SUPER VISA
A PATHWAY FOR FAMILY REUNIFICATION
A Super Visa allows eligible parents or grandparents to visit their children or grandchildren in Canada for extended periods - up to 5 years at a time. It is a long-term, multiple-entry visa valid for up to 10 years. Super Visa applicants must meet specific eligibility criteria, including health insurance requirements and financial support assurances.
Who Can Apply for a Super Visa?
Be the parent or grandparent of a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.
Have a host child or grandchild in Canada who:
-
Is a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or registered Indian.
-
Provides a copy of one of the following:
-
Canadian citizenship document
-
Permanent resident document
-
Secure Certificate of Indian Status or Certificate of Indian Status
-
-
Is at least 18 years old and lives in Canada.
-
Meets or exceeds the minimum necessary income (see table below).
-
Provides a signed letter of invitation, which includes:
-
A promise of financial support for the duration of your visit.
-
Family size and a list of names and birthdates for everyone included in the calculation to meet the minimum necessary income.
-
How To Calculate Family Size
To confirm your host’s minimum necessary income, include the following people in the family size count:
-
Yourself and any other super visa applicant applying at the same time (such as your spouse or common-law partner)
-
Host child or grandchild
-
Host’s spouse (which might include a separated spouse) or common-law partner
-
Dependent children of the host and of their spouse or common-law partner
-
Children who meet the definition of a dependent child must be included in the count, regardless of custody and child support arrangements.
-
-
Previously approved super visa applicants
-
These are super visa holders that were in another letter of invitation, signed by the host or the host’s spouse or common-law partner, that is still applicable.
-
-
Previously sponsored individuals
-
These are individuals the host or co-signer has previously sponsored (or acted as a co-signer for) where the duration of the undertaking is still in effect.
-
Minimum Necessary Income Requirements
To ensure your host can support your stay, they must meet or exceed the minimum necessary income based on family size:
Number of family members | Funds you need (in Canadian dollars) |
|---|---|
1 | $30,526 |
2 | $38,002 |
3 | $46,720 |
4 | $56,724 |
5 | $64,336 |
6 | $72,560 |
7 | $80,784 |
If more than 7 people, for each additional family member, add | $8,224 |
BENEFITS OF THE SUPER VISA
Extended Stay
With up to five years of continuous stay, parents and grandparents can spend meaningful time with their families without the need for frequent renewals.
Faster Processing
In many cases, Super Visa applications are processed faster than permanent resident sponsorship applications, allowing for quicker reunification with loved ones.
No Sponsorship Cap
Unlike the Parents and Grandparents Sponsorship Program, which has an annual cap on the number of applicants, the Super Visa has no such limit.
Multiple Entries
The visa’s multi-entry nature provides incredible flexibility in travel, making it convenient for family members to travel back and forth between Canada and their home country as needed.
ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA
● You must be outside Canada when submitting the application.
● You must provide proof of health insurance and meet other eligibility criteria.
● You must pass an immigration medical exam.
● You cannot include dependents in your Super Visa application.
Super Visa vs. Visitor Visa
Length of Stay:
A regular visitor visa allows for a maximum stay of six months at a time, while the Super Visa allows for stays of up to five years on each entry.
Multiple Entries:
Both visas allow for multiple entries, but the Super Visa is specifically valid for up to 10 years, whereas a regular visitor visa's validity can vary.
Medical Insurance Requirement:
Unlike the visitor visa, the Super Visa requires the applicant to purchase private medical insurance from a Canadian provider.
Super Visa vs. Parents and Grandparents Sponsorship
While the Parents and Grandparents Sponsorship Program provides a pathway to permanent residency, the process is more complex, involves longer wait times, and is subject to an annual cap on applications.
On the other hand, the Super Visa offers a quicker, temporary solution for those seeking to bring their parents or grandparents to Canada.
HOW TO APPLY
01
Get Your Documents Ready
To apply for a Super Visa, you must gather and submit the following documents:
● Letter of invitation from your child or grandchild in Canada.
● Proof of minimum income of your host (using documents listed above).
● Proof of health insurance (paid and valid for at least 1 year).
● Proof of your relationship to your host (e.g., birth certificate, baptismal certificate).
● Proof that you have passed a medical exam with an approved physician.
● Biometrics (fingerprints and photos).
02
Complete Application
Fill out the visa application form online or on paper.
03
Submit Application
Submit the application along with all supporting documents either through the IRCC (Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada) website or through a visa application center.
04
Biometrics and Medical Exam
If required, provide biometrics and undergo a medical exam.
05
Wait for Decision
After submitting the application, wait for a decision. If approved, the applicant will be granted a Super Visa.
AFTER YOU APPLY
Your application will be reviewed to ensure it includes all required documents. Processing time depends on the visa office handling your application and whether additional steps, such as medical exams or interviews, are needed.
● If approved, you will receive a letter with instructions for submitting your passport to receive the visa.
● If denied, you will receive an explanation.
ENTRY AND STAY IN CANADA
Upon arrival in Canada, you will go through an identity check. A border services officer will confirm your eligibility and may review your proof of health insurance. IRCC will check your identity to make sure that you’re the same person who was approved to travel to Canada.
-
If you enter Canada at one of 10 major Canadian airports:
-
Your fingerprints will be checked automatically at a primary inspection kiosk.
-
The system will check your identity against the information collected when your application was submitted.
-
-
If you enter Canada at smaller airports and all land ports of entry:
-
Your fingerprints may be checked for a secondary inspection, where a border services officer will use a fingerprint verification device to check your fingerprints.
-
Have Your Documents Ready
When you arrive, you’ll be greeted by an officer from the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA). The officer will ask to see your passport or travel documents. You should also bring the documents you used for your super visa application.
. Make sure these documents aren’t packed in your luggage.
A valid super visa and travel document (passport, titre de voyage or Certificate of Identity) does not guarantee that you can enter Canada.
You Enter Canada
If you pass the identity check and meet the entry requirements, the border services officer will stamp your passport, allowing you to stay in Canada for 5 years.
You won’t be allowed into Canada if you give false or incomplete information. You must convince the officer that
● You’re eligible for entry into Canada
● You’ll leave Canada at the end of your approved stay
It’s important to make sure that your passport is valid during your stay in Canada
LIVING IN CANADA
While on a Super Visa, you can enjoy extended time with your loved ones but cannot work or study without appropriate permits. Asteco provides complete support throughout the visa process to ensure a smooth experience.
WORK OR STUDY IN CANADA
A super visa doesn’t authorize you to work or study in Canada. Most visitors to Canada need a permit to work or study in Canada.
