Canada Super visa for parents and grandparents
Canadian citizens and permanent residents have an option to invite their parents and grandparents to Canada as visitors for the period of up to two consecutive years. The Parent-Grantparent Super Visa has been designed to facilitate visits of the loved ones in Canada to older generations.
What The Parent-Grandparent Super Visa Does
Super Visa is issued for a period of 10 years, and it allows for re-entry into Canada during this period of time. It does not give any permission to work in Canada.
Who is Eligible for a Super Visa? (Requirements)
The Super Visa program is designed to allow parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens and permanent residents to visit Canada for extended periods. However, eligibility isn't as simple as just being a parent or grandparent. Both the applicant (the parent or grandparent) and their child or grandchild in Canada must meet specific requirements.
Eligibility of the Applicant (Parent or Grandparent):
Relationship to Sponsor: You must be the biological parent, adoptive parent, or step-parent of a Canadian citizen or permanent resident. Similarly, you must be the biological grandparent, adoptive grandparent, or step-grandparent of a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.
Clarification: A step-parent or step-grandparent relationship exists if your child or grandchild in Canada is the biological or adopted child of your current or former spouse or common-law partner.
Spouses and Common-Law Partners: The Super Visa application can include parents, grandparents, along with their spouses or common-law partners, even if the spouse or common-law partner is not the parent or grandparent of the Canadian citizen or permanent resident.
Dependents Not Allowed: You cannot include any dependents (e.g., dependent children) on your Super Visa application. The Super Visa is specifically for parents and grandparents (and their spouses/common-law partners).
Admissibility to Canada: You must be admissible to Canada. This means you must not have a criminal record, pose a security risk, or have any other reason that would make you inadmissible under Canadian immigration law (subject to medical and other requirements, as detailed in later sections).
Eligibility of the Child or Grandchild in Canada (The Sponsor):
Your child or grandchild in Canada must meet the following requirements:
Canadian Citizen or Permanent Resident: They must be a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident of Canada.
Age 18 or Older: They must be at least 18 years old.
Residing in Canada: They must be residing in Canada.
Meeting the Low Income Cut-Off (LICO): They must meet the Low Income Cut-Off (LICO) requirements, demonstrating that they have sufficient income to financially support your visit to Canada. (See the "Detailed LICO Explanation & Requirements" section for more information.)
Providing a Letter of Invitation: They must provide a signed letter of invitation that includes:
Their contact information and date of birth
Your contact information and date of birth
Their promise of financial support for the duration of your visit
Details of your planned stay in Canada, including the length of your visit
A list of the people who will be part of your visit
Special Consideration: Divorced or Separated Parents/Grandparents
If you are divorced or separated from the other parent or grandparent of your child or grandchild in Canada, both you and your former spouse or partner can apply for a Super Visa separately, provided that you both meet all other eligibility requirements. You do not need to apply together. Each parent or grandparent will need to submit their own individual application, including their own supporting documents and letter of invitation from their child or grandchild in Canada.
In summary, eligibility for the Super Visa program depends on meeting specific criteria for both the applicant and their child or grandchild in Canada. Carefully review all requirements before applying to ensure you have the best chance of success.
Super Visa Medical Insurance Requirements
A critical requirement for the Super Visa is that applicants must have valid Canadian medical insurance coverage for at least one year from the date of their entry into Canada. This insurance is designed to protect both the Super Visa holder and the Canadian healthcare system from unexpected medical costs.
Key Requirements for Super Visa Medical Insurance:
Must be from a Canadian Insurance Company: The medical insurance policy must be issued by a Canadian insurance company. Policies purchased from insurance companies outside of Canada are not acceptable.
Minimum Coverage Amount: The insurance policy must provide a minimum coverage of $100,000 CAD. This coverage is intended to cover significant medical expenses that may arise during your stay.
Coverage Details: The insurance policy must cover the following:
Hospitalization: Costs associated with hospital stays, including room and board, nursing care, and medical procedures.
Medical Care: Costs associated with doctor visits, medical tests, diagnostic imaging (X-rays, MRIs), and other medical treatments.
Repatriation: Costs associated with returning you to your home country in the event of a serious illness or death. This is a crucial component, as medical repatriation can be very expensive.
Validity Period: The insurance policy must be valid for a minimum of one year (365 days) from the date of your entry into Canada. You must be able to provide proof of continuous coverage for this period.
Payable Claims: The insurance policy must be able to pay for claims. The officer needs to see that the policy has the ability to pay for any claims that might occur.
Common Concerns & Considerations:
Pre-existing Conditions: Many applicants have concerns about whether their pre-existing medical conditions will be covered by the insurance policy. It's essential to carefully review the policy terms and conditions to understand the coverage for pre-existing conditions. Some policies may have waiting periods or exclusions for certain pre-existing conditions. Be transparent with the insurance provider about any pre-existing conditions you have.
Waiting Periods: Some insurance policies have waiting periods before certain benefits become available. This means that you may not be covered for certain medical expenses during the initial waiting period. Check the policy details carefully to understand any waiting periods that may apply.
Policy Exclusions: Be aware of any exclusions in the policy. Common exclusions may include coverage for certain types of medical treatments, experimental procedures, or injuries sustained while participating in high-risk activities.
Renewals: While the initial insurance policy must be for at least one year, you may be able to renew the policy annually if you plan to stay in Canada longer than two years (understanding that you'll need to leave and re-enter). However, ensure the renewed policy continues to meet the IRCC requirements.
Reputable Canadian Insurance Companies
Example: Manulife, Sun Life Financial, Blue Cross, Allianz Global Assistance, Travel Guard Canada.
Disclaimer: This is not an exhaustive list, and we recommend researching and comparing different insurance providers to find the policy that best meets your needs and budget. We do not endorse any specific insurance company.
Providing proof of valid Canadian medical insurance is a mandatory requirement for the Super Visa. Ensure that you purchase a policy that meets all of the IRCC requirements to avoid delays or refusal of your application.
Get Help With Your Parent- Grandparent Super Visa Application
Applicants from Visa-Exempt Countries
Super Visa is a top choice for parents and grandparents who live in the countries that require a visa. Instead of getting a much more limited Temporary Residence Visa (TRV), they can get a Super Visa and be able to travel to Canada to visit their children/grandchildren without the worries of having to get a TRV.
Whereas parents and grandparents from visa-exempt countries apply for a Super Visa using the same application process. However, instead of getting a TRV, they will be given a letter from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), authorizing them to stay in Canada for up to two years.
LICO (Low Income Cut-Off) Explanation & Requirements
One of the most important eligibility requirements for the Super Visa is that the child or grandchild in Canada (the "sponsor") must demonstrate that they meet the Low Income Cut-Off (LICO).
What is LICO?
LICO, or Low Income Cut-Off, is a statistical benchmark used by the Canadian government to determine the minimum income required to support a family of a certain size. It represents the income threshold below which a family is considered to be living in low-income circumstances.
Why is LICO Required for the Super Visa?
The LICO requirement for the Super Visa is in place to ensure that the child or grandchild in Canada has sufficient financial resources to support their parent(s) or grandparent(s) during their extended stay in Canada, without relying on public assistance. This helps to protect the Canadian social safety net and ensures that Super Visa holders do not become a financial burden on Canadian taxpayers.
How is LICO Calculated?
The LICO is calculated based on the size of the sponsor's family unit, including the parent(s) or grandparent(s) they are sponsoring. For example, if a Canadian citizen is sponsoring their two parents and already has a spouse and one child, the LICO will be calculated for a family of five.
Current LICO Amounts:
The LICO amounts are updated annually by Statistics Canada. Here are the minimum necessary income amounts for 2024 (for reference - always check the IRCC website for the most up-to-date amounts):
What if the Child/Grandchild Doesn't Meet LICO?
If the child or grandchild in Canada does not meet the LICO requirements on their own, they may be able to use a co-signer. A co-signer is someone who agrees to financially support the parent(s) or grandparent(s) along with the child or grandchild in Canada. The co-signer must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident and must also meet the LICO requirements. Acceptable co-signers could be the spouse of the sponsoring child/grandchild.
Important Considerations:
Meeting LICO is Not a Guarantee: Meeting the LICO requirements does not guarantee that the Super Visa will be approved. IRCC officers will also consider other factors, such as the applicant's ties to their home country and their reasons for wanting to visit Canada.
LICO Requirements are Strict: IRCC officers will carefully scrutinize the documents provided to ensure that the child or grandchild in Canada meets the LICO requirements. It is important to provide accurate and complete information.
In conclusion, meeting the LICO requirements is a critical step in the Super Visa application process. Ensure that the child or grandchild in Canada meets the requirements and provides all necessary documentation to support their application.
How To Apply For Parent- Grandparent Super Visa - Step-Step Process
In general, applying for a Super Visa is similar to that or a regular TRV. Yet, IRCC requires additional documentation to prove that someone support the parents and grandparents during their stay in Canada.
Step 1: Determine Your Eligibility
Before you begin the application process, carefully review the eligibility requirements for both the applicant (parent or grandparent) and the sponsor (child or grandchild in Canada), as outlined in the "Who is Eligible for a Super Visa?" section. Ensure that you meet all of the requirements before proceeding.
Step 2: Gather Required Documents
Gathering all the necessary documents is a critical step. Refer to the IRCC website for the most up-to-date document checklist. Typical documents include (but are not limited to):
Application Forms:
Application for a Visitor Visa (IMM5257): This is the main application form.
Family Information Form (IMM5707): Provides information about your family members.
Use of a Representative Form (IMM5476): Required if you are using a representative (like Canadian Immigration Experts).
Statutory Declaration of Common-Law Union (IMM5409): If applicable.
Passport: A copy of your passport bio page.
Proof of Relationship: Birth certificates or other official documents proving the relationship between the applicant and the child/grandchild in Canada.
Letter of Invitation: A letter of invitation from the child/grandchild in Canada.
Proof of Sponsor's Status in Canada: Copy of the child/grandchild's Canadian passport or permanent resident card.
Proof of Sponsor's Income (LICO): Notice of Assessment (NOA) and other financial documents demonstrating that the child/grandchild meets the LICO requirements.
Medical Insurance: Proof of valid Canadian medical insurance with a minimum coverage of $100,000 CAD.
Digital Photo: A digital photo that meets IRCC's specifications.
Any other documents required by the visa office.
Step 3: Choose Your Application Method: Online or Paper
You can apply for a Super Visa either online or on paper.
Online Application: Applying online is generally faster and more convenient. You will need to scan and upload all of your documents.
Paper Application: You can download the application forms and instructions from the IRCC website and submit your application by mail to the appropriate visa office.
Step 4: Complete the Application Forms
Fill out all sections of the application forms accurately and completely. Provide truthful information and answer all questions to the best of your ability. Incomplete or inaccurate applications can be delayed or refused.
Step 5: Pay the Application Fees
The application fee for a Super Visa is [Insert Current Fee Amount - Link to IRCC Fee Page]. You will need to pay the fee online when applying online, or include the fee payment with your application when applying on paper. Keep a copy of your payment receipt.
Step 6: Submit Your Application
Online: Upload all required documents and submit your application electronically through the IRCC portal.
Paper: Mail your completed application package, including all supporting documents and the fee payment, to the visa office responsible for your region. The mailing address will be provided in the application instructions.
Step 7: Medical Examination
After you submit your application, the visa office will send you instructions on how to complete a medical examination. You must undergo a medical examination by a panel physician approved by IRCC. The visa office will provide you with a list of approved panel physicians in your area. The medical exam results are sent directly to IRCC. You do not need to complete the medical exam before submitting your application.
Step 8: Biometrics (If Required)
Depending on your nationality, you may be required to provide biometrics (fingerprints and a photo). If required, IRCC will send you a letter with instructions on how to provide your biometrics at a designated collection service point. There is a fee for biometrics.
Step 9: Track Your Application
After you submit your application, you will receive an acknowledgement letter from IRCC. You can use the file number provided in the acknowledgement letter to track the status of your application online through the IRCC website.
Step 10: Decision
IRCC will assess your application and make a decision. If your application is approved, you will be issued a Super Visa. If your application is refused, you will receive a letter explaining the reasons for the refusal.
What to Expect After Submitting Your Application:
Acknowledgement Letter: You will receive an acknowledgement letter confirming that IRCC has received your application.
Application Updates: You can track the status of your application online.
Requests for Additional Information: IRCC may request additional information or documents from you during the processing of your application. Respond to these requests promptly and thoroughly.
Interview (Rare): In some cases, you may be required to attend an interview with an IRCC officer.
Decision: IRCC will make a decision on your application.
Following these steps carefully will help ensure that your Super Visa application is complete and processed efficiently.
Minimum Requirements to Income
| Family Size | Minimum Necessary Income, CAD |
1 person 2 persons 3 persons 4 persons 5 persons 6 persons 7 or more persons | 24,600 30,625 37,650 45,712 51,846 58,473 65,101 |
If there are more than 7 persons in the family, add CAD 6, 628 for each additional one.
Get Help With Your Parent- Grandparent Super Visa Application
Processing Time For Parent- Grandparent Super Visa
The Super Visa application is processed at the visa office where the parent or grandparent lives. Additional documents may be needed, which you must provide. Another advantage of the Parents and Grandparents Super Visa is its relatively short processing time of approximately 8-weeks.
Super Visa Canada Approval Process
Just like the Temporary Resident Visa, the Super Visa application is assessed based on factors like the purpose of the visit and ties to the home country.
To convince the officer, highlight family connections, financial stability, and ties to the home country.
Additional Requirements For Canadian Super Visa
Applicants must undergo a medical examination, but it is not necessary before applying. The visa office will provide forms and instructions after you submit the application.
Canada Super Visa FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions about the Super Visa program:
Q: Can I include my other family members (e.g., siblings, other grandchildren) on the Super Visa application?
A: No, the Super Visa is specifically for parents and grandparents (and their spouses or common-law partners) of Canadian citizens or permanent residents. Other family members, such as siblings or other grandchildren, cannot be included on the application. They would need to apply for a regular visitor visa if they wish to visit Canada.
Q: Can I work in Canada with a Super Visa?
A: No, the Super Visa is a visitor visa, and it does not allow you to work in Canada. To work in Canada, you need a valid work permit.
Q: Can I study in Canada with a Super Visa?
A: No, the Super Visa does not allow you to enroll in a full-time academic program in Canada. To study in Canada, you need a valid study permit. Short-term courses (less than 6 months) may be allowed, but it's best to confirm with IRCC.
Q: What happens if I get sick while in Canada on a Super Visa?
A: It is crucial to have valid Canadian medical insurance coverage for the duration of your stay. This insurance will cover the costs of medical treatment if you get sick or injured while in Canada. Without insurance, you will be responsible for paying all medical expenses out of pocket, which can be very expensive.
Q: Can I extend my stay beyond two years with a Super Visa?
A: No, you cannot extend your stay while remaining in Canada beyond the maximum of two years per entry allowed with the Super Visa. You must leave Canada before your authorized stay expires. However, you can re-apply for another Super Visa and return to Canada, provided you still meet all the eligibility requirements.
Q: Can I apply for permanent residence while in Canada on a Super Visa?
A: While being in Canada on a Super Visa doesn't prevent you from applying for permanent residence, it doesn't provide any special advantage or guarantee of approval. You must meet all the requirements of the specific permanent residence program you are applying under. You generally cannot apply for permanent residence from within Canada under the family sponsorship program as a parent or grandparent; you typically need to apply from outside Canada.
Q: What if my child/grandchild in Canada loses their job while I am visiting on a Super Visa?
A: This can be a concerning situation. If your child/grandchild loses their job and can no longer demonstrate that they meet the LICO requirements, it could potentially affect your ability to re-enter Canada on the Super Visa in the future. It's important to maintain open communication with IRCC and provide updated information about your financial situation if it changes. Having your own savings and resources can also help alleviate concerns.
Q: Is there an age limit for applying for a Super Visa?
A: No, there is no specific age limit for applying for a Super Visa. As long as you are the parent or grandparent of a Canadian citizen or permanent resident and meet all other eligibility requirements, you can apply, regardless of your age.
Q: Can both parents apply for a Super Visa if they are divorced?
A: Yes, divorced or separated parents can both apply for a Super Visa separately, provided they each meet all other eligibility requirements and have a child or grandchild in Canada who is willing to sponsor them.
Q: What are the chances of my Super Visa application being approved?
A: The chances of your Super Visa application being approved depend on several factors, including whether you meet all the eligibility requirements, the strength of your ties to your home country, and the overall completeness and accuracy of your application. There is no guarantee of approval, but providing a strong application with all the necessary documentation will increase your chances of success.
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