Canada is a country known for its welcoming atmosphere, breathtaking landscapes, and vibrant multicultural cities. What is the better way to experience it than with your loved ones? If you're a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, the Super Visa is an incredible opportunity to invite your parents and grandparents to visit you for extended periods. Here’s everything you need to know about the Super Visa for Parents and Grandparents!
What is a Super Visa?
The Super Visa is a special type of visa that allows parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens and permanent residents to visit Canada for up to 5 years at a time. Unlike the regular visitor visa, which typically allows stays of up to six months, the Super Visa offers multiple entries for a period of up to 10 years! This makes it an ideal choice for family reunification, allowing parents and grandparents to stay in Canada for long stretches without needing to leave and reapply every few months.
Who Can Apply for a Super Visa?
To apply for a Super Visa, the applicant should be a parent or grandparent of a Canadian citizen or permanent resident. The person inviting them (the sponsor) must meet the following criteria:
- Be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident
- Be able to provide financial support to the parent or grandparent during their stay
- Meet the minimum necessary income to demonstrate their ability to support the applicant
It's important to remember that the applicant must also meet health and insurance requirements, which we’ll cover shortly!
Requirements to Get a Super Visa
To be eligible for a Super Visa, applicant must:
- Be the parent or grandparent of a Canadian citizen or permanent resident
- Be found admissible to Canada, meaning they have no criminal history and pose no security risk
- Provide proof of medical insurance coverage from a Canadian insurance company, valid for at least one year with a minimum coverage of $100,000 CAD
- Demonstrate that the sponsor (child or grandchild) meets the minimum necessary income to support the applicant during their stay
- Undergo a medical exam, if required
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How to Apply for a Super Visa
- Check Eligibility: Confirm that you meet the requirements, including the financial support and medical insurance criteria.
- Prepare the Documents: You’ll need to gather documents like proof of your relationship with the Canadian citizen or permanent resident (e.g., birth certificates), proof of the sponsor’s income, a letter of invitation, medical insurance coverage, and other supporting documents.
- Submit Your Application: The application can be completed online or via a Visa Application Center (VAC). Be sure to fill out the forms accurately and submit all the required documents.
- Biometrics: You may be asked to provide biometrics (fingerprints and a photo) as part of your application. Please note that this may affect the overall processing time.
- Pay Fees: The application fee for a Super Visa starts at $CAN 100, but additional fees may apply for biometrics or other services.
After You Apply
Once your Super Visa application is submitted, the processing time begins. The processing times can vary depending on your home country, so be sure to check the specific processing time for your region. You can track the status of your application online through your IRCC account.
If everything goes smoothly, you’ll receive your Super Visa and be able to travel to Canada for your long-awaited visit. Keep in mind that you may also be required to attend an interview or submit additional documents, so stay on top of any requests from the Canadian immigration authorities.
Travelling Outside Canada
If you leave Canada during your Super Visa stay, your visa will remain valid until its expiration date. However, ensure that you carry the required documentation to re-enter Canada. The Super Visa provides multiple entries, so you can travel back and forth without worrying about applying for a new visa each time!
Fees for the Super Visa
The application fee for the Super Visa starts at $CAN 100. However, additional costs may arise for biometrics, medical exams, or other services during the application process. Always check the latest fee schedule on the official Canadian immigration website to ensure you're prepared.
Processing Times
The processing time for a Super Visa can vary depending on the country of application. It’s essential to plan ahead, as processing times can take several weeks or months. As a general guideline, it’s wise to check the specific processing times for your country before applying.
The Super Visa is an amazing opportunity for families to reconnect and enjoy time together in Canada for extended periods of time. With the flexibility of multiple entries and the ability to stay for up to 5 years at a time, it’s a fantastic option for parents and grandparents looking to spend more time with their loved ones in Canada.