If you’re a Nigerian living in Canada and hoping to bring your parents or grandparents over on a Super Visa, there’s a big change you need to know. As of July 2025, the Canadian government has raised the minimum income requirement. Whether you’re planning ahead or already in the process, here’s what you need to understand about the new rules.
Table of Contents
Overview
The Super Visa is a long-term visitor visa designed specifically for parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens or permanent residents. Unlike the regular visitor visa, it allows them to stay in Canada for up to five years at a time and is valid for up to 10 years.
However, it doesn’t grant permanent residency, work rights, or access to provincial healthcare coverage, meaning private health insurance is a must.
Income
To qualify as a sponsor in 2025, your income must meet new minimum thresholds. These vary based on your household size. Here’s the updated income requirement chart:
| Household Size | Minimum Income (2025) |
|---|---|
| 1 person | $30,526 |
| 2 people | $38,002 |
| 3 people | $46,720 |
| 4 people | $56,724 |
| 5 people | $64,336 |
| 6 people | $72,560 |
| 7 people | $80,784 |
| Each additional | +$8,224 |
This is a noticeable jump from 2024, when the requirement for one person was $29,380.
Family
To determine your household size, include:
- Yourself (the sponsor)
- Your spouse or common-law partner
- Any dependent children
- The parent(s) or grandparent(s) you’re inviting
- Anyone else currently under your sponsorship
- People you’ve previously sponsored and are still under agreement
You can combine income with your spouse to meet the income threshold.
Examples
Here are some real-world situations to show how this works:
Example 1: You’re divorced, have two kids, and want to invite both your parents.
- Household size: 5
- Required income: $64,336
Example 2: You’re married with one child. Your spouse is already hosting their parents, and you want to bring one of your grandparents.
- Household size: 6
- Required income: $72,560
Example 3: You previously sponsored your ex-spouse’s parents. Now you’ve remarried and want to bring your own parents.
- Household size: 7
- Required income: $80,784
Proof
To prove you meet the income requirement, you’ll need to submit one or more of the following:
- CRA Notice of Assessment (from your latest tax return)
- T4 or T1 tax slips
- Pay stubs covering the last 12 months
- Bank statements
- Employment letters (with job title and salary)
- EI benefit slips (if applicable)
- Pension or retirement income documents
- Accountant letter (if self-employed)
The government will look closely at your total income, so it’s important that all documents are up-to-date and clearly show your financial capacity.
Comparison
Still considering whether the Super Visa is better than the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP)? Here’s a quick comparison:
| Feature | Super Visa | PGP |
|---|---|---|
| Visa type | Long-term visitor | Permanent residency |
| Stay length | Up to 5 years/visit | Unlimited |
| Work/study allowed? | No | Yes |
| Health coverage | Private insurance only | Provincial health (if eligible) |
| Application period | Year-round | Annual lottery |
| Eligibility | Open if qualified | Invitation only from old list |
Benefits
Why choose a Super Visa?
- Long visits: Parents can stay up to 5 years without renewing
- Faster approval: Often quicker than PGP
- Open all year: No waiting for random invitations
- Multiple entries over 10 years
Limits
Of course, there are some downsides too:
- No access to public healthcare
- Must purchase private insurance
- Can’t work or study in Canada
- It’s a temporary stay, not permanent residency
If your goal is reunification without waiting for the PGP lottery, the Super Visa is often the better route.
What’s Next?
The 2025 increase in income requirement means careful planning is now more important than ever. Start by calculating your household size, checking your earnings, and collecting your documents early.
The Super Visa still offers a great way to bring loved ones closer—but it now comes with a higher financial bar. If needed, speak with an immigration consultant or lawyer to ensure everything is done right.