If you are a Canadian citizen or permanent resident and wish to bring your parents or grandparents to Canada for an extended stay, the Canada Super Visa is one of the most popular options. Unlike a regular visitor visa, which allows a stay of up to 6 months, the Super Visa lets eligible family members stay in Canada for up to 5 years per entry (as per the 2022 policy update) without needing to renew their status frequently.
In this blog, we’ll cover:
- What the Super Visa is
- Who can apply
- Benefits of the program
- Required documents
- Application process
- Common mistakes to avoid
1. What is the Canada Super Visa?
The Canada Super Visa is a multi-entry visa that allows parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens or permanent residents to visit Canada for extended periods. It is valid for up to 10 years and allows each stay to last up to 5 years without the need for frequent renewals.
The Super Visa was introduced to make family reunification easier and reduce the strain on the visitor visa system. It is particularly useful for families who wish to have their loved ones close for longer periods without committing to permanent immigration right away.
2. Who Can Apply for a Super Visa?
To apply for the Super Visa, the applicant must be:
- A parent or grandparent of a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.
- Applying from outside Canada.
- Invited by their child or grandchild with a written commitment of financial support.
Note: Dependents (such as spouses) can be included in the application, but other relatives are not eligible.
3. Super Visa Eligibility Requirements
The applicant must meet several eligibility conditions:
a. Relationship Proof
- Birth certificate, family registry, or other official documents proving you are the parent or grandparent of the inviter.
b. Invitation Letter from the Child/Grandchild
This letter must:
- State financial support for the visitor’s stay.
- Include details of the family member’s household size.
- Be signed by the inviter.
c. Minimum Income Requirement (LICO)
The child or grandchild must meet the Low-Income Cut-Off (LICO) threshold to show they can support the applicant financially.
d. Medical Insurance
- Purchase private medical insurance from a Canadian insurance company.
- Coverage must be at least $100,000 and valid for at least 1 year.
e. Medical Exam
- Applicants must undergo an immigration medical examination by an approved panel physician.
f. Admissibility to Canada
- Must pass background checks, have no criminal record, and be in good health.
4. Benefits of the Super Visa
- Longer Stay Period – Up to 5 years at a time without renewal.
- Multiple Entries – Valid for up to 10 years.
- Family Reunification – Spend more time with loved ones in Canada.
- Fast Processing – Usually faster than a Parent/Grandparent sponsorship PR application.
Flexibility – Does not require the applicant to become a permanent resident.
5. Step-by-Step Super Visa Application Process
Step 1: Check Eligibility
Ensure you meet all requirements, including income and insurance.
Step 2: Gather Documents
- Passport
- Invitation letter
- Proof of relationship
- Proof of income (NOA, T4, pay stubs)
- Medical insurance proof
- Medical exam results
Step 3: Apply Online or on Paper
Most applications are now submitted online via the IRCC portal.
Step 4: Pay the Fees
Application fee: CAD $100
Biometrics fee: CAD $85 (if applicable)
Step 5: Provide Biometrics
Visit the nearest Visa Application Centre (VAC) to provide biometrics.
Step 6: Wait for a Decision
Processing times vary but can be within a few months.
6. Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Submitting incomplete invitation letters.
- Not meeting LICO income requirements.
- Forgetting to include valid insurance documents.
- Applying from inside Canada (not allowed).
- Missing deadlines for biometrics or medical exams.
FAQs About the Canada Super Visa
1. Is the Super Visa the same as a visitor visa?
No, a visitor visa only allows a stay of 6 months at a time. The Super Visa allows up to 5 years per entry.
2. Can I apply for a Super Visa from inside Canada?
No, you must apply from outside Canada.
3. Do I need to renew my Super Visa?
The visa itself can be valid for up to 10 years, but medical insurance must be renewed annually.
4. Can my spouse travel with me under the same Super Visa?
Yes, a spouse can apply as a dependent in the same application.
5. Is there an age limit for applying?
No official age limit, but applicants must pass a medical exam and prove financial support.
Final Thoughts
The Canada Super Visa is an excellent option for parents and grandparents who want to spend more time with their families in Canada. It offers flexibility, extended stay periods, and a relatively straightforward application process compared to permanent residency options. However, attention to detail is key—missing documents or failing to meet income/insurance requirements can lead to delays or rejection.
If you’re considering applying for a Super Visa, working with a licensed immigration consultant can help you prepare a strong, complete application and increase your chances of approval.
