The Super Visa Canada offers an opportunity to those who want to visit family in Canada for some quality time or a reunion. A parent or grandparent of a Canadian citizen or permanent resident can benefit from an extended stay and enjoy a family reunion with this visa.
What is a Canada Super Visa?
The Super Visa Canada is a multiple-entry, temporary, resident visa for parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens or permanent residents, lasting up to 10 years. When it was introduced in 2011, each stay could last up to two years, which has since been extended to five, with the possibility of extension.
The host and the Super Visa applicant must meet a series of requirements, among them a demonstrated minimum income for the host and proof of medical insurance for at least one year for the applicant.
Unlike regular visitor visas, the Super Visa allows an extended stay in Canada. It provides multiple entries for a period of up to 10 years. Since 2022, super visa holders have been eligible to stay in Canada for up to five years at a time, with the option to extend their stay by an additional two years.
Who is eligible for a Super Visa?
For an applicant to be eligible for a Super Visa, the host must be:
- Applicant’s child or grandchild
- A Canadian citizen or a permanent resident of Canada.
- At least 18 years old and lives in Canada
- Able to meet or exceed the minimum income requirement is established based on the LICO (Low Income Cut-Off) threshold, depending on family and community size.
Statistics Canada establishes the threshold annually and defines it as the “income threshold below which a family will devote a much larger share of its income than the average family on the necessities of food, shelter, and clothing.”
According to the LICO table for 2023, a family unit of two persons must have a minimum necessary gross income of $34,254; for four persons, it is $51,128.
Letter of support
The host must sign a letter inviting the applicant to Canada and promising financial support during the visit. If the child or grandchild’s spouse or common-law partner is a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, they can co-sign the letter. The applicant must be outside Canada when they submit their application. A visa office outside Canada should print the visa.
Required Documents For a Super Visa Canada
1. Invitation Letter:
An invitation letter from a child or grandchild residing in Canada stating their support and commitment to the applicant.
The letter should include information about the host’s status in Canada, such as citizenship or permanent residency.
2. Proof of Relationship:
Provide documents such as birth or marriage certificates proving your relationship with your Canadian child or grandchild.
3. Proof of Medical Insurance:
Private medical insurance from a Canadian provider is crucial to ensuring access to essential medical services during the applicant’s stay. The insurance provides financial protection against unexpected medical expenses and typically includes minimum coverage levels stipulated by Canadian authorities, covering applicants for up to one year.
Coverage is valid for at least one year, with a minimum of $100,000) for medical care, hospitalization, and repatriation.
The insurance policy document must be included in the application package.
Some insurance providers offer monthly payments, making it more manageable for applicants with budget constraints.
4. Travel Document:
A valid passport or travel document with a minimum validity of at least one year from the intended date of entry into Canada is required.
5. Proof of Financial Support:
The applicant must demonstrate their financial capacity to support their stay in Canada without government assistance. The applicant must include:
- Bank statements.
- Proof of employment or pension.
- Any other relevant financial documents.
6. Purpose of Visit:
A detailed letter explaining the purpose of the visit to Canada planned activities, and how the applicant intends to spend their time during their stay.
7. Background Check:
Applicants must undergo a background check to prove their admissibility to Canada.
This may include police clearance certificates from the countries they have lived in for a certain period.
8. Duly Completed Application Forms:
Application forms must be duly signed and dated. Each applicant must submit two recent passport-sized photos taken according to Canadian government specifications.
9. Travel Document:
A passport with the travel date.
10. Proof of Financial Support:
Notice of Assessment (NOA), T4/T1, employment insurance stubs, or a letter from an accountant confirming annual income.
Cost of Super Visa application
The cost of applying for a Canada Super Visa involves several key expenses. The application processing fee is typically $100 per applicant, but additional fees may apply for biometrics, which cost around $85 per person or a maximum of $170 for a family. Applicants must also purchase private medical insurance from a Canadian provider, which can range between $1,000 to $5,000 per year, depending on age, health conditions, and coverage levels. Additionally, applicants should account for the cost of completing a medical exam and other potential documentation expenses.
Processing time of Super Visa
The processing times vary depending on the country. An applicant enters information on the government website to determine the number of days the application takes. For example, for Application Type, the options include Temporary Residence and, under that, the option to pick where the parent or grandparent lives. Examples of processing times are 94 days for India, 61 for Nigeria 61, and 191 days for Nepal. The information is updated weekly.
The Super Visa Canada offers an excellent opportunity for parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens or permanent residents to reunite with their loved ones for extended periods without frequent renewals. It is a practical solution for families living far apart and looking to maintain closer bonds. Although the application process has several requirements, including medical insurance, proof of relationship, and financial support, the benefits of a long, worry-free stay in Canada make it a valuable option.
FAQ: Canada Super Visa
What is the Canada Super Visa?
The Canada Super Visa is a long-term, multiple-entry visa for parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens or permanent residents. It allows visits for up to five years per entry and is valid for up to ten years, offering extended family reunions without frequent renewals.
Who is eligible for the Canada Super Visa?
Eligibility requires the applicant to be a parent or grandparent of a Canadian citizen or permanent resident. The host must meet minimum income requirements, provide a letter of financial support, and show proof of medical insurance for the applicant.
What documents are needed for the Super Visa application?
Key documents include an invitation letter, proof of relationship (birth/marriage certificates), medical insurance, financial support evidence (bank statements), valid travel documents, and completed application forms. Applicants also need to undergo a background check and possibly submit biometrics.
How much does the Super Visa cost?
The application fee is typically $100, with additional biometrics fees of $85 per person. Applicants must also purchase private medical insurance, which can range from $1,000 to $5,000 annually, depending on age, health, and coverage.
How long does it take to process a Super Visa?
Processing times vary by country. For example, applications from India take approximately 94 days, while those from Nigeria take around 61 days. Processing times are updated weekly on the Canadian government’s website.
