Citizens and permanent residents can sponsor their parents and grandparents for family reunification, involving a thorough application process and meeting financial eligibility criteria.
Additionally, the Super Visa program allows parents and grandparents to visit their family in Canada for an extended period, with the flexibility of multiple entries over a ten-year period, making it an alternative to permanent sponsorship.
What is Super Visa Canada?
The Super Visa is a special program in Canada that lets parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens or residents visit for up to 2 years at a time, with the visa valid for up to 10 years. It’s designed for longer family visits, requires medical insurance, and allows multiple entries.
Eligibility Requirements for Super Visa Canada
To qualify for a Super Visa in Canada (for sponsored person):
- Relationship: Applicant must be parent or grandparent of a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.
- Invitation Letter: Have a written invitation from the Canadian host child or grandchild, who is financially responsible for supporting them parents.
- Financial Support: The host in Canada must meet minimum income requirements to demonstrate the ability to financially support the visitor.
- Ties to Home Country: Provide evidence of ties to the home country, such as property, employment, or family, to show the intention to return after the visit.
For health insurance:
- You must show proof of a valid health insurance policy from a Canadian or approved foreign insurance company.
- Health Examination: Undergo a medical examination to ensure good health.
- Medical Insurance: The policy should be valid for at least 1 year, fully paid, covering health care, hospitalization, and repatriation, with a minimum of $100,000 emergency coverage.
- Renew or maintain your health insurance if it expires during your stay, and be ready to show proof to a border services officer upon entering Canada.
Documents Required for Super Visa
1. Letter of invitation from your host
When your child or grandchild (host) invites you to Canada, they must provide letter of invitation, and their letter must promise to financially support you during your visit and list all family members with their names and birthdates.
To figure out your host’s income needs, include yourself, any other Super Visa applicants (like your spouse), your host child or grandchild, their spouse or common-law partner, and their dependent children in the family size count.
This includes kids considered dependent regardless of custody arrangements. Also, consider previously approved Super Visa holders and individuals sponsored before. For examples on how to calculate family size, check for guidance.
2. Minimum necessary income requirements
To meet the Minimum income requirement, you need to show that your child or grandchild hosting you has enough income. If necessary, their spouse or common-law partner can co-sign the invitation letter and provide income proof.
Acceptable documents include:
- Latest notice from the Canada Revenue Agency
- T4 or T1 forms from the last tax year
- pay stubs for the past 12 months
- Employment Insurance benefit statements
- a letter from an accountant if they are self-employed
- proof of other income sources like pension statements
- a letter from the employer detailing job information
- bank statements
3. Proof of health insurance
To prove you have health insurance, you need to show payment confirmation from a Canadian insurance company or an approved foreign insurer. Information on accepted foreign insurers will be available soon.
The health insurance should:
- Be valid for at least 1 year from your entry date
- Be fully paid or paid in installments with a deposit (quotes aren’t accepted)
- Cover healthcare, hospitalization, and repatriation
- Provide a minimum coverage of $100,000
- Be valid for each entry to Canada and ready for review by a border services officer when requested.
You also need to provide proof of a medical exam by an approved panel physician.
4. Proof of your relationship with your host
You need to confirm your relationship as a parent or grandparent of your host.
Acceptable documents include a copy of your host’s birth certificate or baptismal certificate, or another official document that identifies you as their parent.
How to Apply for Super Visa Canada?
To apply for a Super Visa in Canada, follow these general steps:
- Check Eligibility: Ensure you meet the eligibility criteria, including having a child or grandchild in Canada, obtaining an invitation letter, and meeting the minimum income requirements.
- Gather Required Documents: Collect all necessary documents, including the invitation letter, proof of relationship, proof of the host’s Canadian citizenship or permanent residency, proof of their income, proof of health insurance, and proof of a medical exam.
- Complete Application Form: Fill out the Super Visa application form, which is typically the “Application for Visitor Visa (Temporary Resident Visa)” form (IMM 5257).
- Pay Fees: Pay the application fee, which is non-refundable. Check the official website or contact the nearest visa application center for the most up-to-date fee information.
- Submit Application: Submit your application online or at the Visa Application Center (VAC) responsible for your region. Make sure to include all required documents and pay the necessary fees.
- Biometrics: If required, provide biometric information at the designated Visa Application Center.
- Wait for Processing: Super Visa processing times can vary. Monitor the status of your application online through the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website.
- Receive Visa: If approved, you will receive a Super Visa on your passport, allowing you to visit your family in Canada for an extended period.
Super Visa Processing Time: 3-4 Months depending upon the profile
Super Visa Application Fees: Single-entry visa CAD 100, Multiple-entry visas CAD 150
FAQs
Who is eligible for a Canadian Super visa?
Parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens or permanent residents are eligible for a Super Visa in Canada.
Can super visa be converted to PR?
No, the Super Visa itself cannot be converted to permanent residency (PR) in Canada. The Super Visa is a temporary visa that allows parents and grandparents to visit their family members in Canada for an extended period.
How long can parents stay on super visa?
The Super Visa for parents and grandparents allows them to stay in Canada for up to two years without the need for renewal. The visa is typically valid for multiple entries over a period of up to 10 years.
can I apply for Super Visa Extensions?
Yes, you can apply for Super Visa extensions in Canada.
Can super visa be rejected?
Yes, Super Visa applications can be rejected. The approval of a Super Visa is subject to the discretion of the immigration authorities, and various factors, such as incomplete documentation, ineligibility, or failure to meet the requirements, can lead to a rejection.
What is proof of relationship for super visa?
Proof of relationship for a Super Visa typically involves demonstrating the familial connection between the applicant (parent or grandparent) and the Canadian citizen or permanent resident who is inviting them. Acceptable documents may include:
- Birth Certificate: A copy of the host child or grandchild’s birth certificate.
- Baptismal Certificate: If applicable, a baptismal certificate that includes the names of the parent or grandparent.
- Other Official Documents: Any official document that legally establishes the relationship, such as adoption papers or legal guardianship documents.
