Canada, known for its stunning landscapes, diverse culture, and high quality of life, is a popular destination for immigrants. Among the various immigration options, the Super Visa for Parents and grandparents program stands out as an excellent opportunity to stay in Canada for an extended period.
In this article, we will delve into the details of the Super Visa for parents and grandparents, outlining the eligibility criteria, application process, and key requirements for obtaining this special visa.
Table of Contents
- What is a Super Visa in Canada?
- How Long Can I Stay in Canada with Super Visa?
- Who is Eligible to Apply for a Canada Super Visa?
- How to Apply for the Canada Super Visa?
- What Should I Do After Applying for Super Visa?
- Can I Apply for My Parents’ Super Visa from Canada?
- Important Tips
What is a Super Visa in Canada?
The Super Visa for Canada is a special immigration initiative designed to facilitate extended visits for parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens or permanent residents. Unlike regular visitor visas, the Super Visa allows eligible family members to stay in Canada for a maximum period of two years per visit. This program aims to promote family reunification by providing a longer duration for parents and grandparents to spend time with their relatives in Canada.
A Super Visa enables you to visit your children or grandchildren for extended periods, with each visit lasting up to 5 years. This visa offers multiple entries and is valid for a maximum period of 10 years. The fees start from CAD 100 and the processing time varies by country.
To be eligible for a Super Visa, certain criteria must be met, and one of the essential requirements is the obligation to have medical insurance. Fulfilling all the specified criteria is crucial for eligibility. If your intended stay is for 6 months or less, it is advisable to apply for a regular visitor visa instead.
How Long Can I Stay in Canada with Super Visa?
The duration of your stay in Canada under a Super Visa is influenced by the date of your application. Here are the considerations based on when you apply:
If You Apply on or After June 22, 2023:
You are eligible to stay for 5 years at a time.
If You Applied Before June 22, 2023:
The date of your entry into Canada with a valid Super Visa impacts the length of your stay. If you entered Canada before June 22, you can stay for the duration granted by the border officer during your entry. For instance, if granted 2 years, your authorized stay is 2 years.
However, if you wish to extend your stay, you have two options:
- Leave Canada before the end of your authorized stay and re-enter after June 22, 2023. The border officer may grant you a 5-year stay if you still meet all the eligibility requirements for a Super Visa.
- Get a stay extension of up to 2 years by applying for an extended stay.
Important Note for Super Visa Holders:
As a Super Visa holder, it is crucial to renew and/or maintain your medical insurance while in Canada and upon re-entry. This ensures continuous coverage and compliance with the Super Visa requirements.
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Who is Eligible to Apply for a Canada Super Visa?
To qualify for a Super Visa, you must meet the following criteria:
Relationship Requirement: You must be the parent or grandparent of a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident of Canada.
Invitation Letter: Provide a signed invitation letter from your child or grandchild inviting you to Canada. The letter should include:
- A promise of providing financial support for the entire duration of your visit.
- Details about the household, including the list and number of people residing with the inviter.
- A copy of Canadian citizenship or permanent resident document of the person who is inviting.
Medical Insurance: Obtain proof of private medical insurance from a Canadian insurance company or an approved insurance company outside Canada. Additional information on approved international insurance providers will be made available in the coming months. The medical insurance must:
- Be paid in full or in installments with a deposit (quotes are not accepted).
- Be valid for a minimum of 1 year from your entry date into Canada.
- Cover health care, hospitalization, and repatriation.
- Provide at least CAD 100,000 in emergency coverage.
- Note: Private health insurance must be valid for each entry into Canada, and you should be prepared to show proof of paid insurance to a border services officer upon entry if requested.
Additional Requirements: In addition to the previously mentioned criteria, you must also:
- Submit your application for a Super Visa while you are outside Canada.
- Once approved, your visa will be printed outside Canada. Await instructions from the visa office regarding this process.
- Be granted permission to enter Canada.
- Complete an immigration medical examination as part of the application process.
- Fulfill other specified conditions outlined by the immigration authorities.
- Note that dependents cannot be included in this particular application. Each individual requiring a Super Visa must submit a separate application.
Financial Support (Proof of Funds)
The child or grandchild inviting you must demonstrate that their household meets the minimum necessary income. Examples of documents that can be used as proof of funds include:
- Notice of Assessment (NOA) or T4/T1 for the most recent tax year.
- Employment Insurance Benefit statements.
- Employment letter containing salary details, job title, job description, and date of hiring.
- Pay stubs.
- Bank statements.
Other Conditions Considered
Before deciding on your application, several other conditions are taken into account:
- Your connections and commitments in your home country.
- The reason for your visit to Canada.
- Your family situation and financial stability.
- The general economic and political stability of your home country.
Minimum Income Criteria
To qualify for a Super Visa, the applicant’s child or grandchild must satisfy the minimum income requirement outlined in the eligibility criteria, commonly referred to as the low-income cut-off (LICO).
| Size of Family | Minimum Income Required |
| 1 person (the sponsor) | CAD 24,949 |
| 2 people | CAD 31,061 |
| 3 people | CAD 38,185 |
| 4 people | CAD 46,362 |
| 5 people | CAD 52,583 |
| 6 people | CAD 59,304 |
| 7 people | CAD 66,027 |
| 7 or more people (for each additional person add) | CAD 6,723 |
Meeting the eligibility criteria for a Super Visa involves careful consideration of various factors. It is important to provide accurate and complete documentation to support your application, demonstrating your genuine intention to visit Canada temporarily and return to your home country voluntarily.
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How to Apply for the Canada Super Visa for Parents & Grandparents?
1. Prepare Your Documentation: Prior to initiating your application for a Super Visa, ensure you have the following documents ready:
- Invitation Letter: A letter of invitation from your child or grandchild who is a Canadian citizen or permanent resident. This letter should contain:
- A commitment to financially support you throughout your visit.
- Details about the household, including the list and number of residents.
- A copy of the inviter’s Canadian citizenship or permanent resident document.
- Financial Documentation: Proof that your child or grandchild’s household meets the minimum necessary income, such as:
- Notice of Assessment (NOA) or T4/T1 for the most recent tax year.
- Employment Insurance benefit statements.
- An employment letter specifying salary, job title, job description, and date of hiring.
- Pay stubs.
- Bank statements.
- Medical Insurance Proof: Evidence of payment for medical insurance from a Canadian insurance company or an approved international insurance company. In the coming months, they will provide additional details about accepted insurance providers.
- Immigration Medical Exam Confirmation: A document confirming that you have undergone the required immigration medical examination.
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2. Initiate Your Super Visa Application Online: To commence the application process for a Super Visa, it is imperative to utilize the IRCC Portal for online submissions. Ensure that you are situated outside Canada at the time of application.
Here is how to Apply Online via the IRCC Portal:
- Create an Account and Sign In: For first-time users of the IRCC Portal, you will be prompted to provide your email address. Subsequently, a code will be provided to facilitate the creation of your account.
- Complete the Online Form and Upload Documents:
- Answer all the relevant questions presented in the online form. Following this, a list of required documents will be generated for your upload.
- This encompasses documents vital for supporting your Super Visa application.
- Refer to the specific list of documents based on your individual situation.
- Payment Process with Credit Card: Payment for the application can be completed using a credit card. The following credit cards and prepaid cards are accepted: Visa®, MasterCard®, American Express®, JCB®, and UnionPay®.
By adhering to these steps, you can efficiently submit your Super Visa application online via the IRCC Portal. This streamlined process ensures ease of application and facilitates the submission of necessary supporting documents for your visa request.
If you are exempt from requiring a visa, you can nevertheless pursue a Super Visa.
If you are not obligated to obtain a visitor visa for entry into Canada, you still have the option to apply for a Super Visa, allowing you to stay in the country for up to 5 years. Upon approval of your application, you will receive a letter to present to a border services officer upon your arrival in Canada.
For air travel, it may be necessary to separately apply for an electronic travel authorization (eTA) to facilitate your journey to and entry into Canada. The eTA will be digitally linked to your passport. Consequently, it is imperative to travel with the passport used for your eTA application, along with the issued letter, to streamline your travel arrangements to Canada.
What Should I Do After Applying for Super Visa?
After you have applied for the Super Visa, here is what you need to do:
Processing Time: The processing time for Super Visa applications varies by country. You should check the specific processing times for your visa office. Most applications are typically processed within a few weeks or less.
Biometrics Collection (Fingerprints and Photo): Schedule your biometrics collection appointment promptly to avoid delays in processing. Learn how to provide your biometrics.
Application Processing: Upon submission, we will review your Super Visa application to ensure that all required documents are included. Incomplete applications will be returned without processing. Additional steps may include:
- An interview with officials in your country.
- Requests for more information.
- A medical examination.
- Obtaining a police certificate.
You will be informed of any additional steps needed.
Passport and Document Return: After processing, we will return your passport and original documents. Documents will not be returned if original bank statements are fake.
Visa Stamping and Issuance: If approved, the Super Visa will be stamped inside your passport. Applicants from visa-exempt countries, get a letter from a border services officer.
Application Refusal: In the event of application refusal, a detailed explanation will be provided.
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Arrival in Canada
Identity Check: Having a valid Super Visa and travel document doesn’t guarantee entry into Canada. Upon arrival, some of the fingerprints inspections are at a primary inspection kiosk at major airports.
Document Preparation: When you arrive, present your passport, travel documents, and other necessary documents, such as a copy of your medical insurance. Ensure these documents are easily accessible to expedite entry.
Entry for Minor Children: Children under 18 must have the right documents and meet the same entry requirements as adults. Additional documents may be required based on whether the child is traveling alone or with someone.
Final Entry Check: Upon passing the identity check and meeting entry requirements, the border services officer may stamp your passport or specify the duration of your stay in Canada. A Super Visa could allow a stay of up to 5 years.
Entry Assurance: False or incomplete information will result in entry denial. Convince the officer of your eligibility and intention to leave Canada at the end of your approved stay.
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Can I Apply for My Parents’ Super Visa from Canada?
Only the parent(s) or grandparent(s) intending to visit Canada, can submit application for a Super Visa. However, specific details about the sponsor must be provided during the application process:
- Full name
- Date of birth
- Phone number and home address
- Job title
- Information about status in Canada (citizen or permanent resident), including proof of status
- Family details, including names and dates of birth
- Total number of persons living in the home
- Letter of invitation
- Proof of minimum income (see below)
Super Visa Important Tips
Embarking on the journey to secure a Super Visa for Canada requires careful planning and attention to detail. Here are crucial tips to enhance the effectiveness of your application:
1. Plan Ahead: Initiate the application process well in advance of your intended travel dates. Early planning allows for ample time to complete all necessary steps and minimizes the risk of last-minute complications. Avoid delays by giving due consideration to processing times and potential unforeseen circumstances.
2. Insurance Renewal: Maintaining valid health insurance coverage is paramount. Renew your health insurance policy before its expiration date. Continuous coverage throughout your stay in Canada is essential, and timely renewal safeguards against any interruptions in medical coverage.
3. Comprehensive Documentation: Submit a thorough and complete set of documents to substantiate your application. Pay meticulous attention to detail and provide all required information accurately. Any omission or incomplete data may lead to processing delays or, in more severe cases, rejection. Documents may include invitation letters, proof of relationship, financial statements, and health insurance details.
4. Understanding Refusals: In the event of an application refusal, take the time to carefully review the reasons provided by the immigration authorities. Understanding the specific grounds for refusal is crucial for identifying areas that require improvement. If you decide to reapply, addressing the issues highlighted in the refusal can significantly enhance the success of your subsequent application.
Seek Professional Advice: If needed, consider seeking advice from immigration professionals or consultants. They can provide valuable insights and guidance based on their expertise.
Additional Recommendations:
- Stay Informed: Keep yourself updated on any changes in immigration policies or procedures. Regularly check official sources for the latest information, as policies may evolve over time.
- Record Keeping: Maintain a well-organized record of all communication, application forms, and supporting documents. This documentation can serve as a reference point and is valuable for any future interactions with immigration authorities.
The Super Visa program offers a valuable opportunity for parents and grandparents to spend extended time with their Canadian family members. By understanding the eligibility criteria, completing the application process meticulously, and adhering to the requirements, applicants can enhance their chances of securing a Super Visa for Canada. It’s important to stay informed about any updates or changes in immigration policies and procedures to ensure a smooth application process. For the latest and most accurate information, always refer to the official website of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
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