins, so it matches the real entry date after processing. See processing times.
• Panel physician’s confirmation of an upfront immigration medical exam, per IRCC’s medical exams page. See medical exam.
• A copy of the insurance certificate attached to the letter of invitation as well, so the file reads as one.

Source: IRCC forms and documents.

Part 4: fees, biometrics and submission

Paid at the end of the online application; biometrics follow the instruction letter.

• Visa fee, $100 per person, per IRCC’s how to apply page.
• Biometrics fee, $85 per person, family maximum $170, per IRCC’s biometrics page; exempt if over 79 or visa-exempt.
• Credit card, Debit MasterCard or Visa Debit for payment; printer for the receipt.
• IRCC Portal account in the parent’s name, created outside Canada. See how to apply.
• Questionnaire answered: “Visitor visa or super visa”, then “To visit my children or grandchildren for more than 6 months (super visa)”.
• Every line of the personalized checklist uploaded.
• Biometric instruction letter received and appointment booked at a visa application centre; letter and passport taken to the appointment. See biometrics.
• Calendar entries: medical exam 12-month validity, biometrics validity, passport expiry.

Part 5: after approval

• Passport submitted to the visa application centre named in the approval letter.
• Insurance start date moved to the landing date; updated certificate downloaded.
• Passport, certificate and application documents packed in hand luggage for the border. See after approval.
• Insurance renewal reminder set 60 days before expiry; the policy must stay valid for the whole stay and show a full year on every re-entry.

What if a line cannot be ticked?

Do not submit. An incomplete application may be refused, the fees are not refunded, and the medical exam fee is not refunded either. If the missing item is income, see the income options; if it is the insurance, we can issue a compliant certificate the same day; if it is a local visa office document, the portal checklist names it. If the file was already submitted with a gap, send the document through the IRCC web form before a decision; if refused, the refusal guide covers the next step.

SuperVisaDirect is operated by Super Visa Direct Insurance Services, an independent Ontario life and accident-and-sickness insurance agency licensed by FSRA (licence [FSRA-LICENCE]), serving Ontario residents; British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba are planned for 2028. Designated licensed agent: Cameron Hayes. We arrange the insurance and do not give immigration advice. Email [email protected] or request a callback, Monday to Friday, 8:00am to 6:00pm Eastern Time.