Super Visa: photo and application guide
Multi-entry temporary visa allowing parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens/PR holders to visit for up to 5 years per entry without leaving.
Quick answer
50 × 70 mm photo · CAD $100 application fee · biometrics at VAC
Photo specification is the shared IRCC 50 × 70 mm format. Biometric capture at the VAC for most nationalities; biometrics valid 10 years. Fee CAD $100 application fee + CAD $85 biometrics + medical exam costs (CAD $200-400). Processing 2-8 weeks. Last reviewed .
Application route
| Full name | Super Visa for Parents and Grandparents |
|---|---|
| Purpose | Multi-entry temporary visa allowing parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens/PR holders to visit for up to 5 years per entry without leaving. |
| Application form | Same application as Visitor visa (IMM 5257) plus Super Visa supporting documents |
| Fee | CAD $100 application fee + CAD $85 biometrics + medical exam costs (CAD $200-400) |
| Processing time | 2-8 weeks |
| Biometric appointment | Yes — captured at the VAC |
| Official portal | IRCC — Super Visa ↗ |
Photo specification
The Super Visa uses the shared IRCC biometric photo standard. The biometric capture at the VAC takes a fresh photo for the application file.
| Size | 50 × 70 mm |
|---|---|
| Head height | 31 to 36 mm chin to crown chin to crown |
| Background | plain white or light grey, even illumination |
| Expression | Neutral, mouth closed (no smile) |
| Glasses | Not allowed since 2016 |
| Digital file | JPEG, 420 × 540 pixels minimum, 60 KB to 240 KB |
What to watch out for with the Super Visa
The Super Visa is valid for up to 10 years (or until passport expiry) and allows stays up to 5 years per entry — exceptional flexibility compared to a standard Visitor visa. The biometric photo specification is the same as TRV. Applicants must show health insurance from a Canadian insurer with minimum CAD $100,000 coverage.
Frequently asked questions about the Super Visa
What size photo do I need for a Super Visa?
50 × 70 mm portrait orientation. The Super Visa uses the standard IRCC biometric photo: head 31 to 36 mm chin to crown, plain light background, neutral expression. The biometric capture happens at the VAC.
How much does the Super Visa cost?
CAD $100 application fee + CAD $85 biometrics + medical exam costs (CAD $200-400). The biometrics fee (CAD $85) is shared across categories — applicants who already provided biometrics within the last 10 years pay only the application fee.
How long does the Super Visa take to process?
2-8 weeks. Processing time starts after biometrics are submitted, not when the online application is filed.
Is biometric capture mandatory for the Super Visa?
Yes — captured at the VAC. Once captured, your biometrics are reused for any Canadian application within 10 years.
Will the photo be used on my Permanent Resident card later?
If you transition from this category to permanent residence, the biometric photo on file at IRCC will be used on the PR card. Choose a photo at the VAC that will still match your appearance 5+ years from now.
Other Canadian visa categories
Prepare your Super Visa photo
Upload a portrait — Anfas.Pro applies the IRCC 50 × 70 mm format and biometric framing automatically.