Super Visa: The Perfect Solution for Visiting Your Loved Ones in Canada

Are you a parent or grandparent of a Canadian citizen or permanent resident? Do you wish to visit your loved ones in Canada for an extended period? If so, the Super Visa is the ideal solution for you. This extended visitor’s visa allows parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens and permanent residents to obtain temporary residence for visiting purposes. In this article, we will provide you with all the essential information you need to know about the Super Visa, including its benefits, eligibility criteria, and application process.

Extended Validity and Stay Duration

The Super Visa offers an impressive maximum validity period of up to ten years, or one month prior to the expiry of your passport, whichever is earlier. With this visa, you can stay in Canada for periods of up to two years at a time. In comparison, a regular visitor visa usually grants a maximum stay of six months only. This extended validity and longer stay duration provide you with the opportunity to spend quality time with your family and create lasting memories.

Advantages for Visa-Exempt Countries

Even if you are a citizen of a visa-exempt country, the Super Visa program can be highly beneficial for you. Generally, individuals from visa-exempt countries can enter Canada without obtaining a visitor visa for a maximum period of six months. However, under the Super Visa program, parents or grandparents of Canadian citizens or permanent residents from visa-exempt countries can apply for a Letter of Introduction from outside of Canada. This letter, when presented to a Canadian border official upon arrival, allows you to enter Canada for a period of two years. This privilege ensures that you can spend an extended time with your loved ones without the need for frequent visa renewals.

Short Processing Time

One of the key advantages of the Parents and Grandparents Super Visa is its relatively short processing time. The application process for this visa typically takes around eight weeks. This means that you can expect a speedy decision on your application, enabling you to plan your visit to Canada without unnecessary delays.

Eligibility Criteria

To apply for the Parents and Grandparents Super Visa, you need to fulfill certain eligibility criteria. Firstly, you must be eligible for a regular visitor visa, which includes being in good health and possessing a valid travel document. Additionally, you need to convince a Canadian immigration official that you will leave the country at the end of your authorized stay and have sufficient ties to your home country, such as a job, family, or property. It is also important to demonstrate that you have enough funds to support yourself throughout your stay in Canada.

Furthermore, as an individual applicant, you must:

1. Establish that you are the parent or grandparent of a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.
2. Obtain medical insurance from a Canadian insurance company that is valid for at least one year, providing a minimum coverage of $100,000 for health care, hospitalization, and repatriation.
3. Undergo a medical examination.

On the other hand, your family member in Canada must:

1. Prove that they are a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.
2. Provide you with a letter of invitation, which includes information about your planned visit and details about their occupation and economic situation in Canada. The letter must also include a written and signed promise of financial support for the duration of your visit.
3. Demonstrate that their income meets the minimum necessary gross income requirements based on the size of their family unit.

It should be noted that holders of a Parent and Grandparent Super Visa have the rights and restrictions of a regular tourist visa holder, and as such cannot work or study while they are in Canada.

It should also be noted that it is possible to obtain a Super Visa even while an application for permanent residency is pending.

Rights and Restrictions

It is important to note that holders of the Parent and Grandparent Super Visa have the same rights and restrictions as regular tourist visa holders. Therefore, while you are in Canada on a Super Visa, you cannot work or study.

Super Visa and Permanent Residency

Another crucial point to consider is that it is possible to obtain a Super Visa even if you have a pending application for permanent residency in Canada. This means that you can enjoy the benefits of the Super Visa while your permanent residency application is being processed, allowing you to visit your family without any interruptions.

The Super Visa is an excellent option for parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens and permanent residents who wish to visit their loved ones in Canada for extended periods. With its extended validity, longer stay duration, and shorter processing time, the Super Visa offers numerous advantages. By meeting the eligibility criteria and following the application process, you can create cherished memories with your family in Canada. Take the first step towards a memorable visit by applying for the Super Visa today!