Super Visa
The Super Visa is a special type of visa that allows parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens and permanent residents to visit and stay in Canada for extended periods of time. It was introduced by the Government of Canada to facilitate family reunification and enable parents and grandparents to spend more time with their loved ones in Canada. In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the various aspects of the Super Visa program in Canada, including its eligibility criteria, application process, requirements, benefits, and considerations.
Understanding the Super Visa for Canada
The Super Visa is a multi-entry visa that allows eligible parents and grandparents to visit and stay in Canada for up to two years on each entry without having to renew their status. It is valid for up to ten years or until the passport expires, whichever comes first. The Super Visa is a popular option for those who wish to spend extended periods in Canada with their children or grandchildren and have the flexibility to travel in and out of the country during the validity of the visa.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for a Super Visa, applicants must meet specific criteria set by the Canadian government. The key eligibility requirements include:
Relationship: Applicants must be parents or grandparents of a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident of Canada.
Invitation: They must obtain a written invitation from their child or grandchild who is a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, committing to financial support during their stay in Canada.
SUPER VISA
Financial Support: The inviting child or grandchild must meet the minimum necessary income (MNI) requirement to sponsor their parent or grandparent and their accompanying dependents.
Insurance: Applicants must obtain private medical insurance coverage from a Canadian insurance company that is valid for at least one year and offers a minimum coverage of $100,000 for healthcare, hospitalization, and repatriation.
Health: Applicants must undergo a medical examination and be deemed admissible to Canada based on health requirements.
Ties to Home Country: Applicants must prove their intent to leave Canada at the end of their authorized stay.
Other Standard Criteria: Applicants must meet other standard eligibility criteria for visiting Canada, including a clean criminal record and not posing a risk to Canadian security.
Application Process
The application process for the Super Visa involves several steps:
Invitation Letter: The Canadian host (child or grandchild) must write a letter of invitation, stating the terms of the visit, the financial support they will provide, and the duration of the intended stay.
Medical Insurance: The applicant must obtain private medical insurance from a Canadian insurance company that covers health care, hospitalization, and repatriation for at least one year.
Application Submission: The applicant must submit a completed application, the invitation letter, proof of relationship, proof of financial support, proof of medical insurance, and other required documents to the appropriate visa office.
Biometrics and Interview: Depending on the applicant’s country of residence, they may need to provide biometrics (fingerprints and photo) and attend an interview at a local visa application center.
Decision and Processing: The visa office will assess the application, conduct background checks, and make a decision on the Super Visa application.
Travel to Canada: If approved, the applicant can travel to Canada and must show the visa at the port of entry.
Required Documents
When applying for a Super Visa, applicants need to provide various documents, including but not limited to:
- Passport and travel documents
- Invitation letter from the Canadian host
- Proof of relationship to the Canadian host
- Proof of financial support from the Canadian host
- Medical insurance from a Canadian company
- Immigration Medical Examination (IME) results
- Police clearance certificate
- Biometrics (if applicable)
- Proof of ties to the home country
Benefits of the Super Visa
The Super Visa offers several advantages, making it an attractive option for eligible individuals:
Longer Stay: Holders of the Super Visa can stay in Canada for up to two years on each entry, allowing for extended family visits.
Multiple Entries: The visa is multi-entry, enabling holders to travel in and out of Canada during the visa validity period.
Extended Validity: The Super Visa is valid for up to ten years, providing convenience for multiple visits over an extended period.
Family Reunification: It facilitates family reunification by allowing parents and grandparents to spend quality time with their children and grandchildren in Canada.
Avoiding Frequent Renewals: Unlike standard visitor visas, the Super Visa’s longer validity helps avoid the need for frequent renewals.
Considerations and Important Points
Insurance is Mandatory: Adequate medical insurance from a Canadian company is a crucial requirement and must be obtained before arriving in Canada.
Financial Eligibility: The inviting child or grandchild must meet the minimum necessary income requirement based on family size, which is updated annually.
Biometrics and Processing Times: Biometrics may be required, and processing times can vary depending on the applicant’s country of residence.
Health Assessment: Applicants must undergo a medical examination by an approved panel physician to assess their health condition.
Compliance with Conditions: Holders of the Super Visa must comply with the conditions of their visa, including respecting the authorized duration of stay.
