Super Visa
A great way to bring Parents and Grandparents to Canada is through the Super Visa program. This program allows family members to come to Canada as long-term visitors on a multiple entry visa that may last up to 10 years. A Super Visa is valid for 2 years before it has to be renewed.
This is an ideal option for Canadian Citizens and Canadian Permanent Residents who are waiting to sponsor their parents for PR, or who currently do not qualify for Parental PR sponsorship.
The financial requirement for a Super Visa is less strict than PR sponsorship- the minimum necessary income (MNI) is 30% lower than that of PR sponsorship, and only 1 year of gross income must exceed the MNI vs 3 years with PR Sponsorship.
Benefits of the Super Visa:
This provision grants parents and grandparents an extended stay of up to 5 years in Canada without the necessity of renewing their status, which contrasts with the regular 6-month duration of a standard visitor visa.
Visa Validity:
The Super Visa is a multi-entry visa and can be issued for a period of up to ten years.
Eligibility to Sponsor a Super Visa:
To qualify for sponsoring your parents or grandparents under the Super Visa category:
Eligibility: You must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.\
Documents: Provide a written commitment for financial support to the applicants, a letter of invitation, details about your living arrangements, and a plan to support your family during their stay in Canada.
Proof of Funds: Demonstrating that you meet the minimum income threshold according to the low-income cut-off (LICO), which varies based on the size of your family household.
Requirements for Parents or Grandparents Applying:
Applicants for the Super Visa must meet specific mandatory requirements along with additional assessment factors.
Medical Examination (Mandatory): All applicants are required to undergo a medical examination and purchase Canadian medical insurance providing at least $100,000 coverage for health care, hospitalization, and repatriation for a minimum of one year from the entry date.
Admissibility: Parents or grandparents must be admissible to Canada. Factors such as their intent to visit Canada, ties to their home country, and the economic and political stability of their home country will be assessed for visa approval.