How the Super Visa Just Became More Accessible

Family reunification is at the heart of Canada’s immigration policies, and a recent change is making it easier than ever for parents and grandparents to join their loved ones in Canada. The super visa—a special visa for parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens and permanent residents—now allows applicants to use private health insurance from outside Canada.

What is the Super Visa?
The super visa is a multiple-entry visa that lets parents and grandparents visit Canada for extended stays. Each visit can last up to five years, with an option to extend their stay while still in Canada.

Why Health Insurance is Required
Because super visa holders aren’t covered under provincial or territorial health care plans, they must prove they have private health insurance. Previously, applicants could only use Canadian insurance providers to meet this requirement.

What’s Changed?
As of January 28, 2025, applicants can now purchase health insurance from certain companies outside Canada. To qualify, the foreign insurance provider must:

• Be authorized by Canada’s financial regulator, the Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions (OSFI), to offer accident and sickness insurance.
• Be listed as a federally regulated financial institution on OSFI’s official site.
• Issue the insurance policy under their Canadian business branch.

Applicants can check OSFI’s website to see if their chosen provider is eligible. For full details on these updates, visit the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website.

Ongoing Insurance Requirements
Super visa holders must maintain valid health insurance for their entire stay. If coverage expires while in Canada, they’ll need to renew it before re-entering the country. This ensures that parents and grandparents continue to have adequate coverage for each visit.

Bringing Families Closer, Safely
By expanding insurance options, these changes help more families reunite under the super visa program. At the same time, they ensure that all visitors have the health coverage they need, making family visits easier and more secure.