DIS

Canadian Super Visa

The Canadian Super Visa allows parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens or permanent residents to visit their families for extended periods. This visa offers longer stays than a regular visitor visa, making it a popular choice for family reunification.

What Is the Canadian Super Visa?

The Super Visa is a multiple-entry, long-term visa for eligible parents and grandparents. It is valid for up to 10 years and allows each stay to last up to five years at a time. This extended stay period helps families spend quality time together without renewing their status frequently.

The visa was introduced in 2011 and updated in 2022 to allow longer stays. It is ideal for those who want to visit family regularly or stay for long durations in Canada.

Applying for the Canadian Super Visa

To apply for a Super Visa, the applicant must be the parent or grandparent of a:

  • Canadian citizen, or
  • Permanent resident of Canada

Requirements for the Host in Canada

The child or grandchild (the host) must:

  • Be 18 years or older
  • Be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident
  • Live in Canada
  • Meet or exceed the Low Income Cut-Off (LICO) requirement

The LICO is set each year by Statistics Canada and determines the minimum income needed to support visiting family.

Example LICO Income Thresholds (2024)

The LICO thresholds are updated annually and vary based on family size. For 2024, the minimum necessary gross income requirements are:

  • 1 person (the sponsor): $29,380
  • 2 persons: $36,576

These figures are applicable to all provinces except Quebec, which has its own income requirements.

Required Documents

To successfully apply, the applicant must provide several key documents. These documents demonstrate their relationship to the host, financial support, and eligibility to visit Canada.

  1. Letter of Invitation

The host must write and sign a letter stating:

  • Their status in Canada (citizen or permanent resident)
  • Their promise of financial support during the visit
  • The number of people in their household

This letter helps IRCC assess the host’s ability to support the applicant.

  1. Proof of Relationship

Applicants must prove they are the parent or grandparent of the host. Documents include:

  • Birth certificates
  • Marriage certificates
  • Other official documents showing a family link
  1. Medical Insurance

Applicants must buy private health insurance from a Canadian insurance provider. This policy must:

  • Be valid for at least one year
  • Cover a minimum of $100,000
  • Include hospital care, emergency medical services, and repatriation

The insurance policy document must be included in the application.

Some insurers allow monthly payments, which can make the cost more manageable.

  1. Valid Passport

Applicants must hold a passport that is valid for at least one year beyond the planned date of entry.

  1. Proof of Financial Support

The applicant must show that their host meets the income threshold. Acceptable documents include:

  • Recent tax returns (NOA)
  • T4 or T1 forms
  • Pay stubs or employment letters
  • Bank statements

If the host is self-employed, a letter from an accountant confirming income can also be used.

  1. Purpose of Visit

A written explanation of the visit is helpful. It should outline:

  • The length of stay
  • Planned activities
  • Family events or reasons for the visit
  1. Police Clearance

In some cases, applicants must provide police certificates to show they are admissible to Canada and have no criminal history.

  1. Completed Forms and Photos

Applicants must:

  • Submit completed application forms
  • Include two recent passport-sized photos following Canadian photo requirements

Application Process

Applicants must apply from outside Canada. The visa is issued by a Canadian visa office in the applicant’s country of residence. Applying for a Super Visa involves several steps:

  1. Gather Required Documents: This includes the invitation letter, proof of relationship, evidence of the host’s income, and proof of medical insurance.
  2. Complete the Application: Applicants must fill out the necessary forms accurately and completely.
  3. Submit the Application: Applications must be submitted from outside Canada.
  4. Undergo Medical Examination: Applicants are required to undergo a medical exam by an approved physician.
  5. Provide Biometrics: Depending on the applicant’s nationality, biometrics may be required.

Processing times can vary based on the applicant’s country of residence and the completeness of the application

 

Note: You cannot apply for a Super Visa while already inside Canada.

Costs

Applying for a Super Visa includes several costs:

  • Application fee: $100 CAD (per applicant)
  • Biometrics fee: $85 CAD per person, or up to $170 per family
  • Private medical insurance: Ranges from $1,000 to $5,000 annually
  • Medical exams and police certificates: May add extra costs

Applicants should budget accordingly.

Processing Time

Processing times vary depending on the applicant’s country of residence. For example:

  • India: Around 94 days
  • Nigeria: Around 61 days
  • Nepal: Around 191 days

These times are updated regularly by IRCC. Applicants should apply early to avoid delays.

Key Benefits of the Canadian Super Visa

The Super Visa offers several advantages:

  • Extended Stay: Allows parents and grandparents to stay in Canada for up to five years per visit without the need for status renewal.
  • Multiple Entries: Valid for up to ten years, facilitating multiple entries into Canada.
  • Family Reunification: Enables families to spend quality time together, strengthening familial bonds.
  • Healthcare Coverage: Mandatory medical insurance ensures that visitors have access to healthcare services during their stay.

Get Expert Immigration Assistance with Dara Immigration Services (DIS)

Are you looking to Visit in Canada?

At Dara Immigration Services (DIS), we understand that navigating the immigration process can be complex. Whether you’re applying for a visitor visa, work permit, study permit, or permanent residency, we will guide you every step of the way. From helping you understand the application process to ensuring all necessary documents are in order, we provide the personalized support you need to succeed.

Don’t leave your future to chance—reach out to Dara Immigration Services (DIS) today, and let us help you take the next step toward your Canadian dream.

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