For families who want to bring their parents or grandparents to Canada, the Super Visa for Parents and Grandparents is an ideal solution. With this visa, parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens or permanent residents can stay in Canada for extended periods without needing to renew their status frequently. The Super Visa, parents and grandparents, extended stay, Canada visa options, offers a long-term solution for family reunification. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about the Super Visa, from eligibility requirements to application steps. super visa for parents and grandparents in canada

What is the Super Visa?

The Super Visa is a temporary resident visa designed specifically for parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens or permanent residents. Unlike a standard visitor visa, which allows visitors to stay in Canada for up to six months, the Super Visa permits stays of up to two years per visit without needing to renew the visa. This makes it a highly attractive option for families wishing to reunite with their loved ones for extended periods.

The Super Visa is a multi-entry visa, meaning that holders can enter and leave Canada multiple times during its 10-year validity period. It is particularly beneficial for those who want to maintain close family ties while also having the flexibility to return to their home country when needed.

Super Visa vs. Parent and Grandparent Sponsorship Program

The Super Visa is different from the Parent and Grandparent Sponsorship Program (PGP), which grants permanent residence to parents and grandparents. While the PGP allows families to sponsor their parents or grandparents for permanent residency, it has limited spots and often faces long wait times due to high demand. The Super Visa, on the other hand, provides a faster and more accessible option for those who are primarily interested in longer visits rather than permanent settlement.

The key difference is that the Super Visa allows for temporary stays, while the PGP is for permanent residency. Both options have their advantages, but the Super Visa is ideal for families who do not want to wait for years to bring their loved ones to Canada.

Eligibility Criteria for the Super Visa

To qualify for the Super Visa, both the applicant and the host (the child or grandchild) must meet specific eligibility criteria:

For the Parent or Grandparent:

1. Relationship: The applicant must be the parent or grandparent of a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.
2. Medical Insurance: Applicants must have valid medical insurance from a Canadian insurance provider that covers at least $100,000 in medical expenses, including health care, hospitalization, and repatriation. The policy must be valid for at least one year.
3. Medical Examination: The applicant must undergo a medical examination to ensure they are admissible to Canada based on health grounds.
4. Letter of Invitation: A signed letter of invitation from the child or grandchild in Canada is required. This letter must include a promise of financial support during the stay, a list of people living in the household, and proof of the host’s Canadian citizenship or permanent residency.

For the Child or Grandchild (Host):

1. Income Requirement: The host must meet the minimum income requirement, known as the Low-Income Cut-Off (LICO). Proof of income can be demonstrated through documents like tax returns, employment letters, or pay stubs.
2. Financial Support: The host must agree to financially support their parent or grandparent during their stay in Canada. what is an invitation letter from canada

How to Apply for the Super Visa

The application process for the Super Visa involves several steps:

1. Gather Required Documents: Applicants need to gather their passport, proof of relationship with their child or grandchild, proof of medical insurance, and a letter of invitation.
2. Submit the Application: Applications can be submitted online or through a paper-based process. Applicants must fill out the necessary forms, including the Temporary Resident Visa application and the Family Information Form.
3. Pay the Application Fee: The Super Visa application fee is typically around CAD 100 per person. Additionally, applicants must also pay for their biometric data, which involves fingerprinting and photographs.
4. Medical Exam and Biometrics: Applicants will need to undergo a medical examination and provide their biometric information (fingerprints and photographs) at a local Visa Application Center (VAC).
5. Wait for Processing: Super Visa applications generally take a few weeks to process. During this time, the Canadian immigration authorities will review the documents, medical exam results, and biometric data to ensure the applicant meets all the requirements.

Medical Insurance Requirements

One of the critical requirements for the Super Visa is medical insurance. The policy must be from a Canadian insurance provider and cover at least $100,000. The coverage should be valid for a minimum of one year, even if the visit is shorter.

Medical insurance is essential because it ensures that the visiting parent or grandparent is covered for medical expenses during their stay in Canada. This is particularly important given the high costs of health care in Canada for non-residents.

Processing Time and Fees

The processing time for the Super Visa varies based on the country of the applicant, but it typically takes several weeks. Applicants can check processing times online through the official Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website.

The fees involved include:

• Application fee: CAD 100 per person
• Biometric fee: CAD 85 per person
• Medical insurance costs, which can vary depending on the provider and the coverage chosen

Benefits of the Super Visa

The Super Visa offers several benefits to both the applicants and their families:

1. Extended Stay: The primary advantage of the Super Visa is the ability to stay in Canada for up to two years at a time without needing to renew status.
2. Multiple Entries: The Super Visa is a multi-entry visa, allowing holders to travel back and forth between Canada and their home country.
3. Flexibility: Families can reunite without the long wait times associated with permanent residence applications, making it a practical option for those who want to spend extended time together.
4. Faster Processing: Compared to the Parent and Grandparent Sponsorship Program, the Super Visa generally has a faster processing time.

Conclusion

The Super Visa for Parents and Grandparents is an excellent opportunity for Canadian families to bring their loved ones to Canada for extended visits. With benefits like long stays, multiple entries, and faster processing, it offers an ideal solution for those looking to maintain strong family ties without the need for permanent residency. Families who meet the eligibility requirements can enjoy the peace of mind that comes with having their parents or grandparents close by in Canada.