The Super Visa program remains an active pathway for family reunification in Canada. This specialized visa category permits parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens or permanent residents to remain in Canada for extended periods of up to five years per visit without requiring visa renewal. The Super Visa maintains its validity for up to ten years, enabling multiple entries and extended family visits throughout this period. Your parents or grandparents can utilize this visa repeatedly for lengthy stays in Canada.
Established in 2011 under the Parent and Grandparent Program, the Super Visa has specific eligibility criteria that applicants must fulfill. Applicants need to demonstrate their relationship as the parent or grandparent of a Canadian citizen or permanent resident. They must present a signed invitation letter from their child or grandchild residing in Canada, show evidence of adequate financial resources for their stay, and complete a medical examination when required.
A primary advantage of the Super Visa is the ability for parents and grandparents to stay in Canada for up to five years at a time without renewal requirements or the necessity to leave the country. This represents a substantial improvement over standard visitor visas, which generally permit stays of only six months at a time. Processing times vary based on individual application circumstances, though most Super Visa applications receive decisions within several months.
Furthermore, Super Visas remain valid for periods of up to ten years, allowing eligible family members to visit Canada numerous times during this duration without submitting new visa applications. However, Super Visas may not suit everyone’s needs. For instance, if you intend to visit Canada briefly, a standard visitor visa might be more suitable for your situation.
It’s essential to understand that Super Visas do not grant any legal status in Canada, and holders cannot engage in employment or pursue studies in the country. Overall, Super Visas serve as an excellent choice for parents and grandparents seeking to spend significant time with their family members in Canada.
If you’re contemplating a Super Visa application, ensure you thoroughly examine the eligibility requirements. A crucial requirement involves meeting the income threshold established by the Canadian government. To qualify for a Super Visa, the sponsor (the Canadian citizen or permanent resident sponsoring their parent or grandparent) must achieve a minimum income level. This threshold correlates with the sponsor’s family size, encompassing the sponsor, their spouse or common-law partner, and any dependents.
The income threshold undergoes annual updates. Sponsors must satisfy the income requirement for both the application submission year and the preceding year. The threshold is calculated using Low Income Cut-Off (LICO) figures from Statistics Canada. For example, as of recent figures, the LICO for a two-person household is approximately $34,254. If the sponsor’s family consists of two people, the minimum required income to qualify for a Super Visa would be this amount.
Important to note is that satisfying the income threshold alone does not ensure Super Visa approval. Additional requirements include maintaining valid medical insurance and passing a medical exam. Medical insurance must be obtained from a Canadian insurance provider. The coverage must span the Super Visa duration and offer minimum $100,000 coverage for healthcare, hospitalization, and repatriation.
This insurance mandate ensures visitors to Canada can cover any medical expenses arising during their stay, preventing burden on the Canadian healthcare system. Note that the insurance policy should be secured before submitting the Super Visa application, as proof of insurance must accompany the application documents.
Working with a qualified immigration lawyer is always advisable when obtaining your Canadian Super Visa. This ensures your application is completed accurately and thoroughly. This visa represents an outstanding opportunity for parents and grandparents. We would be pleased to assess your eligibility and assist with your application. Contact us today to begin the process.
