Super Visa for Parents and Grandparents: A Guide to Bringing Loved Ones Closer

Bringing families together, especially across borders, can be a daunting task filled with paperwork and legalities. However, for those who wish to reunite with their parents or grandparents in Canada, there’s a special pathway known as the Super Visa. Designed to facilitate extended visits for parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens or permanent residents, the Super Visa offers a unique opportunity for family bonding without the constraints of typical visitor visas.

What is a Super Visa?

A Super Visa is a multiple-entry visa that allows parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens or permanent residents to stay in Canada for up to two years per visit. Unlike standard visitor visas, which typically have a maximum validity of six months per entry, the Super Visa offers the flexibility of longer stays, enabling families to spend quality time together without the hassle of frequent visa renewals.

Eligibility Criteria for the Applicants

To qualify for a Super Visa, applicants must meet certain eligibility criteria set by the Canadian government. These criteria include:

1

Relationship

Applicants must be the parents or grandparents of Canadian citizens or permanent residents. Additionally, they must provide proof of the relationship, such as birth certificates or marriage certificates.

2

Financial Support

Sponsors (Canadian citizens or permanent residents inviting their parents or grandparents) must demonstrate that they can financially support their family members during their stay in Canada. This includes providing proof of stable income and/or assets that meet or exceed the minimum necessary income threshold.

3

Insurance

Super Visa applicants are required to obtain private medical insurance coverage for the duration of their stay in Canada. The insurance must cover healthcare, hospitalization, and repatriation, with a minimum coverage amount determined by the Canadian government.

4

Health Requirements

Applicants must undergo a medical examination to ensure they meet the health standards set by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). Certain medical conditions may result in inadmissibility to Canada.

5

Intent to Return

Super Visa applicants must demonstrate their intent to return to their home country at the end of their authorized stay in Canada. This can be established through ties to their home country, such as property ownership, employment, or family connections.

Super Visa Eligibility Criteria for the Sponsor

To qualify as a sponsor for a Super Visa application, the Canadian citizen or permanent resident must meet certain eligibility criteria set by the Canadian government. These criteria include:

  1. Minimum Income Requirement: Sponsors must demonstrate that they meet the minimum necessary income threshold to support their family members during their stay in Canada. The income requirement is based on the number of people in the sponsor’s household and their respective ages.
  2. Proof of Relationship: Sponsors must provide evidence of their relationship to the Super Visa applicant, such as birth certificates, marriage certificates, or adoption papers.
  3. Financial Responsibility: Sponsors must commit to providing financial support to their family members during their stay in Canada and must sign a sponsorship agreement to that effect.
  4. Residency and Citizenship: Sponsors must be Canadian citizens or permanent residents residing in Canada.

To qualify for a Super Visa, the child or grandchild who is inviting their parents or grandparents will need to prove that their household meets the required Low Income Cut-Off (LICO). This proof may consist of the following documents:

  • Notice of Assessment (NOA) or T4/T1 for the most recent tax year
  • Employment Insurance stubs
  • An employment letter including salary and date of hiring
  • Pay stubs
  • Bank statements
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    Low Income Cut-Off (LICO) Effective from January 1 to December 31, 2022

    Size of Family Unit Minimum Necessary Gross Income
    1 person (your child or grandchild) $26,620
    2 persons $33,140
    3 persons $40,742
    4 persons $49,466
    5 persons $56,104
    6 persons $63,276
    7 or more $70,448
    More than 7 persons, for each additional person, add $7,172

    Application Process

    The application process for a Super Visa involves several steps:

    1. Obtaining the Application Package: The sponsor (the Canadian citizen or permanent resident) must first download the Super Visa application package from the IRCC website or obtain it from a Canadian visa office.
    2. Completing the Application Forms: Both the sponsor and the applicant must complete the required application forms accurately and truthfully. This includes providing personal information, details of the relationship, financial documentation, and proof of medical insurance.
    3. Submitting the Application: Once the application forms are completed and all required documents are gathered, they must be submitted to the appropriate Canadian visa office either online or by mail.
    4. Processing Time: The processing time for Super Visa applications varies depending on the volume of applications received and the specific circumstances of each case. Generally, it can take several weeks to several months for an application to be processed.
    5. Decision: Upon review of the application, IRCC will make a decision regarding whether to grant the Super Visa. If approved, the applicant will receive a letter of introduction that they must present to a Canadian immigration officer upon arrival in Canada.

     

    Benefits of the Super Visa

    The Super Visa offers several benefits for both the applicants and their sponsoring family members:

    1. Extended Stay: Unlike standard visitor visas, which typically allow stays of up to six months per entry, the Super Visa allows parents and grandparents to stay in Canada for up to two years per visit, providing more time for family bonding and support.
    2. Multiple Entries: Super Visa holders can leave and re-enter Canada multiple times within the validity period of the visa, making it convenient for families to travel back and forth as needed.
    3. Family Reunification: The Super Visa facilitates the reunification of families by allowing parents and grandparents to visit their Canadian relatives for extended periods without the need for frequent visa renewals.
    4. Healthcare Coverage: Super Visa applicants are required to obtain private medical insurance, ensuring that they have access to healthcare services during their stay in Canada without burdening the Canadian healthcare system.

     

    Super Visa for Visa-Exempt Visitors

    In some cases, parents and grandparents who are citizens of countries that do not require a visitor visa to enter Canada may still apply for a Super Visa. While they may not need a visa to enter Canada, obtaining a Super Visa allows them to extend their stay beyond the usual six-month limit and provides additional benefits such as multiple entries.

    Super Visa Extensions

    Super Visa holders who wish to extend their stay in Canada beyond the initial period granted by their visa may apply for an extension. The extension application must be submitted before the expiry of the current visa, and the applicant must continue to meet the eligibility criteria, including having valid medical insurance coverage.

    The Super Visa for parents and grandparents is a valuable pathway for Canadian citizens and permanent residents to bring their loved ones closer and strengthen family ties across borders. By providing an opportunity for extended visits, multiple entries, and family reunification, the Super Visa fosters meaningful connections and enriches the lives of families separated by distance. With careful planning, financial preparation, and adherence to the eligibility criteria, families can navigate the Super Visa application process successfully and create lasting memories together in the beautiful land of Canada.