Canada Eases Health Insurance Rules for Super Visa Applicants

In a move to make it easier for parents and grandparents to visit their families in Canada, the Canadian immigration department has relaxed the health insurance requirements for Super Visa applicants. As of January 28, 2025, those applying for a Super Visa can now purchase health insurance from non-Canadian providers to meet the necessary requirements.

Previously, Super Visa applicants had to buy insurance from Canadian companies. Now, those seeking to visit Canada for extended periods can fulfill the health insurance mandate with plans from providers outside of Canada, as long as certain conditions are met. This change aims to streamline the process and make it more accessible for families abroad who wish to reunite with their loved ones in Canada.

The Super Visa is designed to offer long-term temporary residency for parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens and permanent residents. It allows them to stay in Canada for up to five years at a time, with an option to extend for an additional two years. The change in health insurance requirements is part of the broader effort to simplify and expedite the application process.

For a non-Canadian health insurance provider to be eligible for the Super Visa, the company must be authorized by Canada’s Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions (OSFI) under the Insurance Companies Act. The provider must also be listed as a federally regulated financial institution. The health insurance policy must be valid for at least one year, cover healthcare, hospitalization, and repatriation, and offer a minimum coverage of $100,000.

Super Visa applicants must also ensure that the insurance policy is issued or made in the course of the provider's business in Canada, which should be clearly stated in the policy document. To confirm that a foreign provider meets these criteria, applicants can check the OSFI’s list of authorized financial institutions or contact the OSFI directly for confirmation.

This update is expected to make it easier for applicants to meet the insurance requirements and speed up the process of family reunification. It also provides greater flexibility for those living outside Canada who may find it more convenient to obtain coverage from their local providers.

The Super Visa is an alternative to Canada’s Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP), which is a permanent residency pathway. Unlike the PGP, the Super Visa is a temporary option that allows for extended stays in Canada, but it does not lead to permanent residency. This makes the Super Visa a more accessible and quicker option for families who want to bring their loved ones to Canada without the lengthy waiting times associated with the PGP.

To qualify for a Super Visa, applicants must have a host in Canada who is a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, be financially stable, and meet other basic requirements, such as being admissible to Canada and passing an immigration medical exam.

In short, the new health insurance changes for Super Visa applicants make it easier for families to reunite in Canada, offering more flexibility and simplifying the application process for parents and grandparents seeking to visit their loved ones for extended periods.