If you did not receive an invitation to apply for the Parents and Grandparents Program 2023 between October 10th and October 23rd, you may want to apply for the Super Visa.
The Super Visa allows Canadian parents and grandparents to stay in Canada for an extended period of time.
The Super Visa is a temporary visa that allows parents and grandparents to visit their children and grandchildren in Canada for up to five years without having to renew their visitor status. Those who already have a Super Visa will be able to apply for an extension, which will allow them to stay in Canada as a visitor for up to 7 years. Furthermore, parents and grandparents with a Super Visa can enter Canada multiple times for a period of up to ten years.
The Super Visa has the advantage of being available all year. It is also ideal for parents and grandparents from countries where a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) is required for entry into Canada. They will be able to travel freely between Canada and their country of residence with the Super Visa without having to reapply for a TRV.
Who is eligible to apply for the Super Visa?
An applicant for the Super Visa must be the parent or grandparent of a Canadian citizen or permanent resident. They will be required to show proof of this relationship, such as a birth certificate.
A spouse or common-law partner can file an application, but a dependent cannot.
A signed letter from the applicant's child or grandchild inviting them to Canada is also required. This letter should include the following information:
A guarantee of financial support for the duration of the visit
The list and number of people in this person's household
a copy of this individual's Canadian citizenship or permanent resident card
In addition, the applicant must provide proof of medical insurance from a Canadian insurance company, which is:
Valid for a minimum of one year from the date of entry.
A minimum of $100,000 in emergency coverage
It is important to note that as of December 7, 2022, the insurance policy must no longer be paid in full when applying for the Super Visa.
Finally, the applicant's child or grandchild must be able to demonstrate that they meet the income requirements of the Super Visa, as defined by the Low-Income Cut Off (LICO). The income requirement exists to ensure that the child or grandchild can financially support their family members.
The following documents may be used to demonstrate that the applicant meets the LICO:
Notice of Assessment (NOA) or T4/T1 for the most recent tax year
Employment Insurance Stubs
An employment letter that includes salary and hire date
Pay stubs
Bank statements
A number of factors will be considered when evaluating the final, completed application. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will consider the purpose of the visit to Canada as well as whether the parents or grandparents will maintain adequate ties to their home country. This can be demonstrated by displaying family ties, finances, and other links outside of Canada.
Applicants for Super Visas must also pass a medical exam:
If IRCC approves the application, the visa will be stamped inside the applicant's passport. If the applicant is from a visa-exempt country, the IRCC will issue a letter to be presented to a border services officer upon arrival in Canada.