The Canada Super Visa is a good option for people trying to reunite with their family across borders. Prepared for parents or grandparents of Canadian citizens or permanent residents, this visa permits to stay in Canada for an extended period, allowing the visa holders to spend more time with their families. This extensive guide focuses on eligibility, application, and processing time as well as innumerable benefits of the Canada Super Visa.
What is the Canada Super Visa?
The Canada Super Visa is a multiple-entry visa. The recipients of this visa can visit Canada multiple times during the visa validity and stay for an extended period with their children and grandchildren. It offers a legal permit to stay for five years during each visit or visit multiple times within the validity of the visa. If you’re a parent or a grandparent and stayed in Canada over five years during the last 10 years, you cannot apply for this visa. There are certain requirements you need to meet in such circumstances.
The introduction of Canada Super Visa has provided great relief to people as they can stay with their loved ones for extended periods without the hassle of applying for renewals whenever they visit.
Eligibility Requirements
The applicants must fulfill certain criteria to qualify for a Canada Super Visa.
- Relationship to Sponsor: You must be either a parent or a grandparent of a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.
- Invitation Letter: A written invitation from your child or grandchild residing in Canada. The letter must state their willingness to bear the entire expenses during your stay. It must also state household details along with the number of people staying there.
- Financial Requirements: The sponsor is required to have a specific income depending on the number of members in his family. Last year, in June 2024, the minimum income for a family of four was around CAD 54,594. It’s possible that when you’re applying, the minimum income for the sponsor must have been increased.
- Medical Insurance: A valid medical insurance with a validity of 1 year is compulsory for the applicant. It must be issued either by a Canadian insurance company, or an approved foreign insurer. The minimum coverage for healthcare, hospitalization, and repatriation should be CAD 100,000.
- Medical Examination: The applicants need to undergo a medical examination to show their health status.
- Application from Outside Canada: Apply for the visa from outside Canada.
Application Process
1. Gather Required Documents:
- Valid passport.
- A letter of invitation from the sponsor, also known as an Invitation Letter for Canada Visa.
- Documents testifying your relationship with the sponsor (e.g., birth certificate).
- Proof of income of the sponsor (e.g., Notice of Assessment).
- Proof of medical insurance (Policy documents).
- Medical examination report.
2. Submit the Application:
- Apply on the official website of the Canadian Embassy or through a licensed visa consultant.
- Pay CAD 100 as application fee and CAD 85 as biometrics fee.
3. Biometrics and Processing:
- Submit biometrics (fingerprints and photo) as directed.
- Additional documents may be required from you during the application process.
How to Apply for a Canada Super Visa?
You will need to create an account on the IRCC’s website. If you’re applying for the visa first time on the website, an invite code is necessary to create an account.
Once an account is created, fill in an online Canada visa application form and upload the required supporting documents to strengthen your eligibility. Before submitting the online application, pay the visa fee using your credit card or prepaid card.
When applying, you’ll need to provide your biometrics. Before giving your biometrics, pay the biometrics fee. Without the fee, your application won’t be considered for processing. You will then be scheduled for a biometrics appointment for Canada visa processing. If you’re not comfortable applying online, you can do it on paper, or apply through a licensed visa consultant.
Just remember that at the time of applying for the visa, you must be outside Canada.
Processing Time
Several factors influence the processing time of a Super Visa Canada application. Some of those include where the applicant is living, correct and full information on the application, and the number of applications received. Normally, it takes 8-12 weeks for visa applications to be processed. It may even take longer than this time if the applicant is from certain countries, like this date procured recently:
- India: Around 119 days.
- United States: Around 74 days.
- Nigeria: Around 68 days.
- Pakistan: Around 172 days.
- Philippines: Around 116 days.
Check the latest processing time for your visa application on the official IRCC website and plan your trip accordingly.
Benefits of the Super Visa:
- Extended Stay: Permit to stay in Canada for five years on each visit without having to renew the status.
- Multiple Entries: The visa is granted for ten years, with multiple entries, providing flexibility concerning travel plans.
- Family Reunification: This visa allows you to spend quality time with children and grandchildren, attend family events and daily life.
- Alternative to Permanent Residency: For those who do not want permanent residency, the Super Visa is a decent option for extended stays without any immigration commitments.
- Healthcare Coverage: Compulsory medical insurance facilitates access to healthcare services while staying; meaning visitors and their families are at peace during their stay.
Recent Updates
From January 28, 2025, Canada has simplified the health insurance requirements for applicants of Canada Super Visa. Now, applicants can obtain health insurance from international insurers approving to Canadian regulatory standards thereby lowering the cost and making the family more accessible.
The Canada Super Visa is a great option for families separated by international borders, making it feasible for extended family visits. By gaining the knowledge of eligibility criteria, application process, and benefits, families can make well-informed choices to reunite and enjoy the time together in Canada.
If you’re doubtful about going through the application on your own, or have any questions, take help of a reputed visa consultant or use the official IRCC Super Visa page for all the details.