Super Visa 2025: Key insurance updates and what they mean for families

The Super Visa Canada program remains crucial for helping families reunite, offering long-term stays for parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens or permanent residents. In 2025, important changes to super visa insurance requirements have introduced new flexibility and potential savings.

If you’re planning to bring your loved ones for an extended visit, this article will detail all you need to know.

What is the Super Visa and who qualifies for it?

The Super Visa is a multi-entry visa designed for parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens or permanent residents. It allows stays of up to 5 years per visit, significantly longer than the 6-month limit of a regular visitor visa for parents. The key features of the Super Visa are:

• Validity for up to 10 years with multiple entries
• A stay of up to 5 years allowed per visit
• Requires mandatory private health insurance with at least $100,000 in coverage
• Only available to parents and grandparents, not siblings or other relatives

What are the major Super Visa insurance changes in 2025?

In January 2025, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) implemented two major changes that affect Super Visa applicants:

Foreign insurance providers are now eligible

As of January 28, 2025, Super Visa applicants can purchase private medical insurance from select foreign insurance companies and not just Canadian providers. This offers families the opportunity to find more affordable coverage while still meeting immigration requirements.

However, the policy must still comply with the following IRCC standards:

• A minimum of $100,000 in emergency health coverage, including hospitalization and repatriation
• Coverage must be valid for at least one year from the planned date of entry
• The insurer must meet Canadian regulatory criteria  

This expanded eligibility is especially helpful for families from countries like India or the Philippines, where private insurance may be more competitively priced than in Canada.

OSFI approval is required for all foreign insurance providers

To ensure regulatory oversight and protect applicants, only insurers approved by the Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions (OSFI) can issue valid Super Visa insurance policies.

For a policy to be valid, the insurance company must:

• Be listed as a federally regulated financial institution on the OSFI website
• Operate an insurance business in Canada (not just through brokers or agents)
• Clearly state on the policy certificate that the coverage was issued in the course of its Canadian operations

How can I check if my insurance provider is OSFI-approved?

To avoid delays or rejections at the border, make sure your insurance provider is OSFI-approved. Start by checking the official OSFI list of federally regulated financial institutions on their website. If you’re unsure about your insurer, contact OSFI directly by emailing information@osfi-bsif.gc.ca with the company’s name and policy details. 

OSFI typically responds within 15 business days. Do not rely on brokers, agents, or third-party administrators, as only licensed insurance companies are valid under the Super Visa Canada program.

How do these changes impact families applying for a Super Visa in 2025?

The 2025 Super Visa changes bring substantial benefits for families, particularly those navigating tight budgets or limited access through permanent immigration programs:

• Greater insurance flexibility: Families can now explore international insurance options, potentially securing better coverage terms or more competitive premiums than those available through Canadian providers
  
• Lower cost of Super Visa Canada insurance: Allowing foreign insurers into the market fosters greater price competition, making coverage more affordable, especially for applicants from countries like India, where local insurers may offer lower rates
  
• Better access to long-term visits: With the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) still limited by annual intake caps and lottery-based selection, the Super Visa continues to be the most practical and dependable route for extended family reunification in Canada

How is the Super Visa different from the Visitor Visa for parents?

While both the Super Visa and a standard Visitor Visa allow foreign nationals to enter Canada temporarily, they serve different purposes and come with distinct requirements. 

The Super Visa is specifically designed for parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens or permanent residents, allowing them to stay in Canada for extended periods without needing to renew their status every few months. 

In contrast, the Visitor Visa is a more general-purpose entry option, suitable for tourists or short-term family visits, and does not require mandatory health insurance coverage.

What steps should applicants take for the Super Visa in 2025?

To successfully apply for the Super Visa in 2025, applicants must have visitor insurance and documentation requirements. Taking the right steps in advance can help avoid delays, rejections, or issues at the border.

• Compare insurance quotes from both Canadian and foreign OSFI-approved insurers
• Check for OSFI authorization before finalizing any insurance purchase
• Keep your insurance valid for your entire stay, renewing if needed
• Bring proof of insurance when entering Canada, as border officers may request it
• Consult a licensed insurance advisor to evaluate your options and ensure full compliance