What is a Super Visa for parents and grandparents?

A Super Visa is a special type of visa offered by the Canadian government to facilitate the reunion of Canadian citizens and permanent residents with their parents and grandparents who wish to visit and stay in Canada for an extended period. The Super Visa program is designed to provide eligible individuals with a more extended stay option compared to regular visitor visas. Here’s an overview of the Super Visa for parents and grandparents in Canada:

Key Features of the Super Visa:

• Longer Stay Period: The Super Visa allows eligible parents and grandparents to stay in Canada for up to two years on each entry, without the need for visa renewals.
• Multiple Entries: Super Visa holders can make multiple entries into Canada during the validity of their visa, which can last for up to 10 years.
• Insurance Requirement: One of the primary requirements for obtaining a Super Visa is the purchase of Canadian medical insurance from a Canadian insurance company. This insurance must cover health care, hospitalization, and repatriation, and it must be valid for at least one year from the date of entry and provide coverage for at least $100,000.

• Income and Financial Support: The Canadian sponsor (the child or grandchild inviting the parents or grandparents) must meet specific income requirements to demonstrate their ability to financially support their family members during their stay in Canada. This requirement is intended to ensure that the sponsored individuals do not require social assistance from the Canadian government.
• No Right to Work: Super Visa holders are not allowed to work in Canada during their stay. The visa is primarily for family reunification and tourism purposes.

Eligibility Criteria:

To be eligible for a Super Visa, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Relationship: The applicants must be the parents or grandparents of a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.
• Invitation Letter: The Canadian sponsor (child or grandchild) must provide a formal invitation letter that outlines the purpose of the visit, financial support arrangements, and details of their own status in Canada.
• Financial Support: The sponsor must meet a minimum income threshold to demonstrate their ability to provide financial support for the parents or grandparents. This requirement helps ensure that the sponsored individuals do not become dependent on Canadian social assistance.
• Insurance: Applicants must purchase Canadian medical insurance that meets the specified requirements and covers their entire stay in Canada.
• Medical Examination: Applicants must undergo a medical examination by a panel physician approved by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). The results of this examination should be included with the visa application.
• Criminal Background Check: Applicants may be required to provide police clearance certificates from their home country or any country where they have lived for six months or more since the age of 18.
• Proof of Ties to Home Country: Applicants must demonstrate that they have significant ties to their home country, such as property ownership, family, and financial assets, to show their intent to return after their Super Visa expires.
• Immigration Medical Insurance: Applicants should ensure that they have comprehensive medical insurance coverage in place for their stay in Canada.

Application Process:

The application process for a Super Visa typically involves the following steps:

• Obtain the Invitation Letter: The Canadian sponsor must prepare an invitation letter outlining the purpose of the visit, financial support arrangements, and other relevant details.
• Purchase Medical Insurance: Applicants should purchase Canadian medical insurance that meets the specified requirements.
• Complete the Application: Applicants must complete the appropriate visa application form, pay the processing fee, and provide all required supporting documents, including the invitation letter, medical insurance, and the results of the medical examination.
• Biometrics: Depending on nationality and age, applicants may be required to provide biometric data (fingerprints and photograph) as part of the application process.
• Submit the Application: Applicants must submit their application to the appropriate Visa Application Center (VAC) or Canadian consulate/embassy in their home country.
• Attend Interviews and Examinations: Depending on individual circumstances, applicants may be required to attend interviews or provide additional information or documents.
• Wait for a Decision: Once the application is submitted, it will be processed by the Canadian immigration authorities. Processing times may vary.
• Travel to Canada: If the Super Visa is approved, applicants can travel to Canada and stay for the authorized period.

The Super Visa program is a valuable option for Canadian citizens and permanent residents who wish to have their parents and grandparents visit them in Canada for extended periods. It allows for family reunification while also emphasizing the importance of medical insurance coverage to ensure the well-being of the visitors during their stay in Canada. Applicants should carefully review the eligibility criteria and application requirements before proceeding with their Super Visa application.