Canada Super Visa (Parents and Grandparents Visa)
The Canada Super Visa, also known as the Parents and Grandparents Visa, is a multi-entry visa that allows parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens or permanent residents to visit their family members in Canada for extended periods of time. This visa is valid for up to 10 years and allows the holder to stay in Canada for up to 2 years at a time.
The Super Visa is a popular option for families who wish to stay in Canada for a longer period than the usual six months permitted by a regular visitor visa. It is especially helpful for families who live far apart and want to spend more time together.
To be eligible for a Super Visa, applicants must provide proof of their relationship with their Canadian family member, such as a birth certificate or marriage certificate. They must also demonstrate that their child or grandchild meets the minimum income requirements by providing documentation such as tax returns or pay stubs. Additionally, applicants must undergo a medical examination and obtain medical insurance coverage for at least one year from a Canadian insurance company.
It is important to note that the Super Visa does not provide permanent residency or the ability to work or study in Canada. It is solely for the purpose of visiting family members.
If an applicant wishes to stay in Canada for six months or less, they can apply for a regular visitor visa instead of a Super Visa. However, for those who wish to stay in Canada for longer periods, the Super Visa is a great option as it allows for multiple entries over a 10-year period, making it easier to travel back and forth between Canada and their home country.
The Canada Super Visa is a great option for parents and grandparents who wish to visit their Canadian family members for an extended period of time. It offers the convenience of a multi-entry visa with longer stay options, providing families with the opportunity to spend more time together.
What is a Canada Super Visa for Parents and Grandparents?
The Canada Super Visa, also known as the Parents and Grandparents Visa, is a type of visa that allows parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens or permanent residents to visit their family members in Canada for an extended period of time. Unlike a regular visitor visa that only permits a stay of up to six months, the Super Visa is valid for up to 10 years and allows the holder to stay in Canada for up to two years at a time.
The Super Visa was introduced to facilitate family reunification by enabling parents and grandparents to spend more time with their Canadian families. It provides an alternative for those who do not qualify for permanent residency or do not wish to immigrate to Canada permanently.
To be eligible for the Super Visa, applicants must provide evidence of their relationship with their Canadian family member, show that they have purchased comprehensive medical insurance, and undergo a medical examination. Additionally, the Canadian family member sponsoring the Super Visa applicant must meet the minimum income requirements and sign a sponsorship agreement to financially support their guest during their stay in Canada.
While the Super Visa does not provide permanent residency or work or study permit eligibility, it offers a practical solution for families who want to stay connected despite the geographical distance. The Super Visa also enables grandparents to provide support and care for their grandchildren, while allowing parents to focus on their careers or other responsibilities.
In summary, the Canada Super Visa for Parents and Grandparents is a multi-entry visa that allows extended stays of up to two years at a time for eligible applicants. It is a valuable option for families who wish to maintain close ties and create lasting memories despite being separated by borders.
Eligibility requirements for a Canada Super Visa
The eligibility requirements for a Canada Super Visa are as follows:
Relationship: You must be the parent or grandparent of a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident of Canada.
Invitation Letter: You must have a signed invitation letter from your child or grandchild who is a Canadian citizen or permanent resident. The letter must include a promise of financial support for the length of your visit, details regarding their household, and a copy of their Canadian citizenship or permanent resident document.
Medical Insurance: You must have medical insurance from a Canadian insurance company that is valid for at least 1 year from the date of entry and provides a minimum of $100,000 in coverage. You must provide proof that the insurance has been paid.
Application: You must apply for a Super Visa from outside Canada.
Immigration Medical Exam: You must take an immigration medical exam.
Other Conditions: You must meet certain other conditions to be eligible for a Super Visa.
It's important to note that dependants cannot be included in the Super Visa application. By meeting these eligibility requirements, parents and grandparents can enjoy extended stays with their Canadian families.
Where to Apply for Canada Super Visa?
When applying for a Canada Super visa, it is important to choose the correct center for giving your biometric data. If you are applying online, you can select the Canada Visa Application Centre in your country after completing your application online. Biometric data includes fingerprints and a digital photograph, and is used to verify your identity and protect against fraud. It is mandatory for most visa applications to Canada.
If you are applying on paper, you will need to find a Canada visa application center, embassy, or consulate in your country of residence that accepts visa applications. You can obtain this information by checking the website of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) or contacting your nearest Canadian embassy or consulate. Once you have found the appropriate center, you can submit your application and provide your biometric data.
It is important to note that the biometric data collection process can take some time, so it is advisable to plan accordingly and allow enough time for the process to be completed before your intended travel dates. Additionally, be sure to bring all necessary documents and payment for the biometric fee to your appointment. By following these steps, you can ensure a smooth application process and increase your chances of obtaining a Canada Super visa for your parents or grandparents.
How to apply for a Canada Super Visa
To apply for a Canada Super visa, there are certain requirements that need to be fulfilled. Firstly, you need to have a letter of invitation from your child or grandchild who is a Canadian citizen or permanent resident. The letter should include a promise of financial support for the duration of your visit, the number of people in their household, and a copy of their citizenship or permanent resident document.
In addition, you need to provide proof that your child or grandchild's household meets the minimum necessary income requirement. This can be in the form of a Notice of Assessment or T4/T1 for the most recent tax year, employment insurance stubs, an employment letter with salary and date of hire, pay stubs, or bank statements.
You must also show proof of payment for medical insurance from a Canadian insurance company that is valid for at least one year from the date of entry and provides at least $100,000 coverage. Moreover, you need to provide a document confirming that you had an immigration medical exam.
Lastly, it is important to note that you must apply for a Super visa from outside Canada, whether online or on paper.
To apply for a Canada Super Visa, follow these steps:
Gather required documents: You will need a letter of invitation from your child or grandchild who is a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident, proof of their financial support, proof of medical insurance, and a confirmation of your immigration medical exam.
Apply online or on paper: You can apply online by creating an account on the Government of Canada website and following the instructions. If you prefer to apply on paper, you will need to download the application package and fill it out manually.
Pay the application fee: The fee for a Super Visa application is $100 CAD per person, and an additional fee of $85 CAD per person will be required for biometrics.
Submit your application: If you are applying online, you can submit your application electronically, and if you are applying on paper, you can submit it at a Visa Application Center, embassy, or consulate in your country.
Wait for a decision: Processing times for Super Visas can vary, but you can check the status of your application online.
If your application is approved, you will receive a letter of introduction, which you must present to an officer at the Canadian border along with your passport and other required documents. Upon arrival, the officer will determine if you meet the entry requirements and can stay in Canada for up to 2 years at a time.
Processing time & fee for a Canada Super Visa
Processing time and fees for a Canada Super Visa are as follows:
Processing Time: The processing time for a Canada Super Visa varies and can take several months. The current processing time is approximately 3-4 months, but this may change depending on the volume of applications being processed.
Fees: The fees for a Canada Super Visa are as follows:
- The application fee for a Canada Super Visa is CAD $100 per person.
- The biometrics fee is CAD $85 per person.
- Medical insurance is also required for the duration of the stay and the cost will depend on the age and health condition of the applicant.
It is important to note that fees may be subject to change, and additional fees may be required depending on the circumstances of the applicant. Applicants should always check the official government website for the most up-to-date information on fees and processing times.
Validity and renewals of a Canada Super Visa
The Canada Super Visa is initially issued for a period of 10 years, allowing parents and grandparents to visit their family in Canada for up to two years per visit without the need for renewal. However, each individual visit cannot exceed two years.
After the 10-year period, the Super Visa will expire and a new application will need to be submitted. If the applicant meets the eligibility requirements at the time of renewal, they may be issued a new Super Visa.
It's important to note that the Super Visa is a temporary resident visa and does not grant permanent residency or the right to work in Canada. If an individual wishes to stay permanently in Canada, they will need to apply for a separate immigration program, such as the Parents and Grandparents Program or the Family Class sponsorship program.
Difference between a Super Visa and a regular visitor visa
The Super Visa and regular visitor visa are both temporary resident visas for individuals who wish to visit Canada. However, there are some key differences between the two:
Eligibility: The Super Visa is specifically designed for parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens or permanent residents, while the regular visitor visa is open to all eligible visitors.
Length of stay: The Super Visa allows for stays of up to two years at a time, while the regular visitor visa typically allows for stays of up to six months at a time.
Validity: The Super Visa is valid for up to 10 years, while the regular visitor visa may be valid for up to 10 years as well, but with multiple entries allowed for up to six months at a time.
Application process: The Super Visa application process includes additional requirements such as proof of private medical insurance and a letter of invitation from the child or grandchild in Canada. The regular visitor visa process does not have these additional requirements.
Processing time: Super Visa applications typically have a longer processing time than regular visitor visa applications.
Fees: The Super Visa has a higher application fee than the regular visitor visa due to the longer validity and the additional requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Individuals who have relevant experience in cultural activities or athletics and intend to be self-employed in Canada can apply for a self-employed visa.
Processing times can vary, but it typically takes around 19 months for a self-employed visa to be processed.
Yes, you must provide proof of language proficiency in either English or French through a language test from a designated agency.
No, there is no minimum investment requirement for a self-employed visa. However, applicants must show that they have the financial means to support themselves and their dependents in Canada.
Yes, you can bring your spouse or common-law partner and dependent children with you to Canada.
No, the purpose of a self-employed visa is to allow individuals to be self-employed in Canada. Working for someone else would require a different type of visa or work permit.
Yes, it is possible to renew or extend your self-employed visa. However, you must continue to meet the eligibility requirements and provide evidence of your ongoing self-employment in Canada.
Yes, it is possible to apply for permanent residency after meeting the eligibility requirements for a self-employed person in Canada.