Parents and Grandparents Super Visas 2022
The Super Visa is a multi-entry visitor visa that is valid for up to 10 years. Moreover, it allows you to visit your children or grandchildren for up to 5 years at a time. Major reforms to the Super Visa came into effect this month, July 2022. The changes include the following:
- The length of stay for Super Visa holders increased to 5 years per entry into Canada.
- Moreover, people who have a super visa also have the option to request to extend their stay by up to 2 years while in Canada. This means super visa holders are now able to stay in Canada for up to 7 consecutive years.
- Canada’s Immigration Minister now has the authority to designate international medical insurance companies to provide coverage to Super Visa applicants in the future. Currently, only Canadian insurance providers can provide the necessary medical coverage that super visa applicants are required to have.
Let’s explore in detail what a super visa is and who is eligible for it.
What is a super visa?
The Super Visa is an attractive option for Canadian citizens and permanent residents who wish to bring their parents and grandparents to Canada. This visa provides multiple entries for a period of up to 10 years.
The Super Visa is offered as an alternative to the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP). The PGP offers permanent residence to its applicants. However, the demand to sponsor exceeds the number of spots available. In addition, IRCC has held lotteries to decide who gets to apply for the PGP, which critics say is unfair as candidates who just entered the pool may be picked over those who have been waiting much longer. Our Parental sponsorship 2021 article covers all the basics of the Parents and Grandparents Program. Our CEO and Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC), Al Parsai, also recorded a video about this topic.
Who is eligible for a super visa?
To be eligible for a super visa, you must:
- be the parent or grandparent of a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident of Canada
- have a signed letter from your child or grandchild who invites you to Canada that includes:
- a promise of financial support for the length of your visit
- the list and number of people in the household of this person
- a copy of this person’s Canadian citizenship or permanent resident document
- have medical insurance from a Canadian insurance company that is:
- valid for at least 1 year from the date of entry and has at least $100,000 coverage. Also, you should have proof that the medical insurance has been paid (quotes aren’t accepted).
You must also:
- apply for a super visa from outside Canada
- have your visa printed outside Canada (wait for visa office instructions)
- be allowed to enter Canada
- take an immigration medical exam
- meet certain other conditions. Source: IRCC.
You can’t include dependants in this application.
Let us help!
We could help with your parents’ and grandparents’ Super Visa. Fill out the following form and we will get back to you as quickly as possible. Alternatively, you may fill out our assessment form for other immigration options, or book a consultation session with Al Parsai.
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