Canada Loosens Super Visa Health Insurance Requirements
Effective January 28, 2025, Canada has eased Super Visa health insurance rules, allowing applicants to purchase insurance from international providers. This policy change aims to simplify the Super Visa application process, reduce costs, and facilitate family reunification.
What is the Canada Super Visa?
The Canada Super Visa is a long-term, multiple-entry visa designed for parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens and permanent residents. It grants an initial stay of up to five years per entry, with a validity of up to ten years. Unlike the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP), which provides a pathway to permanent residence but operates through a lottery system, the Super Visa offers a more predictable and accessible option for extended family visits.
What’s Changing with Super Visa Health Insurance?
Previously, Super Visa applicants were required to purchase medical insurance exclusively from Canadian providers. The new regulation permits international insurers to provide coverage, provided they meet strict Canada Super Visa insurance requirements. This change makes securing a Super Visa medical insurance policy more flexible and potentially more affordable.
Eligibility Requirements for Non-Canadian Health Insurance Providers
For a foreign insurance provider to be eligible under the Super Visa program, they must:
- Be authorized by the Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions (OSFI) under the Insurance Companies Act to provide accident and sickness insurance.
- Appear on OSFI’s list of federally regulated financial institutions.
- Issue policies that comply with Canada’s legal framework for Super Visa health insurance.
- Clearly state in the policy that it was issued during the provider’s business in Canada.
It’s important to note that insurance brokers and claims administrators are not considered insurance companies and will not appear on the OSFI list.
Find out if you are eligible to get in Canada →
Requirements for Super Visa Medical Insurance Policy
Whether purchasing from a Canadian or international provider, all Super Visa insurance policies must:
- Be valid for at least one year from the date of entry.
- It can be paid in full or in instalments with a deposit.
- Cover healthcare, hospitalization, and repatriation.
- Provide a minimum coverage of $100,000.
Super Visa holders must be prepared to show proof of insurance payment when entering Canada.
How to Verify if a Non-Canadian Insurance Provider is Eligible
To confirm whether an international health insurance provider qualifies for Super Visa health insurance coverage, follow these steps:
- Check OSFI’s List: Applicants can visit the OSFI website to ensure their chosen provider is a federally regulated financial institution.
- Verify Authorization: To confirm if a foreign insurer is authorized under Canada’s Insurance Companies Act.
- Ensure Policy Compliance: Confirm that the Super Visa medical insurance policy explicitly states it was issued during the course of the provider’s business in Canada.
The OSFI typically responds to inquiries within 15 days.
Who is Eligible for a Super Visa?
To qualify for a Super Visa, applicants must:
- Be the parent or grandparent of a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.
- Apply from outside Canada and pass an immigration medical exam.
- Hold approved Super Visa health insurance from a Canadian or eligible international provider.
- Be deemed admissible to Canada based on immigration laws.
Super Visa Sponsor Requirements
The child or grandchild inviting the Super Visa applicant must:
- Be at least 18 years old.
- Be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or a registered Indian under the Indian Act.
- Meet or exceed Canada’s Low-Income Cut-Off (LICO) requirements.
- Provide a written financial support commitment for the applicant’s stay.
Super Visa Processing Time and Application Considerations
Super Visa processing times vary depending on the applicant’s location. Current estimated wait times include:
- India – 125 days
- United States – 249 days
- Nigeria – 48 days
- Pakistan – 75 days
- Philippines – 133 days
Why This Policy Change Matters for Super Visa Family Reunification
The updated Super Visa health insurance policy reflects Canada’s commitment to family reunification and reducing bureaucratic hurdles. By allowing internationally sourced insurance, the government is making the Super Visa program more flexible and accessible.
With lower costs and a simplified process, more families can reunite in Canada without financial strain. However, applicants must carefully verify their chosen Super Visa insurance international providers to ensure compliance with Canadian regulations, ensuring a smooth entry and stay in Canada.
