What is the Canada Super Visa?
The Canada Super Visa is a long-term, multiple-entry visa designed for parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens or permanent residents. It allows eligible individuals to stay in Canada for up to five years per visit, with the visa itself being valid for up to ten years. This is an excellent option for families wishing to spend extended periods together without the need for frequent visa renewals.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the Super Visa, applicants must meet the following requirements:
Relationship: Be the parent or grandparent of a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.
Invitation Letter: Obtain a signed letter from the child or grandchild inviting them to Canada, which includes
A promise of financial support for the duration of the visit.
A list and number of people in the household.
A copy of the inviter’s Canadian citizenship or permanent resident document.
Financial Requirements: The host must meet the minimum necessary income threshold, which varies based on family size. For instance, as of June 3, 2024, the minimum income for a family of four is CAD 54,594 .
Medical Insurance: Provide proof of private medical insurance from a Canadian or approved international insurance company, valid for at least one year and covering a minimum of CAD 100,000 for healthcare, hospitalization, and repatriation .
Medical Examination: Undergo an immigration medical exam.
Application Location: Apply for the Super Visa from outside Canada.
Application Process: Step-by-Step Guide
Prepare Required Documents:
Invitation letter from your child or grandchild.
Proof of the host’s income (e.g., Notice of Assessment, T4/T1, employment letter).
Proof of medical insurance.
Results of the immigration medical exam.
Two recent passport-sized photographs.
Complete the Application:
Fill out the application form available on the IRCC website.
Submit the Application:
Apply online or through a visa application center (VAC) in your country.
Pay the Fees:
Pay the required visa application fee.
Wait for Processing:
Processing times can vary; check the IRCC website for current estimates.
Receive the Visa:
If approved, your passport will be stamped with the Super Visa.
Key Requirements for the Super Visa
To ensure your application is successful, adhere to the following requirements:
- Medical Insurance: Must be valid for at least one year from the date of entry, covering healthcare, hospitalization, and repatriation, with a minimum coverage of CAD 100,000.
- Financial Support: The host must meet the minimum income requirement based on family size. For example, a family of three requires a minimum income of CAD 44,966 .
- Medical Examination: Applicants must undergo an immigration medical exam to ensure they meet health requirements.
- Application Submission: Applications must be submitted from outside Canada, and applicants must be admissible to Canada.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Can I include my spouse in the Super Visa application?
No, each individual must submit a separate application for the Super Visa Tour Breeder.
Q2: Is it possible to extend my stay beyond five years?
Yes, you can apply for an extension of up to two additional years before your initial five-year period expires .
Q3: Are there any changes to the insurance requirements?
Yes, as of January 28, 2025, applicants can use private health insurance from international companies, provided they are approved by Canada’s Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions (OSFI) .
Q4: What if my host’s income is just below the required threshold?
In such cases, the host’s spouse or common-law partner can co-sign the invitation letter to combine incomes and meet the requirement .
Q5: How long does it take to process a Super Visa application?
Processing times vary depending on the visa office and individual circumstances. It’s advisable to check the IRCC website for current estimates.
