The super visa enables eligible parents and grandparents to stay temporarily in Canada. To stay permanently, they must be sponsored for permanent residence by their Canadian child or grandchild through the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP).
The super visa is a multiple entry visitor visa for the parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens and permanent residents. It permits them to remain in Canada for a maximum of five years per visit without requiring to renew their status.
Comparing the Super Visa and Visitor Visa
Super visas are a specific form of Canadian visa for the parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens or permanent residents. The main distinction between a super visa and a regular visitor visa is the duration of stay permitted in Canada. Typically, a visitor visa allows for a stay up to 6 months, with the requirement to apply for an extension if a longer stay is desired. However, a super visa enables the holder to stay in Canada for a maximum of five years without the need for an extension.
Instructions on how to apply for a Super Visa
The process of applying for a super visa can be done either online or by submitting a paper application. In either case, the applicant must demonstrate their relationship as a parent or grandparent of a Canadian citizen or permanent resident. The application must include a letter of invitation from the child or grandchild, outlining plans for the applicant’s care and the number of people living in the household in Canada. Additionally, the applicant must provide evidence of valid, private health insurance from a Canadian company for at least one year. The child or grandchild is also responsible for proving they have sufficient financial means to support the applicant during the visit by meeting the minimum Low Income Cut-Off (LICO) for their family unit size.
Information on the Super Visa for individuals who are visa-exempt
Certain foreign nationals, based on their country of citizenship, do not need a visitor visa to enter Canada and are referred to as visa-exempt visitors. These individuals are limited to a stay of up to six months without renewing their status. Therefore, parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens or permanent residents who are visa-exempt may choose to apply for a super visa to extend their stay up to five years.
The application process for a super visa for visa-exempt parents and grandparents remains the same as previously mentioned. However, instead of a visa, successful applicants will be given a letter to present to the border services officer upon entry to Canada, which will authorize their stay. Additionally, visa-exempt visitors who enter Canada by air are required to obtain an electronic travel authorization (eTA), even if they have successfully applied for a super visa.
Process for extending a Super Visa
A Super visa authorizes a holder to stay in Canada for a maximum of five years. If an extended stay is desired, an application for extension must be submitted. To ensure a smooth process, the extension application should be submitted at least 30 days prior to the expiration of the current status. In the event that the current visa expires while the extension application is still under review, the individual may stay in Canada and wait for a decision. This is known as “implied status.
Information on sponsoring parents and grandparents
As an alternative to the Super Visa which grants temporary stay in Canada, you may want to consider the Parent and Grandparent Sponsorship program as a way to achieve permanent immigration.
If you are planning to visit Canada and require assistance with the application process for a visitor visa, please do not hesitate to contact us. Our team of experts have experience in handling such cases and would be happy to guide you through the process. We understand that obtaining a visitor visa can be a complex process, and we are here to help ensure that your application is complete and meets all necessary requirements. Contact us today and let us help you plan a smooth and successful visit to Canada.
