Menu
Super Visa
- Home
- Super Visa
Super Visa
A Super Visa is a special type of visitor visa designed for the parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens and permanent residents. It offers the advantage of extended stays in Canada, allowing recipients to remain in the country for up to two years without the need for frequent renewals.
When comparing a Super Visa to a regular Visitor Visa, the most significant difference is the duration of permitted stay. Typically, a standard Visitor Visa allows for a stay of up to 5 year, necessitating visa extensions for longer visits. In contrast, a Super Visa can grant individuals the opportunity to stay in Canada for up to two years without the hassle of applying for an extension. To apply for a Super Visa, individuals can choose between an online application or a paper-based submission. Regardless of the method, applicants must demonstrate their relationship as parents or grandparents of a Canadian citizen or permanent resident. The application should also include an invitation letter from their child or grandchild outlining care plans and details about the household in Canada.
Additionally, applicants are required to show proof of private health insurance from a Canadian provider valid for at least one year. Financial support is a crucial aspect as well, with the sponsoring child or grandchild needing to meet the minimum income requirements based on the Low Income Cut-Off (LICO) for their family size.
For individuals from visa-exempt countries who can enter Canada without a Visitor Visa, they may still consider applying for a Super Visa. This option allows them to extend their stay in Canada to two years at a time, offering more quality time with their loved ones. The application process for visa-exempt parents and grandparents remains the same, but successful applicants receive a letter, not a visa, which they present to border services upon entering Canada. Furthermore, even if they have a Super Visa, visa-exempt visitors arriving by air must obtain an electronic travel authorization (eTA).
Super Visas grant up to two years of stay, but if individuals wish to extend their time in Canada beyond this limit, they must apply for an extension. It is advisable to submit the extension application at least 30 days before the current status expires. If the current visa expires while the extension application is pending, individuals are allowed to stay in Canada under implied status until a decision is reached.
As an alternative to the Super Visa, which provides temporary stays, individuals may also explore permanent immigration options through the Parent and Grandparent Sponsorship program.
