Special Canadian Visas and Permits (2026): Super Visa, eTA, TRP and More

Last checked against IRCC: October 5, 2026

Most people come to Canada as visitors, students, workers or permanent residents. Canada also has some less familiar visas and permits for specific situations. Here are the main ones in 2026, and what has changed.

1. Super Visa (parents and grandparents)

For parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens, permanent residents or registered Indians.

• Stay: up to 5 years at a time. A regular visitor is usually allowed up to 6 months.
• Validity: multiple entries for up to 10 years
• Fee: from CAD 100, plus biometrics (CAD 85)
• Key requirements:
• a signed letter of invitation from your child or grandchild
• proof that they meet the minimum income requirement
• private health insurance valid for at least 1 year from entry, with at least CAD 100,000 of coverage, from a Canadian insurer or an approved non-Canadian insurer
• an immigration medical exam
• You must apply from outside Canada, and you can’t include dependants.

2. eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization)

For visa-exempt travellers, such as citizens of the UK, most EU countries, Australia and Japan, who fly to or through Canada.

• Fee: CAD 7
• Validity: up to 5 years, or until your passport expires
• US citizens don’t need an eTA. Lawful permanent residents of the US travel with a valid green card and passport.
• Apply only on the official Government of Canada website. Third-party sites often charge much more.

3. Transit visa

For travellers from visa-required countries who pass through a Canadian airport for 48 hours or less on the way to another country.

• Fee: free
• Some travellers can transit without a visa under the Transit Without Visa or China Transit Program, if they meet the conditions.

4. Temporary Resident Permit (TRP)

For people who are inadmissible to Canada, for example because of a criminal conviction, but have a justified reason to visit.

• Fee: about CAD 240
• Issued only if your need to enter outweighs the risk, and only for a limited time
• If your conviction is old enough, you may be able to apply for criminal rehabilitation instead, which permanently resolves the inadmissibility.

5. International Experience Canada (IEC): Working Holiday

For young people, usually aged 18–35, from countries with a youth mobility agreement with Canada. You get an open work permit for 12–24 months, depending on your country. It works through annual pools and invitations. See our working holiday visa guide for the wider picture.

6. Business visitors

There’s no separate “business visa”. People coming for meetings, conferences or negotiations, without entering the Canadian labour market, use a regular visitor visa or an eTA, with documents that show the business purpose.

7. Diplomatic and official (courtesy) visas

For diplomats, officials and their families on official business. These are handled through foreign affairs channels, not the regular visitor process.

What changed: Start-Up Visa closed

The Start-Up Visa Program for entrepreneurs stopped accepting new work permit applications on December 19, 2025. It closed to new applications at the end of December 31, 2025, except for people with a valid 2025 commitment from a designated organization. The Self-Employed Persons Program also remains paused. IRCC says it plans a new targeted pilot for immigrant entrepreneurs. Check IRCC for its launch before making any plans, and be wary of agents selling “start-up visa” packages.

Humanitarian and compassionate (H&C) applications

H&C isn’t a visitor visa. It’s a request to be granted permanent residence on humanitarian grounds, usually by people already in Canada with strong ties or exceptional hardship. It’s assessed case by case, and professional advice is recommended.

Frequently asked questions

Can my parents work on a super visa?
No. It’s a visitor document. They can’t work in Canada without a separate permit.

Does an eTA guarantee entry?
No. A border officer still decides at your port of entry.

Can I still apply for the Start-Up Visa?
Not for most people. New applications closed at the end of 2025. Wait for IRCC’s new entrepreneur pilot.

How we checked this guide

We checked eligibility and fees against IRCC’s official pages, and the Start-Up Visa changes against IRCC’s December 19, 2025 notice, in October 2026. Confirm current details on canada.ca before you apply.

Related Articles

• Work Visas Without a College Degree: Real Pathways for 2026
• UK raises its English requirement to B2 for major work visas starting January 2026.
• Nigeria Visa & Travel Hub: The Complete 2026 Guide