Written byFizza Butool ZaidiIELTS teacher for 10+ years, PTE for 5Updated 30 October 2026
Super visa: what IRCC asks for
The host must be your child or grandchild, a Canadian citizen, permanent resident or registered Indian, at least 18, living in Canada, meeting the minimum income and signing a letter of invitation. You must apply from outside Canada, hold private health insurance valid for at least 1 year from entry and take an immigration medical exam (IRCC).
| Route | Type | Language test |
|---|---|---|
| Super visa | Visitor status, stays of up to 5 years | None listed |
| Parents and Grandparents Program | Permanent residence | None listed |
| Canadian citizenship (later) | Citizenship | CLB 4 speaking and listening, ages 18 to 54 |
Sponsoring parents for permanent residence
To sponsor, you must be invited to apply, be at least 18, live in Canada, be a citizen, permanent resident or registered Indian, show enough income and sign an undertaking (IRCC). The page has no language requirement for you or your parents.
If your parents later apply for citizenship and are 55 or older, the CLB 4 proof does not apply to them; IRCC sets it for ages 18 to 54 (IRCC).
Rules change, sometimes at short notice. Confirm the current requirement on the IRCC super visa eligibility page before you book a test or apply. This guide restates the official page; it is not legal or immigration advice.
Need a CLB score for Canada?
IRCC accepts IELTS General Training and PTE Core, not IELTS Academic or PTE Academic. Practise the test you will actually sit, free.
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General visitor checks
Before deciding, IRCC also considers whether you are a genuine visitor who will leave by choice at the end of your visit, your ties to your home country, the purpose of your visit, and your family and finances.
If you do not need a visitor visa, you can still get a super visa to stay for 5 years; air travellers may also need an electronic travel authorization (eTA).
Frequently asked questions
Will a visa officer test my parents' English?+
IRCC's eligibility pages do not include a language test. Officers consider whether the applicant is a genuine visitor, ties to home, purpose of visit, family and finances.
Do visa-exempt parents still need a super visa?+
They can still get one to stay up to 5 years, IRCC says. Air travellers may also need an eTA.
Do parents need IELTS for citizenship?+
Only if aged 18 to 54 when applying, and they can also use other accepted proof such as English or French education.
Does the sponsor need a language test?+
No. The sponsor rules cover age, residence, status, income and the undertaking only.
Keep reading
Related
- Canada spousal sponsorship and English
- IELTS for Canadian citizenship
- Australian parent visas and English
- All 3112 guides
Guide updated on 30 October 2026. Individual prices and policies may have earlier observation dates. Confirm current details on the linked official pages before you book or apply.
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