If you want to learn about the super visa, how it differs from a regular visitor visa, and how to decide when inviting your parents or grandparents to visit, this article is for you.

What Is a Super Visa?

The IRCC website describes it as: “A super visa lets you visit your children or grandchildren for 5 years at a time. It’s a visa that provides multiple entries for a period of up to 10 years.” So, a super visa is a special visitor visa for parents or grandparents, who can stay up to 5 years at a time when you are visiting your child or grandchild in Canada, and this visitor can enter Canada for multiple times and this visa is valid up to 10 years once being issued.

Who Can Apply for A Super Visa?

1. Your host must:

• Be your child or grandchild.

• Be a Canadian citizen, a permanent resident of Canada, or a registered Indian.

• Be at least 18 years old and live in Canada.

• Meet the minimum income requirements (updated June 3, 2024).

2. You need to provide proof of health insurance that covers a period of one year from either a Canadian insurance company or an authorized insurance company outside Canada. A list of authorized insurance companies can be found on the Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions (OSFI) website.

3. You must undergo a medical exam with a designated doctor.

What Supporting Documents Are Needed?

You must provide the following documents with your application:

• An invitation letter from your child or grandchild who is inviting you.

• All documents proving that you and your host meet the above requirements.

• Any additional documents requested by IRCC or the visa office processing your application.

What are the differences between a super visa and a visitor visa?

• A visitor visa has no minimum income requirement, but you must prove that you have enough money for your stay. The amount required depends on the length of your visit.

• A visitor visa does not require you to buy health insurance.

• A visitor visa allows a shorter stay in Canada.

• A visitor visa is available to everyone, whether or not they have a Canadian host.

Conclusion

If your child or grandchild has a family income higher than required, which depends on the number of family members, and you plan to stay in Canada for more than six months, a Super Visa is a better option due to its relatively higher approval rate. Otherwise, opt for a regular visitor visa. However, ensure that you meet all the criteria, especially the financial requirements.

To contact us, please send us an email at info@mapleavesimm.com or book a consultation through our website.

Super Visa