Super Visa
Canada’s super visa is a multiple-entry visa specifically for parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens or permanent residents. This visa has always been a popular and accessible option for Canadians to have their loved ones in Canada with them.
The Super Visa allows individuals to enter Canada multiple times during the validity of their visa (usually 10 years unless your passport expiry is less than 10 years).
The main advantage of a Super Visa is that it allows individuals to stay in Canada for up to 5 years, while a regular multiple-entry visa only allows individuals to remain in Canada for up to 6 months during each visit.
** Please note that the length of stay for super visa holders has been increased since July 4, 2022. If you hold a valid super visa and have entered Canada after July 4, 2022, you will be eligible to stay in Canada for up to five years.
However, if you entered Canada on a super visa before July 4, 2022, the authorized length of your stay would remain 2 years instead of 5 years. You will need to leave Canada and re-enter to be able to stay for a longer period or submit an application to extend your stay.
Who is Eligible to Apply?
The Super Visa application has specific requirements and eligibility criteria that individuals have to meet, such as:
- Having a child or grandchild in Canada who is a Canadian citizen or permanent resident;
- Having a signed invitation letter from your child/grandchild, including:
- Having valid medical insurance from a Canadian insurance company for a period of at least one year from the date of entry and with emergency coverage of at least $100,000;
- Providing financial supporting documents from your child/grandchild proving that they meet the minimum income requirements; and
- Completing your medical examination by an IRCC-approved panel physician.
In addition to the requirements mentioned above, as a temporary visa applicant, you must satisfy the immigration officer that you will return to your home country at the end of your visit by mostly showing ties to your home country.
The Invitation Letter
Your invitation letter from your child/grandchild in Canada plays a key role in your super visa application. The main purpose of an invitation letter is to demonstrate that your child/grandchild will be financially responsible for you during your stay in Canada.
The letter should include the following:
- Complete personal and financial details of your child/grandchild;
- A promise from them to support you financially during your stay;
- Details about their family size and number of people residing in their household;
- A copy of their Canadian passport, citizenship certificate or permanent resident card;
- Information about the purpose and duration of your trip.
**Please note that the decision to grant you a Super Visa considering your medical report remains solely with the IRCC officer and not the physician.
Super Visa Medical Examination
If you are applying for a Super Visa, you might be required to pass a medical examination. You have the option to provide an upfront medical examination (before IRCC requests one from you). However, we would suggest waiting for IRCC’s request letter and then completing your medical examination.
Some important notes regarding the medical examination:
- Your medical examination must be conducted by a panel physician approved by IRCC
- For a list of authorized panel physicians, please click here.
- If you are doing an upfront medical examination, after your exam, you must submit the required forms to IRCC. However, if IRCC has requested you to undergo a medical examination, you do not have to do anything else as the physician will automatically send your results to IRCC.
As part of this examination, you might undergo a chest x-ray, blood test, and urine test.
Super Visa Income Requirements
As part of the requirements for a Super Visa application, your sponsor (child or grandchild) must prove that they have enough income to support you during your stay in Canada.
The sponsor must provide proof of their income meets the minimum requirements as set out by the government every year. Some of the required financial documents from the sponsor include:
- Notice of Assessment (NOA) or T4/T1 for the most recent tax year;
- Employment Insurance Benefit statements;
- Employment letter including salary, job title, job description, and date of hiring;
- Pay stubs and bank statements.
The minimum necessary income for 2022 according to your sponsor’s family size.
Should I apply for a visitor visa or a super visa?
The super visa and the visitor visa are both temporary visas with some slight differences.
You should apply for a super visa if you want to stay in Canada longer than six months and if your child/grandchild has the financial means to support you during your stay. If you wish to visit Canada for a short trip or only once, it would be easier to apply for a visitor visa and not go through the hassle of medical examinations, travel insurance and financial requirements.
To learn more about Canada’s visitor visa, please click here
Super Visa FAQ
The application fee for a Super Visa is $100.00. However, if you are below the age of 79, you will be required to provide your biometrics which would have an $85.00 fee.
Apart from the application and biometric fees, be prepared for fees associated with your medical examination which could range anywhere between $150.00 to $300.00 depending on your age and medical conditions.
To calculate the fees for your travel insurance, we suggest contacting a few Canadian insurance companies that offer this type of travel insurance and get a quote based on your age and medical history.
No. Your children could apply for a visitor visa if they are eligible.
Depending on your case, you might be required to attend an interview with an IRCC officer.
How Can We Help
Canadian immigration laws can be complex and challenging. At Moshiri Immigration, our Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultants (RCIC) specialize in Canadian immigration law. We have successfully handled many successful visitor visa applications, and we can help you too!
Our years of experience allow us to provide practical and straightforward advice, ensuring you get the results you want. From the moment you become a client at Moshiri Immigration, we guarantee that your case will be handled with the utmost professionalism and personal attention.
