For many immigrants in Canada, the dream of reuniting with parents and grandparents is deeply personal. While permanent residency sponsorship programs exist, they often come with long waiting times and limited quotas. To bridge this gap, the Canadian government introduced the Super Visa, a special long-term visitor visa that allows parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens and permanent residents to stay in Canada for extended periods.
What Is A Canadian Super Visa?
The Super Visa is a multiple-entry visa that allows eligible parents and grandparents to visit their family in Canada for up to five years at a time without the need to renew their status. It remains valid for up to 10 years, making it one of the most flexible long-term visitor visas in the country.
Unlike a regular visitor visa, which typically permits a stay of only six months, the Super Visa is designed specifically for family reunification, offering parents and grandparents the comfort of living with their loved ones for longer stretches.
Who Can Apply?
Eligibility
- is your child or grandchild
- is a Canadian citizen, permanent resident of Canada or registered Indian, who must provide a copy of one of the following:
- the Canadian citizenship document of the host (and of their spouse or common-law partner, if applicable)
- the permanent resident document of the host (and of their spouse or common-law partner, if applicable)
- a Secure Certificate of Indian Status or Certificate of Indian Status (status card)
- is at least 18 years old and lives in Canada
- meets or exceeds the minimum necessary income
- signs a letter inviting you to Canada that includes
- a promise of financial support for the duration of your visit
- Your child or grandchild’s spouse or common-law partner can co-sign the letter if they are a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident of Canada.
- the list (including name and date of birth) and number of people included when you calculate your family size to determine the minimum necessary income
- a promise of financial support for the duration of your visit
You must also
- be outside Canada when you submit your application for a super visa
- have your visa printed by a visa office outside Canada (wait for visa office instructions)
- be allowed to enter Canada
- take an immigration medical exam
- meet certain other conditions
You can’t include dependants in this application.
Health Insurance
As a super visa holder, you should have a valid health insurance policy while in Canada. If your health insurance will expire before you leave Canada, you may need to renew or maintain your health insurance during your stay. Private health insurance must be valid for each entry to Canada.
The health insurance policy should
- be valid for a minimum of 1 year from the date of entry
- be paid in full or in instalments with a deposit (quotes aren’t accepted)
- cover health care, hospitalization and repatriation
- provide a minimum coverage of $100,000
Be prepared to show your proof of paid insurance to a border services officer when you enter Canada.
Other Things To Consider
When you apply, we’ll consider
- your ties to your home country
- the purpose of your visit
- your family and finances
- the overall economic and political stability of your home country
How To Apply
The application process is straightforward but requires careful documentation:
- Gather documents: This includes proof of relationship, the invitation letter, proof of income, and valid medical insurance.
- Apply online: Applications can be submitted through the official IRCC portal. Paper applications may also be possible in some regions.
- Biometrics and medical exam: Depending on the applicant’s country of residence, biometrics and a medical exam may be required.
- Wait for approval: Processing times vary by region but generally range from a few weeks to several months.
After You Apply
- Book your biometrics collection appointment.
- Wait for your visa application to be approved
After you arrive in Canada, have your documents ready for screening. An identity check will also be carried out to make sure that you’re the same person who was approved to travel to Canada.
Benefits of the Super Visa
The Super Visa offers numerous advantages for families:
- Extended visits: Parents and grandparents can stay for up to five years per entry.
- Multiple entries: The visa remains valid for 10 years, allowing repeated visits without reapplying.
- Family unity: It provides a practical way for families to spend meaningful time together while waiting for permanent sponsorship approvals.
Important Considerations
While the Super Visa is a valuable option, families should keep a few things in mind:
- Private insurance costs: Health insurance premiums can be expensive, especially for elderly applicants.
- No work rights: The Super Visa does not allow holders to work in Canada.
- Temporary status: This is a visitor visa, not a pathway to permanent residency.
Note:
- If you are Currently in the UK and you need help Applying for jobs like these, you can consider joining our Telegram Channel by CLICKING HERE and our Telegram group by CLICKING HERE
Application Process
For more information, CLICK HERE
Conclusion
The Canadian Super Visa is an excellent solution for families who want to stay connected across borders. It allows parents and grandparents to share life’s most important moments.
By meeting the eligibility requirements and preparing the right documentation, families can take advantage of this program and enjoy the closeness that distance once made difficult.
