The Super Visa program allows parents and grandparents to stay in Canada for a while with a multiple-entry visa; this visa is valid for up to 10 years. This program is always active, and it is possible to apply it simultaneously with PGP (Parents and Grandparents Program).
To be eligible under the Super Visa program, you must:
- Be the Parent or Grandparent of a Canadian citizen or permanent resident;
- Receive an Invitation from your Child or Grandchild;
- Have Health Insurance;
- Apply for a Super Visa from outside Canada.
In addition, your Canadian child or grandchild must prove that their family has the minimum income required.
Super Visa: Apply for a Super Visa for your Parents and Grandparents
The Super Visa allows parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens and permanent residents to visit Canada for up to two consecutive years from their first visit without the need to renew their visitor status.
Since the Super Visa can be valid for up to 10 years, your parents and grandparents can stay in Canada for a long time.
What is a Super Visa for Parents and Grandparents?
A Super Visa allows eligible parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens and permanent residents to visit family in Canada for up to two years without the need to renew their status. This visa will allow them to enter multiple times for up to 10 years.
The Super Visa is available year-round, and like the Parent Sponsorship Program, you must have at least proof of income. (In the sense that you, as a sponsor, must be able to meet the minimum revenue that shows your financial ability)
The Super Visa is ideal for parents and grandparents from countries that require a TRV (Temporary Resident Visa) to enter Canada. By receiving a Super Visa, they can travel freely between Canada and their country of residence without worrying about applying for a TRV again.
Those who do not need a TRV to enter Canada can apply using the same process. However, instead of issuing a visa, they will be given an official letter by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), which will provide visits for up to two years from initial entry.
Who can apply for a Super Visa?
Parents or grandparents of Canadian citizens and permanent residents may be eligible to apply for a super visa. They cannot reject you based on health or safety criteria in Canada and maybe only ask you to accept specific conditions of the visa administration.
It is important to note that no dependents except parents or grandparents, along with your spouse or partner, can be included in this program and have the possibility to apply for a super visa.
How is the Super Visa Application Process?
The Super Visa application process is similar to a regular TRV. However, other documents should ensure that your parents and grandparents will be well supported financially by you during their stay in Canada:
- Receiving an Invitation Letter from a Grandchild or a Child living in Canada;
- Documents proving that the Child or Grandchild has the minimum required income LICO (Low Income Cut-Off) (these minimums are at the end of the article);
- Proof of the Parent’s Relationship with the Child or Grandchild;
- Health Insurance Coverage for at least one year with a Canadian Insurance Company.
Depending on the visa office, other documents may be required.
All super visa applicants are required to undergo a medical examination.
Super Visa Eligibility Requirements for Sponsorship
To be eligible for a super visa, a child or grandchild who invited their parents or grandparents must prove that their family has the minimum income. The following documents may be required to demonstrate this:
- NOA (Notice of Assessment) or T4/T1 for the last tax year;
- Employment Insurance Details;
- Employment Letter including Wages and Employment Date;
- Bank Account Data