Quick answer
Most Super Visa refusals come down to one of five things: the host's income, the medical insurance, the invitation letter, the medical exam, or the officer not being convinced your parent will go home. Find which one failed in the refusal letter, fix it properly, and reapply. Insurance mistakes are the easiest to avoid.
The five tests behind most refusals
| Test | Common problem | How to fix it |
|---|---|---|
| Host income | Below the minimum for the family size, or family size counted wrong | Recount everyone; use the 2026 two-year or 75% options |
| Medical insurance | Under $100,000, less than a year from entry, insurer not eligible, or insurer not named | Use a compliant policy from a Canadian or OSFI-authorized insurer, with the underwriter named on the letter |
| Invitation letter | Missing the promise of financial support or the household details | Include support commitment, household members, and proof of the host's status |
| Medical exam | Exam not done, done late, or instructions missed | Follow the panel physician instructions and keep records |
| Temporary intent | Weak ties to the home country | Show property, family, pension and travel history; explain the visit plan clearly |
Insurance mistakes we see most often
- A travel policy meant for Canadians going abroad, not a visitors to Canada / Super Visa policy
- Coverage that ends before one full year from the actual entry date
- A health policy from the parent's home country from an insurer that isn't OSFI-authorized
- A confirmation letter that names only the broker, not the insurer
- Monthly plans without proof of the deposit or instalment arrangement
Every policy we place is checked against the current IRCC insurance requirements before you submit.
What to do after a refusal
- Read the refusal letter carefully. It lists the grounds.
- Get the officer's notes. Many families request them to see the exact reasoning.
- Fix the actual problem, not just the paperwork. Sending the same file twice rarely works.
- Reapply with a stronger application. The previous refusal will be on file, so address it directly.
- For legal challenges, such as Federal Court review, deadlines are strict. Speak to a licensed immigration consultant or lawyer quickly.
Getting your insurance refund
Most insurers refund the full premium if you send the refusal letter before the policy's start date. Monthly-plan setup fees may follow different rules. See our refund guide, and send us the letter so we can file it for you.
Sources
- IRCC — Super visa for parents and grandparents
- IRCC — Super visa: proof of financial support (income table and options)
- IRCC notice — Change to health insurance requirement makes the super visa more accessible
We check these pages regularly, but government rules change. Always confirm on canada.ca before you apply. Pankaj Bhatia is a licensed insurance advisor, not an immigration consultant or lawyer.
Common questions
Why was my parents' Super Visa refused?
The refusal letter states the grounds. Most refusals relate to host income, insurance, the invitation letter, the medical exam, or doubts about returning home.
Can I reapply after a Super Visa refusal?
Yes. Fix the reason for the refusal and submit a new application. Address the previous refusal directly, because it stays on file.
Will I get my Super Visa insurance money back?
Usually, yes. Most insurers refund the full premium when the refusal letter is sent before the policy starts. Fees vary by insurer.
Does a refusal hurt future applications?
It stays on record and later forms ask about it. A well-prepared new application that fixes the problem can still be approved.
Compare quotes now
Enter the traveller's age, coverage amount and dates — prices from multiple insurers appear in seconds.
Quotes are estimates based on each insurer's current rates. The insurer's policy wording and final rate always apply.