Reuniting with Family: A Guide to the Canadian Super Visa for Parents and Grandparents

The desire to be close to family is a powerful human emotion. For many Canadian citizens and permanent residents, this means wanting their parents and grandparents to visit or even stay for extended periods. The Canadian Super Visa program offers a solution, allowing parents and grandparents to enjoy longer visits to Canada and spend quality time with their loved ones.

What is the Super Visa?

The Super Visa is a multi-entry visitor visa specifically designed for parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens and permanent residents. Introduced in 2011 and updated in 2022, it allows eligible applicants to stay in Canada for up to five years on each entry, with the potential for an extension of up to two years for a total stay of seven years. This eliminates the need for frequent visa renewals and provides greater flexibility and peace of mind for both visitors and their Canadian hosts.

Benefits of the Super Visa:

• Extended Stays: Compared to a regular visitor visa which typically allows stays of up to six months, the Super Visa offers significantly longer visits, fostering stronger family connections.
• Multiple Entries: The Super Visa allows for multiple entries to Canada within its validity period, enabling parents and grandparents to travel back and forth between Canada and their home country with ease.
• Peace of Mind: Knowing they can stay for extended periods allows parents and grandparents to relax and enjoy their time in Canada without the pressures of visa renewals.

Who is Eligible to Apply for a Super Visa?

• Parents and grandparents: Biological or adopted parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens or permanent residents are eligible to apply. Spouses or common-law partners of parents and grandparents can also be included on the same application.
• Canadian citizen or permanent resident host: The applicant’s child or grandchild who invites them to Canada must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.
• Financial Support: The inviting child or grandchild must meet the minimum necessary income based on family size, as determined by the Low-Income Cut-Off (LICO).
• Health Requirements: Applicants must be admissible to Canada on health grounds and undergo a medical examination.
• Genuine Visitor: Applicants must demonstrate a genuine intention to return to their home country at the end of their authorized stay. This is usually shown through proof of property, employment, and family ties in their home country.

The Super Visa Application Process:

The application process for the Super Visa involves several steps:

1. Gather Required Documents: This includes a letter of invitation from the inviting child or grandchild, proof of relationship (birth certificates), proof of the host’s income meeting LICO requirements, private health insurance coverage for the applicant’s entire stay in Canada, and a completed application form.
2. Medical Examination: All applicants will be required to undergo a medical examination by a physician authorized by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
3. Submit Application: The application package needs to be submitted to the Canadian visa office responsible for the applicant’s place of residence outside Canada. Processing times can vary depending on the visa office workload.

Important Considerations:

• No Dependents: Unlike some immigration programs, the Super Visa does not allow applicants to include dependents on their application.
• Private Health Insurance: Mandatory private health insurance coverage with a minimum specified amount of coverage is a requirement.
• Maintaining Ties to Home Country: Applicants should demonstrate strong ties to their home country, such as property ownership, employment, or family ties.

Additional Resources:

The Canadian government provides resources and information on the Super Visa program on the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/visit-canada/parent-grandparent-super-visa/eligibility.html

Conclusion:

The Super Visa program offers a valuable opportunity for families in Canada to be reunited with their parents and grandparents for extended periods. By understanding the eligibility requirements, application process, and important considerations, families can navigate the Super Visa program and enjoy the benefits of spending quality time together.

Additional Information to Consider Adding

• Visa-Exempt Countries: Individuals from visa-exempt countries can still apply for a Super Visa. Instead of a visa, they will be issued a letter of introduction from IRCC, authorizing their initial entry to Canada for up to two years.
• Processing Time: Processing times for the Super Visa can vary depending on the workload at the visa office responsible for the application. While some applications may be processed relatively quickly, others may take several months.
• Professional Immigration Assistance: While the Super Visa application process can be completed independently, consulting with an experienced immigration professional can help ensure a smooth and successful application.

Source: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/visit-canada/parent-grandparent-super-visa/eligibility.html