Extended visitors’ visas, often known as Super Visas, are available to parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens and permanent residents who wish to visit their families temporarily. The multiple-entry Super Visa has a maximum validity of 10 years or one month before the expiration of the applicant’s passport, whichever comes first. Super Visa holders are allowed to stay in Canada for up to two years during that time. An ordinary visiting visa, on the other hand, is generally only allowed for six months at most.
The Super Visa system may be advantageous for those who are nationals of visa-exempt nations. People from visa-exempt nations are usually allowed to visit Canada for six months without needing to get a visitor visa. A parent or grandparent of a Canadian citizen or permanent resident from a visa-exempt nation can apply for a Letter of Introduction from outside of Canada, which they can then produce to a border officer when they arrive in Canada. When a Letter of Introduction is produced, a Canadian border official will usually allow the person to enter Canada for a term of two years.
Another benefit of the Parents and Grandparents Super Visa is that it takes only around 8 weeks to process.
ELIGIBILITY CHECK
This visa is applied at a visa office located outside of Canada. A Parent and Grandparents Super Visa applicant must satisfy specific requirements.
First and foremost, the applicant must meet the requirements for a standard visitor visa. This means, in addition to being in good health and possessing a valid travel document, the applicant must demonstrate to a Canadian immigration official that they will agree to leave the country at the end of their authorised stay, they have sufficient ties to their home country, such as a job, family, or property, and that they would be able to financially support themselves throughout their stay.
In addition, the individual candidate must meet the following requirements:
- They must demonstrate that they are the parent or grandparent of a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.
- Obtain medical insurance from a Canadian insurance provider with a minimum coverage of $100,000 for health treatment, hospitalization, and repatriation that is valid for at least one year.
- A medical examination is required.
Applicant’s Family member in Canada must:
- Demonstrate that they are a citizen or permanent resident of Canada;
- The applicant must get a letter of invitation. This is a letter that includes details on the applicant’s upcoming visit, as well as the occupation and economic situation of the child or grandchild in Canada. Most essential, this letter must include a written and signed commitment of financial assistance for the applicant throughout their stay.
- Demonstrate that their earnings are more than a specified limit.
For more information
It’s worth noting that holders of a Parent and Grandparent Super Visa have the same rights and limits as ordinary tourist visa holders, which means they can’t work or study in Canada.
It’s also important to note that a Super Visa can be obtained even if a permanent residency application is still under processing.
