Parents And Grandparents Super Visa
A Super Visa is a multiple-entry guest visa, especially for the parents and grandparents of Canadian nationals and permanent residents. It enables holders to reside in Canada for up to 2 years without renewing their rank.
The super visa allows eligible parents and grandparents to wait temporarily in Canada. For permanent stay, they must be supported for permanent residence by their grandchild or Canadian kid.
What is the Super Visa for Parents and Grandparents?
Starting from 4th July 2022, Super Visa permits the parents and grandparents who meet the requirements of Canadian citizens or permanent residents to come and reside in Canada for as long as five years before renewing the conditions of residence. And, for those who already hold a Super Visa, the opportunity to request a 2-year extension, for a total stay of up to 7 years on one visit.
The Super Visa is in effect all year round, and, like the Parents and Grandparents Program, includes minimum income requirements.
Parents and grandparents in need of a Temporary Resident Visa to enter Canada benefit from the Super Visa. This is because they can move freely between their home countries and Canada without having to find time to apply for TRVs each time they want to travel overseas.
For those who do not need a TRV to enter Canada, they can apply through the same procedure. They will receive a letter from IRCC, upon their first entry, confirming their visit of up to two years.
Find out if you are eligible to get in Canada →
Comparing Super Visa And Visitor Visa
Super visas are a variety of Canadian visitant visas only for parents and grandparents of Canadian residents or permanent nationals. The most significant variation between the super visa and a visitor visa is the period you can stay in Canada.
Typically, a visitor visa can be adequate for a hold of 6 months. To continue living in Canada, you need to ask to extend your visa. With a super visa, you may be capable of staying in Canada for 2 years at a time without requiring to practice for an expansion.
Parent and Grandparent Super Visa Eligibility
To be eligible under this category you must:
- Be a parent or grandparent of someone who is a permanent resident or citizen of Canada.
- Attach a letter bearing the name of your son/ daughter or grandchild to Canada, inviting yourself to Canada.
- It must also demonstrate a commitment to cater to your financial needs while you are there.
- Details regarding the household size of the inviting person.
- Proof of Canadian residency or permanent resident status of the inviting person.
- Attach a letter of proof showing medical coverage from a Canadian insurance company that:
- Covers you for at least 1 year from the date of entry
- Includes a minimum coverage of $100,000
- Attach proof that you have paid for pharmaceutical coverage.
Application Process
The Super Visa application process resembles that of a regular TRV but includes additional requirements to ensure robust support for parents and grandparents during their stay in Canada. These requirements encompass:
- An invitation letter from the child or grandchild residing in Canada.
- Documentation showing that the child or grandchild is over the Low Income Cut-Off minimum, as indicated down below.
- Documentation that establishes the parental relationship to the child or grandchild.
- Proof of medical insurance coverage for a minimum of one year from a Canadian insurance provider.
- The application should be submitted to the Canadian visa office responsible for the applicant’s residence outside of Canada. Depending on the specific visa office, additional documents may be requested.
Admission to Canada will only be granted when the entire application has been vetted, considering if the purposes of the visitation to Canada have been met and/or the links at home are more than adequate to keep parents/grandparents in their native countries. This might be illustrated through family, finances, or other links outside Canada.
The medical examination is also required for all applicants for the Super Visa. The medical examination forms and the required instructions will be forwarded by the visa office after applying.
What are the Conditions for Super Visa Sponsorship?
To apply for a Super Visa, the one who brings their parents or grandparents must prove that they meet the minimum necessary income cut-off at the household level. Some of the documents that can be used include:
- Assessment Notice or T4/T1 for the most current tax year.
- Employment Insurance stubs.
- An employment letter detailing salary and start date.
- Pay stubs.
- Bank statements.
The Low Income Cut-Off applicable for the period January 1 – December 31, 2022, depends on the family unit size:
- 1 person: $26,620 – your child or grandchild
- 2 persons: $33,140
- 3 persons: $40,742
- 4 persons: $49,466
- 5 persons: $56,104
- 6 persons: $63,276
- 7 or more persons: $70,448
- For each additional person beyond 7, add $7,172.
Super Visa Extension
Super visas permit holders to reside in Canada for up to 2 years. If you want to wait in Canada for more than 2 years, you must prolong your stay. You should present your extension request within 30 days before your present status terminates. If your current visa ends while your extension request is still being processed, you may reside in Canada while expecting a decision to be executed. This is called implied status.
Other Conditions for Super Visa
IRCC considers several things before we decide if you can come to Canada. You must be a genuine visitor to Canada who will leave by choice at the end of your visit.
IRCC will look at these things when you apply:
- Your ties to your home country.
- The purpose of your visit.
- Your family and finances.
- The overall economic and political stability of your home country.
