Bringing Family to Canada for Your Convocation: Visitor Visas, Invitation Letters, and Super Visas Explained
New Vision Immigration > Bringing Family to Canada for Your Convocation: Visitor Visas, Invitation Letters, and Super Visas Explained
Bringing Family to Canada for Your Convocation: Visitor Visas, Invitation Letters, and Super Visas Explained
To bring parents, siblings, or grandparents to Canada for your convocation ceremony, each family member who needs a Temporary Resident Visa (visitor visa) or eTA must apply individually and show a genuine intention to visit and return home — a strong, well-documented invitation letter helps but does not guarantee approval. Parents and grandparents of a Canadian citizen or permanent resident may also consider the Super Visa, which allows longer stays but comes with its own insurance and income requirements. Because processing times vary by country and application volume, it is wise to start the process at least two to three months before the ceremony date. This page explains the requirements, the invitation letter, the Super Visa versus regular visitor visa decision, and what to do if an application is refused.
This information is accurate as of July 2026 and is intended as general guidance only. Requirements, fees, thresholds, and processing times are set and updated by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) and can change. Always confirm current details on the official IRCC website or with a licensed representative before submitting an application.
Why Convocation Season Brings a Wave of Visitor Visa Questions
Every spring and fall, thousands of international students across Canada finish their programs and want their parents, siblings, or grandparents in the audience when they cross the stage. It is a milestone families plan for years in advance, and understandably, students want to make sure the people who supported their education can actually be there.
The challenge is that a graduation trip is, in the eyes of a visa officer, treated the same as any other temporary visit to Canada. There is no special “graduation visa” category. Family members must qualify under the standard visitor visa (or eTA) rules, or, in the specific case of parents and grandparents of a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, they may choose to apply for a Super Visa instead. Understanding which route applies, what documents strengthen an application, and how far in advance to start is the difference between a smooth process and a stressful scramble before the ceremony.
Do Your Family Members Need a Visa or an eTA?
Whether a relative needs a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV), commonly called a visitor visa, or an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) depends on their citizenship:
Visa-required countries: Citizens of countries that do not have a visa exemption with Canada must apply for and obtain a visitor visa before travelling, regardless of how they are arriving.
Visa-exempt countries: Citizens of visa-exempt countries generally only need an eTA if they are flying to Canada. An eTA is a simpler, faster online authorization, but it is not a substitute for a visitor visa if the traveller’s nationality requires one.
Because many of New Vision Immigration’s clients have family in India and other visa-required countries, most convocation-related inquiries involve the full visitor visa application, not the eTA. If you are unsure which category applies to your parents or relatives, check their passport’s country of issue against the current IRCC visa-exemption list before assuming either way.
What a Visa Officer Actually Looks At
A visitor visa is not simply a formality — every application is individually assessed. Officers generally weigh:
Purpose and duration of the visit. A clearly defined, time-limited reason to travel (attending a specific graduation ceremony) is a positive factor, provided it is credible and well-documented.
Ties to the home country. Employment, business ownership, property, ongoing financial obligations, and family remaining behind all suggest the applicant has strong reasons to return home after the visit.
Sufficient funds. The applicant needs to show they can cover their own travel, accommodation, and living costs while in Canada (or that a host is willing and able to support them, with proof).
Travel history. A record of previous international travel, especially trips where the person complied with visa conditions and returned home as scheduled, can support an application.
Overall credibility and consistency. Officers look at whether the story told across the application — invitation letter, financial documents, employment letters, travel itinerary — is coherent and consistent.
No single document guarantees a positive decision. The officer weighs the whole picture, and two applicants with similar profiles can receive different outcomes depending on how their individual circumstances and documentation come together.
The Invitation Letter: What It Is and What It Should Include
An invitation letter (sometimes called a Letter of Invitation, or LOI) is written by the person the visitor will be staying with or visiting in Canada — typically the graduating student, though it can also come from a Canadian citizen or permanent resident host. It is one of the most commonly recommended supporting documents for a visitor visa application, though it is not a strictly mandatory form in every case.
A well-prepared invitation letter for a graduation trip typically includes:
The host’s full name, immigration status in Canada (study permit, work permit, PR, citizen), and contact details
The visitor’s full name(s) and relationship to the host (e.g., mother, father, sister, grandfather)
The specific purpose of the visit — attending the convocation ceremony — including the exact ceremony date, institution name, and program
The planned dates of arrival and departure, and the total length of stay
Confirmation of where the visitor(s) will stay (the host’s address, or hotel/accommodation details)
A statement of who will cover the visitor’s expenses during the trip, and supporting financial proof if the host is contributing
The host’s signature and the date the letter was written
Supporting documents that typically accompany the letter include proof of the student’s enrollment or upcoming graduation (an official letter from the institution confirming the convocation date), a copy of the host’s study permit, PR card, or citizenship document, and — where the host is contributing financially — recent bank statements or an employment letter.
Practical note: There is no single “official” government template for an invitation letter, but the content list above reflects what visa officers consistently expect to see. A generic or copy-pasted letter without ceremony-specific details tends to carry less weight than one that clearly ties the visit to a real, verifiable event.
Do Multiple Family Members Need Separate Applications?
Yes. Parents, siblings, and grandparents can all apply to attend the same graduation, and they are often submitted around the same time, but each applicant is assessed on their own merits. A parent with strong ties to their home country and solid finances does not transfer that strength to a sibling or grandparent applying alongside them. Each person needs their own:
Application form and supporting documents
Proof of funds or financial support
Evidence of ties to their home country (employment, property, dependents remaining behind, etc.)
Invitation letter (a single letter can name multiple visitors, but it must speak to each person’s relationship and circumstances)
This is a common misunderstanding — families sometimes assume that if one parent’s application looks strong, the whole group will be approved together. In practice, visa officers assess applications individually, and one refusal in a group does not necessarily affect the others, just as one approval does not guarantee the rest will follow.
Super Visa vs. Regular Visitor Visa: Which Should Parents and Grandparents Use?
This is one of the most frequent questions during convocation season, because there are genuinely two valid paths for parents and grandparents.
Regular visitor visa (TRV):
Available to parents, grandparents, and any other family member (siblings, aunts, uncles, cousins, etc.)
If approved, most visitor visas are issued as multiple-entry visas valid for up to 10 years (or until 1 month before the passport expires, whichever is earlier); the length of each individual stay is decided by the border services officer at the port of entry, and is typically 6 months per entry
No mandatory medical insurance or minimum host income requirement
Straightforward application; suitable for a single graduation trip or occasional visits
Super Visa:
Available only to parents and grandparents of a Canadian citizen or permanent resident — it is not available to grandchildren, siblings, or other relatives
Designed for longer, repeated stays: each entry is authorized for up to 5 years (versus up to 6 months for a standard visitor visa), determined by the border services officer at the port of entry; the visa document itself is issued for up to 10 years, allowing multiple re-entries within that period
Requires proof of private medical insurance providing a minimum of $100,000 CAD in emergency coverage, valid for at least 1 year from the date of entry, from a Canadian insurance company or a foreign insurer approved by the Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions (OSFI)
Requires the Canadian host (child or grandchild) to meet a minimum income threshold based on household size, per IRCC’s Low Income Cut-Off (LICO) table — for example, $30,526 for a household of 1, $56,724 for a household of 4, and $80,784 for a household of 7 (IRCC table last updated July 29, 2025; add $8,224 for each additional family member beyond 7)
More paperwork and cost upfront, but can make sense for parents who plan to visit for extended periods or make repeat trips beyond just the graduation
For a single convocation trip, many families find the standard visitor visa simpler and sufficient. The Super Visa tends to make more sense when parents or grandparents want to stay considerably longer than a typical visit allows, or plan to visit Canada repeatedly over the coming years. Siblings, cousins, and other relatives are not eligible for the Super Visa under any circumstances and must apply for a regular visitor visa or eTA.
Note that IRCC changed how it calculates the host’s income for Super Visa eligibility effective March 31, 2026: hosts (and any co-signer) can now meet the income requirement using either of the two taxation years preceding the application, rather than only the most recent year, and in some cases the visiting parent’s or grandparent’s own income can be counted toward the remaining amount if the host meets a required minimum percentage on their own. This makes the Super Visa income test somewhat more flexible than it was previously, though the underlying LICO household-size thresholds still apply.
The insurance minimum, LICO table figures, and stay lengths above reflect IRCC’s published Super Visa requirements on canada.ca, confirmed current as of July 2026. IRCC updates the LICO table periodically (most recently July 29, 2025) — always confirm the current figures directly with IRCC or with our office before budgeting for a Super Visa application, since a household’s required income depends on its specific family-size calculation.
What It Costs (Government Fees, as of July 2026)
Visitor visa (TRV) application fee: starting from $100 CAD per person
Biometrics fee: $85 CAD per person, with a maximum combined fee of $170 CAD for a family applying together
Super Visa: processed as a temporary resident visa application, so the same $100 CAD application fee and $85 CAD biometrics fee apply — there is no separate government fee for the Super Visa designation itself. The larger cost for a Super Visa is typically the private medical insurance policy (meeting the $100,000 CAD minimum coverage described above), which is a market cost that varies by insurer, applicant age, and health history, not a fixed government fee
These figures are current per IRCC’s published fee schedule as of this writing but are reviewed and can change; always confirm the exact current fee on canada.ca before submitting payment.
Timing: When to Apply Before the Ceremony
Visitor visa processing times vary significantly depending on the applicant’s country of residence, the visa office handling the file, application volume, and individual circumstances. There is no fixed guarantee of how long a decision will take — check IRCC’s live processing-times tool on canada.ca for the current estimate for the applicant’s specific country before planning around a date.
As general practical guidance (not an official IRCC rule), we recommend starting the application process at least 2 to 3 months before the convocation date, and earlier where possible — especially if:
The applicant’s country of residence typically has longer processing times
This is the applicant’s first time applying for a Canadian visa
Multiple family members are applying together
There is any complexity in the applicant’s financial or travel history
Booking flights or making non-refundable travel arrangements before a visa is approved is not recommended.
If the Graduation Date Changes or the Application Is Refused
If the ceremony is postponed or cancelled after the invitation letter or application has already been submitted: this is not automatically fatal to the application, but it does require prompt action. IRCC should generally be updated with accurate, current information — an inconsistency between the stated purpose of travel and the actual event could raise questions if left unaddressed. If the date changes, updated confirmation from the institution and a revised itinerary can help keep the application consistent and credible.
If the application is refused: a refusal letter will usually identify the officer’s stated reasons. Common refusal reasons include insufficient proof of ties to the home country, insufficient funds, incomplete or inconsistent documentation, prior immigration violations, or an unclear or unconvincing purpose of travel. Options after a refusal generally include reapplying with stronger, more complete documentation addressing the specific concerns raised, requesting more detailed reasons through the applicant’s file (such as GCMS notes), or, in limited circumstances, judicial review. A refusal for one convocation date does not necessarily mean a future application will fail, particularly if the underlying concerns are addressed.
How New Vision Immigration Consultants Can Help
Ramandeep Singh and Jobanjit Singh Hundal, Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultants (RCICs) at New Vision Immigration Consultants Co. Ltd in Surrey, BC, assist students and their families with:
Preparing invitation letters and supporting documentation packages for parents, siblings, and grandparents
Assessing whether a Super Visa or a standard visitor visa best fits the family’s situation
Reviewing financial and ties-to-home-country documentation before submission
Advising on next steps after a visitor visa refusal
Consultations available in English, Punjabi, and Hindi
We do not guarantee visa approval — no representative legitimately can, since the final decision always rests with the visa officer — but proper preparation and complete, consistent documentation meaningfully improve the quality of an application.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How do I invite my parents to Canada for my convocation or graduation ceremony?
A: Your parents will need to apply for a visitor visa (or eTA, if they hold a visa-exempt passport and are flying) through IRCC. As the student in Canada, you can support their application with an invitation letter that names the ceremony, its date, your institution, and confirms where they’ll stay. Your parents still need to independently show sufficient funds, ties to their home country, and a credible travel plan — the invitation letter supports the application but does not replace those requirements.
Q: What should an invitation letter for parents attending a graduation ceremony include?
A: It should include your immigration status in Canada, your relationship to your parents, the specific purpose of the visit (naming the convocation date and institution), the planned length of stay, confirmation of accommodation, who is covering costs during the trip, and your signature and the date. Attaching proof of your enrollment or upcoming graduation and a copy of your status document (study permit, PR card, etc.) strengthens the letter.
Q: Do I need to be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident to invite my parents for my graduation?
A: No. International students on a valid study permit can write an invitation letter for their parents. The letter simply needs to accurately reflect your actual status in Canada — there is no requirement to be a citizen or permanent resident to invite family for a visit.
Q: Can I invite my parents to attend my convocation even if I haven’t been studying in Canada very long?
A: Yes, length of time in Canada is not, on its own, a disqualifying factor. What matters more is that your invitation letter and supporting documents are accurate and consistent, and that your parents individually meet the visitor visa requirements — sufficient funds, ties to home, and a credible reason to return after the visit.
Q: Can I get a visitor visa for my mother and sister to attend my graduation ceremony together?
A: Both can apply, and they can be named in the same invitation letter, but each is assessed as an individual applicant. Your sister does not need to be a parent or grandparent for a standard visitor visa (that restriction only applies to the Super Visa). Each applicant must show her own funds, ties to home, and credible purpose of travel.
Q: Should family members apply for a regular tourist/visitor visa, or is there a different option for a graduation trip?
A: For most convocation trips, the standard visitor visa is the simplest and most common route. Parents and grandparents of a Canadian citizen or permanent resident also have the option of a Super Visa, which suits longer or repeated stays but comes with additional insurance and income requirements. Siblings and other relatives are not eligible for the Super Visa and must use the regular visitor visa or eTA.
Q: What documents does an invitation letter for a parent’s visitor visa need?
A: Typically: the letter itself (signed and dated), proof of the host’s status in Canada, proof of the graduation/enrollment (a letter from the institution confirming the ceremony date), and, where the host is providing financial support, recent bank statements or an employment letter. The visiting parent still needs to submit their own visa application with their own financial and ties-to-home documentation.
Q: What’s a good format or template for an invitation letter for a visitor visa?
A: There is no mandatory government template, but a strong letter is written like a formal letter: your contact information and status at the top, a clear statement of purpose (naming the convocation date and institution), the visitor’s details and relationship to you, planned dates and accommodation, a statement on covering costs, and your signature. Specificity — real dates, real institution names, real addresses — matters more than any particular format.
Q: My parents’ visitor visa application was refused — what can we do next?
A: Start by reviewing the refusal letter for the officer’s stated reasons. Depending on the reasons given, options include reapplying with stronger documentation addressing those specific concerns, requesting the officer’s detailed notes (GCMS notes) to better understand the decision, or, in some cases, pursuing a formal review. A licensed consultant can help assess which route makes sense given the specific refusal reasons cited.
Q: Why would a parent’s visa be refused for attending a graduation ceremony, even with an invitation letter, if the officer cites “strong ties” concerns?
A: An invitation letter supports an application but does not establish ties to the home country — that comes from the applicant’s own employment, property, financial obligations, and family circumstances. If an officer isn’t convinced the applicant has sufficient reason to return home, a well-written invitation letter alone will not overcome that concern. Strengthening proof of ties (employment letters, property documents, dependents remaining behind) is usually the key to addressing this in a future application.
Q: How far in advance of the convocation date should we apply for the visitor visa?
A: As general practical guidance, starting the application at least 2 to 3 months before the ceremony date is commonly recommended, since processing times vary by country and can change without much notice. This is not an official IRCC rule, and earlier is generally safer, particularly for first-time applicants or countries with historically longer processing times.
Q: Should family get a Super Visa or a regular visitor visa for attending a graduation?
A: For parents and grandparents of a Canadian citizen or permanent resident planning a single graduation trip, a regular visitor visa is often the simpler and less costly route. A Super Visa may make more sense if they intend to stay considerably longer or visit repeatedly in the years ahead: it allows a stay of up to 5 years per entry (versus up to 6 months on a standard visitor visa), but requires private medical insurance with a minimum of $100,000 CAD in emergency coverage and proof the Canadian host meets IRCC’s minimum income (LICO) threshold for their household size.
Q: How much money or bank balance do parents need to show for a Canadian visitor visa application?
A: There is no single fixed dollar figure published for every case — officers assess whether the funds shown are sufficient for the applicant’s specific trip length, travel costs, and circumstances, including any financial support being provided by the host in Canada. Because this is assessed case by case and guidance can be updated, confirm current expectations with IRCC or a licensed consultant rather than relying on a fixed number.
Q: Can grandparents come for a convocation ceremony on a regular visitor visa, or do they need a Super Visa specifically?
A: Grandparents can apply for a standard visitor visa for a graduation trip; the Super Visa is not mandatory. The Super Visa is simply an additional option available specifically to parents and grandparents of a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, generally suited to longer or repeated stays, not a requirement for a single ceremony visit.
Q: What documents are needed overall to invite parents for a graduation in Canada?
A: On the host side: an invitation letter, proof of your status in Canada, and proof of the graduation/enrollment. On the parents’ side: a completed visitor visa application, valid passport, proof of funds, evidence of ties to their home country (employment, property, family remaining behind), and a travel itinerary. If you are financially supporting the visit, your financial documents should also be included.
Q: If the graduation ceremony is postponed or cancelled after we’ve already sent the invitation letter and visa application, does that cause a problem?
A: It’s not automatically disqualifying, but it should be addressed promptly and accurately. If the date changes, updated confirmation from your institution and a revised travel itinerary help keep the application consistent. Leaving outdated information in an active application can create confusion or raise credibility questions during processing.
Q: Can parents and grandparents apply for visitor visas together for the same graduation trip?
A: Yes, they can apply around the same time and can be included in the same invitation letter, but each person submits their own individual application and must independently meet the requirements — sufficient funds, ties to home, and a credible purpose of travel. One person’s strong application does not guarantee approval for another applying alongside them.
Q: What should a Temporary Resident Visa invitation letter include as supporting evidence?
A: Beyond the letter itself, strong supporting evidence typically includes proof of the host’s status in Canada (study permit, work permit, PR card, or citizenship document), an official letter from the educational institution confirming the graduation date and program, and, where relevant, financial documents showing the host can support the visit as stated in the letter.
Q: How long can parents stay in Canada after the graduation ceremony on a regular visitor visa?
A: Standard visitor visas for parents are usually issued as multiple-entry visas valid for up to 10 years (or until 1 month before the passport expires, whichever comes first). This visa validity period is separate from the length of stay: at the port of entry, the border services officer decides how long the visitor may actually remain, and that is typically 6 months per entry unless an extension is approved before that period expires. It’s worth confirming the exact stamped or recorded date at entry.
Q: Do visiting family need travel or medical insurance for a regular visitor visa, or is that only required for a Super Visa?
A: Private medical insurance with a minimum of $100,000 CAD in emergency coverage (from a Canadian insurer or an IRCC/OSFI-approved foreign insurer, valid at least 1 year from entry) is a mandatory documented requirement specifically for the Super Visa. It is not a mandatory requirement for a standard visitor visa, though purchasing travel medical insurance for any visit to Canada is strongly recommended as a practical precaution, since visitors are generally not covered by provincial health plans.
Q: How much does a visitor visa or Super Visa application cost?
A: The standard visitor visa (temporary resident visa) application fee starts from $100 CAD per person, plus an $85 CAD biometrics fee per person (maximum $170 CAD for a family applying together). A Super Visa application uses this same fee structure — there is no separate government fee for the Super Visa itself. For a Super Visa, the larger cost is usually the required private medical insurance policy (minimum $100,000 CAD in emergency coverage), which is priced by the insurer based on the applicant’s age and health, not a fixed government amount. Government fees are reviewed periodically, so confirm the current amount on canada.ca before paying.
Q: If my parents are self-employed, how do we prove strong ties to their home country for the visitor visa application?
A: Self-employed applicants can typically demonstrate ties through business registration documents, recent tax filings or financial statements, proof of business premises or assets, bank statements showing consistent business activity, and evidence of ongoing obligations (staff, contracts, property, dependents) that would reasonably bring them back after the visit. A letter explaining the nature and stability of the business, alongside supporting financial records, is generally helpful.
Related reading: For official visitor visa requirements, see canada.ca. If the visiting family plans to also apply for a study permit extension while in Canada, see our study permit extension guide, or if a spouse is considering a longer-term stay, see our Spousal Open Work Permit guide. A well-prepared convocation visitor visa application, with a clear invitation letter, is the single biggest factor in a smooth approval.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Book a consultation with a licensed Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (Jobanjit Singh Hundal, RCIC #R526826) at New Vision Immigration Consultants Co. Ltd in Surrey, BC.
Phone: +1 (604) 591-8920
Email: contact@nvimmigration.ca
Book online: https://nvimmigration.setmore.com
We provide services in English, Punjabi, and Hindi.
Disclaimer
Information on this page is accurate as of July 2026 and is provided for general information only. Canadian immigration rules, processing times, and program criteria change frequently. This content does not constitute legal advice. For advice specific to your situation, consult a licensed Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC).
Bringing Family to Canada for Your Convocation: Visitor Visas, Invitation Letters, and Super Visas Explained
To bring parents, siblings, or grandparents to Canada for your convocation ceremony, each family member who needs a Temporary Resident Visa (visitor visa) or eTA must apply individually and show a genuine intention to visit and return home — a strong, well-documented invitation letter helps but does not guarantee approval. Parents and grandparents of a Canadian citizen or permanent resident may also consider the Super Visa, which allows longer stays but comes with its own insurance and income requirements. Because processing times vary by country and application volume, it is wise to start the process at least two to three months before the ceremony date. This page explains the requirements, the invitation letter, the Super Visa versus regular visitor visa decision, and what to do if an application is refused.
This information is accurate as of July 2026 and is intended as general guidance only. Requirements, fees, thresholds, and processing times are set and updated by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) and can change. Always confirm current details on the official IRCC website or with a licensed representative before submitting an application.
Why Convocation Season Brings a Wave of Visitor Visa Questions
Every spring and fall, thousands of international students across Canada finish their programs and want their parents, siblings, or grandparents in the audience when they cross the stage. It is a milestone families plan for years in advance, and understandably, students want to make sure the people who supported their education can actually be there.
The challenge is that a graduation trip is, in the eyes of a visa officer, treated the same as any other temporary visit to Canada. There is no special “graduation visa” category. Family members must qualify under the standard visitor visa (or eTA) rules, or, in the specific case of parents and grandparents of a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, they may choose to apply for a Super Visa instead. Understanding which route applies, what documents strengthen an application, and how far in advance to start is the difference between a smooth process and a stressful scramble before the ceremony.
Do Your Family Members Need a Visa or an eTA?
Whether a relative needs a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV), commonly called a visitor visa, or an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) depends on their citizenship:
Because many of New Vision Immigration’s clients have family in India and other visa-required countries, most convocation-related inquiries involve the full visitor visa application, not the eTA. If you are unsure which category applies to your parents or relatives, check their passport’s country of issue against the current IRCC visa-exemption list before assuming either way.
What a Visa Officer Actually Looks At
A visitor visa is not simply a formality — every application is individually assessed. Officers generally weigh:
No single document guarantees a positive decision. The officer weighs the whole picture, and two applicants with similar profiles can receive different outcomes depending on how their individual circumstances and documentation come together.
The Invitation Letter: What It Is and What It Should Include
An invitation letter (sometimes called a Letter of Invitation, or LOI) is written by the person the visitor will be staying with or visiting in Canada — typically the graduating student, though it can also come from a Canadian citizen or permanent resident host. It is one of the most commonly recommended supporting documents for a visitor visa application, though it is not a strictly mandatory form in every case.
A well-prepared invitation letter for a graduation trip typically includes:
Supporting documents that typically accompany the letter include proof of the student’s enrollment or upcoming graduation (an official letter from the institution confirming the convocation date), a copy of the host’s study permit, PR card, or citizenship document, and — where the host is contributing financially — recent bank statements or an employment letter.
Practical note: There is no single “official” government template for an invitation letter, but the content list above reflects what visa officers consistently expect to see. A generic or copy-pasted letter without ceremony-specific details tends to carry less weight than one that clearly ties the visit to a real, verifiable event.
Do Multiple Family Members Need Separate Applications?
Yes. Parents, siblings, and grandparents can all apply to attend the same graduation, and they are often submitted around the same time, but each applicant is assessed on their own merits. A parent with strong ties to their home country and solid finances does not transfer that strength to a sibling or grandparent applying alongside them. Each person needs their own:
This is a common misunderstanding — families sometimes assume that if one parent’s application looks strong, the whole group will be approved together. In practice, visa officers assess applications individually, and one refusal in a group does not necessarily affect the others, just as one approval does not guarantee the rest will follow.
Super Visa vs. Regular Visitor Visa: Which Should Parents and Grandparents Use?
This is one of the most frequent questions during convocation season, because there are genuinely two valid paths for parents and grandparents.
Regular visitor visa (TRV):
Super Visa:
For a single convocation trip, many families find the standard visitor visa simpler and sufficient. The Super Visa tends to make more sense when parents or grandparents want to stay considerably longer than a typical visit allows, or plan to visit Canada repeatedly over the coming years. Siblings, cousins, and other relatives are not eligible for the Super Visa under any circumstances and must apply for a regular visitor visa or eTA.
Note that IRCC changed how it calculates the host’s income for Super Visa eligibility effective March 31, 2026: hosts (and any co-signer) can now meet the income requirement using either of the two taxation years preceding the application, rather than only the most recent year, and in some cases the visiting parent’s or grandparent’s own income can be counted toward the remaining amount if the host meets a required minimum percentage on their own. This makes the Super Visa income test somewhat more flexible than it was previously, though the underlying LICO household-size thresholds still apply.
The insurance minimum, LICO table figures, and stay lengths above reflect IRCC’s published Super Visa requirements on canada.ca, confirmed current as of July 2026. IRCC updates the LICO table periodically (most recently July 29, 2025) — always confirm the current figures directly with IRCC or with our office before budgeting for a Super Visa application, since a household’s required income depends on its specific family-size calculation.
What It Costs (Government Fees, as of July 2026)
These figures are current per IRCC’s published fee schedule as of this writing but are reviewed and can change; always confirm the exact current fee on canada.ca before submitting payment.
Timing: When to Apply Before the Ceremony
Visitor visa processing times vary significantly depending on the applicant’s country of residence, the visa office handling the file, application volume, and individual circumstances. There is no fixed guarantee of how long a decision will take — check IRCC’s live processing-times tool on canada.ca for the current estimate for the applicant’s specific country before planning around a date.
As general practical guidance (not an official IRCC rule), we recommend starting the application process at least 2 to 3 months before the convocation date, and earlier where possible — especially if:
Booking flights or making non-refundable travel arrangements before a visa is approved is not recommended.
If the Graduation Date Changes or the Application Is Refused
If the ceremony is postponed or cancelled after the invitation letter or application has already been submitted: this is not automatically fatal to the application, but it does require prompt action. IRCC should generally be updated with accurate, current information — an inconsistency between the stated purpose of travel and the actual event could raise questions if left unaddressed. If the date changes, updated confirmation from the institution and a revised itinerary can help keep the application consistent and credible.
If the application is refused: a refusal letter will usually identify the officer’s stated reasons. Common refusal reasons include insufficient proof of ties to the home country, insufficient funds, incomplete or inconsistent documentation, prior immigration violations, or an unclear or unconvincing purpose of travel. Options after a refusal generally include reapplying with stronger, more complete documentation addressing the specific concerns raised, requesting more detailed reasons through the applicant’s file (such as GCMS notes), or, in limited circumstances, judicial review. A refusal for one convocation date does not necessarily mean a future application will fail, particularly if the underlying concerns are addressed.
How New Vision Immigration Consultants Can Help
Ramandeep Singh and Jobanjit Singh Hundal, Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultants (RCICs) at New Vision Immigration Consultants Co. Ltd in Surrey, BC, assist students and their families with:
We do not guarantee visa approval — no representative legitimately can, since the final decision always rests with the visa officer — but proper preparation and complete, consistent documentation meaningfully improve the quality of an application.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How do I invite my parents to Canada for my convocation or graduation ceremony?
A: Your parents will need to apply for a visitor visa (or eTA, if they hold a visa-exempt passport and are flying) through IRCC. As the student in Canada, you can support their application with an invitation letter that names the ceremony, its date, your institution, and confirms where they’ll stay. Your parents still need to independently show sufficient funds, ties to their home country, and a credible travel plan — the invitation letter supports the application but does not replace those requirements.
Q: What should an invitation letter for parents attending a graduation ceremony include?
A: It should include your immigration status in Canada, your relationship to your parents, the specific purpose of the visit (naming the convocation date and institution), the planned length of stay, confirmation of accommodation, who is covering costs during the trip, and your signature and the date. Attaching proof of your enrollment or upcoming graduation and a copy of your status document (study permit, PR card, etc.) strengthens the letter.
Q: Do I need to be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident to invite my parents for my graduation?
A: No. International students on a valid study permit can write an invitation letter for their parents. The letter simply needs to accurately reflect your actual status in Canada — there is no requirement to be a citizen or permanent resident to invite family for a visit.
Q: Can I invite my parents to attend my convocation even if I haven’t been studying in Canada very long?
A: Yes, length of time in Canada is not, on its own, a disqualifying factor. What matters more is that your invitation letter and supporting documents are accurate and consistent, and that your parents individually meet the visitor visa requirements — sufficient funds, ties to home, and a credible reason to return after the visit.
Q: Can I get a visitor visa for my mother and sister to attend my graduation ceremony together?
A: Both can apply, and they can be named in the same invitation letter, but each is assessed as an individual applicant. Your sister does not need to be a parent or grandparent for a standard visitor visa (that restriction only applies to the Super Visa). Each applicant must show her own funds, ties to home, and credible purpose of travel.
Q: Should family members apply for a regular tourist/visitor visa, or is there a different option for a graduation trip?
A: For most convocation trips, the standard visitor visa is the simplest and most common route. Parents and grandparents of a Canadian citizen or permanent resident also have the option of a Super Visa, which suits longer or repeated stays but comes with additional insurance and income requirements. Siblings and other relatives are not eligible for the Super Visa and must use the regular visitor visa or eTA.
Q: What documents does an invitation letter for a parent’s visitor visa need?
A: Typically: the letter itself (signed and dated), proof of the host’s status in Canada, proof of the graduation/enrollment (a letter from the institution confirming the ceremony date), and, where the host is providing financial support, recent bank statements or an employment letter. The visiting parent still needs to submit their own visa application with their own financial and ties-to-home documentation.
Q: What’s a good format or template for an invitation letter for a visitor visa?
A: There is no mandatory government template, but a strong letter is written like a formal letter: your contact information and status at the top, a clear statement of purpose (naming the convocation date and institution), the visitor’s details and relationship to you, planned dates and accommodation, a statement on covering costs, and your signature. Specificity — real dates, real institution names, real addresses — matters more than any particular format.
Q: My parents’ visitor visa application was refused — what can we do next?
A: Start by reviewing the refusal letter for the officer’s stated reasons. Depending on the reasons given, options include reapplying with stronger documentation addressing those specific concerns, requesting the officer’s detailed notes (GCMS notes) to better understand the decision, or, in some cases, pursuing a formal review. A licensed consultant can help assess which route makes sense given the specific refusal reasons cited.
Q: Why would a parent’s visa be refused for attending a graduation ceremony, even with an invitation letter, if the officer cites “strong ties” concerns?
A: An invitation letter supports an application but does not establish ties to the home country — that comes from the applicant’s own employment, property, financial obligations, and family circumstances. If an officer isn’t convinced the applicant has sufficient reason to return home, a well-written invitation letter alone will not overcome that concern. Strengthening proof of ties (employment letters, property documents, dependents remaining behind) is usually the key to addressing this in a future application.
Q: How far in advance of the convocation date should we apply for the visitor visa?
A: As general practical guidance, starting the application at least 2 to 3 months before the ceremony date is commonly recommended, since processing times vary by country and can change without much notice. This is not an official IRCC rule, and earlier is generally safer, particularly for first-time applicants or countries with historically longer processing times.
Q: Should family get a Super Visa or a regular visitor visa for attending a graduation?
A: For parents and grandparents of a Canadian citizen or permanent resident planning a single graduation trip, a regular visitor visa is often the simpler and less costly route. A Super Visa may make more sense if they intend to stay considerably longer or visit repeatedly in the years ahead: it allows a stay of up to 5 years per entry (versus up to 6 months on a standard visitor visa), but requires private medical insurance with a minimum of $100,000 CAD in emergency coverage and proof the Canadian host meets IRCC’s minimum income (LICO) threshold for their household size.
Q: How much money or bank balance do parents need to show for a Canadian visitor visa application?
A: There is no single fixed dollar figure published for every case — officers assess whether the funds shown are sufficient for the applicant’s specific trip length, travel costs, and circumstances, including any financial support being provided by the host in Canada. Because this is assessed case by case and guidance can be updated, confirm current expectations with IRCC or a licensed consultant rather than relying on a fixed number.
Q: Can grandparents come for a convocation ceremony on a regular visitor visa, or do they need a Super Visa specifically?
A: Grandparents can apply for a standard visitor visa for a graduation trip; the Super Visa is not mandatory. The Super Visa is simply an additional option available specifically to parents and grandparents of a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, generally suited to longer or repeated stays, not a requirement for a single ceremony visit.
Q: What documents are needed overall to invite parents for a graduation in Canada?
A: On the host side: an invitation letter, proof of your status in Canada, and proof of the graduation/enrollment. On the parents’ side: a completed visitor visa application, valid passport, proof of funds, evidence of ties to their home country (employment, property, family remaining behind), and a travel itinerary. If you are financially supporting the visit, your financial documents should also be included.
Q: If the graduation ceremony is postponed or cancelled after we’ve already sent the invitation letter and visa application, does that cause a problem?
A: It’s not automatically disqualifying, but it should be addressed promptly and accurately. If the date changes, updated confirmation from your institution and a revised travel itinerary help keep the application consistent. Leaving outdated information in an active application can create confusion or raise credibility questions during processing.
Q: Can parents and grandparents apply for visitor visas together for the same graduation trip?
A: Yes, they can apply around the same time and can be included in the same invitation letter, but each person submits their own individual application and must independently meet the requirements — sufficient funds, ties to home, and a credible purpose of travel. One person’s strong application does not guarantee approval for another applying alongside them.
Q: What should a Temporary Resident Visa invitation letter include as supporting evidence?
A: Beyond the letter itself, strong supporting evidence typically includes proof of the host’s status in Canada (study permit, work permit, PR card, or citizenship document), an official letter from the educational institution confirming the graduation date and program, and, where relevant, financial documents showing the host can support the visit as stated in the letter.
Q: How long can parents stay in Canada after the graduation ceremony on a regular visitor visa?
A: Standard visitor visas for parents are usually issued as multiple-entry visas valid for up to 10 years (or until 1 month before the passport expires, whichever comes first). This visa validity period is separate from the length of stay: at the port of entry, the border services officer decides how long the visitor may actually remain, and that is typically 6 months per entry unless an extension is approved before that period expires. It’s worth confirming the exact stamped or recorded date at entry.
Q: Do visiting family need travel or medical insurance for a regular visitor visa, or is that only required for a Super Visa?
A: Private medical insurance with a minimum of $100,000 CAD in emergency coverage (from a Canadian insurer or an IRCC/OSFI-approved foreign insurer, valid at least 1 year from entry) is a mandatory documented requirement specifically for the Super Visa. It is not a mandatory requirement for a standard visitor visa, though purchasing travel medical insurance for any visit to Canada is strongly recommended as a practical precaution, since visitors are generally not covered by provincial health plans.
Q: How much does a visitor visa or Super Visa application cost?
A: The standard visitor visa (temporary resident visa) application fee starts from $100 CAD per person, plus an $85 CAD biometrics fee per person (maximum $170 CAD for a family applying together). A Super Visa application uses this same fee structure — there is no separate government fee for the Super Visa itself. For a Super Visa, the larger cost is usually the required private medical insurance policy (minimum $100,000 CAD in emergency coverage), which is priced by the insurer based on the applicant’s age and health, not a fixed government amount. Government fees are reviewed periodically, so confirm the current amount on canada.ca before paying.
Q: If my parents are self-employed, how do we prove strong ties to their home country for the visitor visa application?
A: Self-employed applicants can typically demonstrate ties through business registration documents, recent tax filings or financial statements, proof of business premises or assets, bank statements showing consistent business activity, and evidence of ongoing obligations (staff, contracts, property, dependents) that would reasonably bring them back after the visit. A letter explaining the nature and stability of the business, alongside supporting financial records, is generally helpful.
Related reading: For official visitor visa requirements, see canada.ca. If the visiting family plans to also apply for a study permit extension while in Canada, see our study permit extension guide, or if a spouse is considering a longer-term stay, see our Spousal Open Work Permit guide. A well-prepared convocation visitor visa application, with a clear invitation letter, is the single biggest factor in a smooth approval.
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Disclaimer
Information on this page is accurate as of July 2026 and is provided for general information only. Canadian immigration rules, processing times, and program criteria change frequently. This content does not constitute legal advice. For advice specific to your situation, consult a licensed Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC).