If you’re a Nigerian permanent resident or Citizen of Canada and want to bring your parents or grandparents to live with you, there’s an important update.
The Canadian government has raised the minimum income requirement for the Super Visa program in 2025. This means you now need to earn more money to be eligible. Let’s break down everything you need to know in simple and clear language.
What Is the Super Visa?
The Super Visa is a special type of visa that lets parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens or permanent residents stay in Canada for up to 5 years at a time. The visa is valid for 10 years. Unlike permanent residency, people with a Super Visa cannot work or study in Canada, and they usually don’t get free public health insurance.
New Income Rules for 2025
Starting July 2025, the income requirement has increased for Nigerians and others bringing their loved ones under the Super Visa program. The income you need depends on how many people live in your household.
Minimum Income Requirements in 2025
| Number of People in Household | 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 |
| For each extra person | +$8,224 |
Important: In 2024, the single-person income requirement was $29,380. So, this is a noticeable increase.
Who Counts in Your Family Size?
When calculating the number of people in your family for Super Visa, count the following:
- You (the sponsor)
- Your spouse or common-law partner (even if separated)
- All your dependent children
- The parent(s) or grandparent(s) you are inviting
- Any other relatives you’re applying for at the same time
- Anyone you already sponsored before under Super Visa
- People under active sponsorship undertakings
Note: You can combine income with your spouse to meet the income limit.
Real-Life Examples of Income Calculation
Let’s understand how this works with some examples.
Example 1: Divorced Parent with 2 Kids Inviting 2 Parents
- People counted: 1 sponsor + 2 kids + 2 parents = 5
- Required income: $64,336
Example 2: Married Person with 1 Child Inviting 1 Grandparent
- Spouse already hosting 2 parents
- People counted: Sponsor + spouse + child + 1 grandparent + 2 parents = 6
- Required income: $72,560
Example 3: Remarried Person Who Sponsored Ex’s Parents
- Now wants to bring own parents
- Must include past sponsored parents too
- People counted: Sponsor + spouse + child + 2 parents + 2 previously sponsored = 7
- Required income: $80,784
What Documents Can You Use to Prove Your Income?
You must show that you earn enough money by submitting official documents like:
- CRA Notice of Assessment (latest tax return)
- T4 or T1 tax forms
- Pay stubs (last 12 months)
- Employment Insurance benefit records
- Pension slips (if retired)
- Bank statements
- Employer letters (mentioning salary, job title, etc.)
- Letter from accountant (for self-employed people)
How Super Visa is Different from PGP (Parents and Grandparents Program)
| Feature | Super Visa | PGP |
|---|---|---|
| Visa Type | Long-term visitor visa | Permanent residency |
| Validity | Up to 10 years | Forever (if approved) |
| Stay Length | Up to 5 years at a time | Unlimited |
| Can Work/Study? | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Health Insurance | ❌ Usually not covered | ✅ Covered by province (if eligible) |
| Application Time | Anytime (year-round) | Once a year, lottery-based |
| Availability | Open to all eligible applicants | Only to those invited from 2020 list |
Benefits of the Super Visa
- Lets your parents/grandparents stay longer than a regular visitor visa
- Multiple entries over 10 years
- Faster processing than PGP
- Year-round availability
Limits of Super Visa
- No permission to work or study
- Must buy private health insurance
- Temporary, not permanent residency
The Super Visa is a great way for Nigerians living in Canada to bring their parents or grandparents for long visits. But the income rules have changed in 2025, and now you need to earn at least $30,526 (or more depending on your household size).
Understanding how to calculate family size, what documents to submit, and how this differs from the PGP program is important to get approval.
Always double-check all IRCC guidelines and use official income proof. If needed, get help from a lawyer or immigration expert.
FAQs
Can my spouse’s income be added to mine?
Yes. If your spouse or common-law partner co-signs the application, both your incomes will be combined to meet the required limit.
Can Super Visa holders work or study in Canada?
No. People on a Super Visa can stay for up to 5 years but cannot work or go to school in Canada.
Do Super Visa holders get free health insurance?
Usually not. They need to buy private health insurance from a Canadian provider for medical coverage.