Bringing your parents or grandparents to Canada can be an excellent way to reunite with family. The Canadian Super Visa offers a unique opportunity to do just that. This multi-entry visa is valid for up to ten years, making it an attractive option for families looking to spend extended time together.

Understanding the ins and outs of the Canadian Super Visa is key. We’ll walk you through everything you need about this visa, including eligibility criteria, application steps, and the benefits it offers.

What is a Canadian Super Visa?

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A Canadian Super Visa allows parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens or permanent residents to visit Canada for up to 5 years, with multiple entries over 10 years. Unlike a standard visitor visa, the Canadian Super Visa offers extended stays, providing a longer-term option for family reunification. To be eligible, applicants must meet specific requirements, including proof of private health insurance coverage for at least one year in Canada.

The duration of stay can vary depending on when the application is made. If you applied on or after June 22, 2023, your parent or grandparent can stay for up to 5 years . However, for applications before this date, the length of stay will depend on the border officer’s decision upon entry. To maintain eligibility, Canadian Super Visa holders must keep their health insurance valid and ensure their passport remains up-to-date throughout their stay.

Who Can Apply For a Canadian Super Visa?

To apply for a Canadian Super Visa, applicants must meet the following requirements.

  • Parents or grandparents of Canadian citizens or permanent residents,
  • The host (the child or grandchild) must meet specific criteria, including being at least 18 years old, living in Canada, and having a minimum necessary income to support the applicant during their visit,
  • The host must also provide a letter of invitation that includes a promise of financial support and details about their family size and income level,
  • The Canadian Super Visa applicant must be outside Canada when applying and cannot include dependents,
  • Applicants must provide proof of health insurance from a Canadian or authorized foreign insurance company which covers healthcare, hospitalization, and repatriation with a minimum coverage of 144,128.56 CAD for at least one year from the entry date,
  • The insurance must be fully paid for and verifiable with a statement from the insurance company, and
  • Applicants must also meet other conditions, such as passing an immigration medical exam and being allowed entry into Canada.

Factors such as ties to the home country, financial stability, and the purpose of the visit will be considered during the application process. Even visa-exempt individuals can apply for a Canadian Super Visa if they meet all eligibility requirements.

Loosening of Canadian Super Visa Health Insurance Eligibility Requirements

As of January 28, 2025, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has expanded the eligibility requirements for health insurance under the Canadian Super Visa program, allowing parents and grandparents to purchase coverage from non-Canadian insurers. Previously, applicants were required to obtain health insurance from Canadian providers to meet the Super Visa requirements.

Non-Insurance Provider

Non-Canadian insurance providers can fulfill this requirement, provided they are authorized by the Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions (OSFI) under the Insurance Companies Act. Additionally, the insurer must appear on the OSFI list of federally regulated financial institutions and issue the policy during its business in Canada.

Insurance Policies

Insurance policies from non-Canadian providers must include a statement confirming the policy was issued during the insurer's business in Canada. All health insurance plans from Canadian or non-Canadian providers must cover healthcare, hospitalization, and repatriation with a minimum coverage of 144,164.00 CAD and be valid for at least one year from the entry date. Super Visa holders must present proof of payment for their insurance upon arrival in Canada.

How Do I Apply For a Canadian Super Visa?

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Applying for a Canadian Super Visa requires specific documents and meeting eligibility criteria to ensure successful processing. One of the main requirements is a letter of invitation from your child or grandchild, which must include a financial support promise, details about the family size, and a calculation of the minimum necessary income based on the family members included.

Confirmtion of Your Income

To confirm the income, your host must provide proof of their financial situation, which may be co-signed by their spouse or common-law partner if applicable. You must have health insurance coverage, which can be provided by either a Canadian or non-Canadian insurance company. The policy should be valid for at least one year, cover healthcare, hospitalization, and repatriation, and have a minimum coverage of 144,164.00 CAD.

Medical Exam

A medical exam is also required; proof of completion from an approved panel physician must be provided. Furthermore, the host’s citizenship, Canadian permanent residency, or registered Indian status must be verified, alongside proof of your relationship to them (e.g., birth or baptismal certificates). Once you’ve gathered these documents, you can apply online through the IRCC portal or, if necessary, on paper for specific situations such as applying with a refugee travel document.

Required Forms

The application includes completing the required forms, paying applicable fees (including processing and biometrics fees), and submitting the completed package to the designated processing location. Review the guide carefully, as mistakes may delay your application, and ensure you meet all the requirements before submitting.

After You Apply For a Canadian Super Visa?

After applying for a Canadian Super Visa, it’s important to book your biometrics appointment promptly to avoid delays in processing. Once your application is submitted, the authorities will verify that all necessary documents are included. If anything is missing, your application may be refused. You may also be asked to attend an interview, provide additional information, undergo a medical exam, or submit a police certificate, depending on the specifics of your application.

IRCC Super Visa Processing Times

Processing times typically take a few months, but the duration may vary based on the visa office and any extra steps required. If your application is approved, you will receive instructions to submit your passport for visa issuance, or if you’re from a visa-exempt country, you’ll receive a letter to present upon arrival in Canada. If your application is refused, you’ll be provided with an explanation.

After Arriving in Canada

Upon arrival in Canada, border services will verify your identity, and you will be required to present your passport and documents used during your visa application. Ensuring your passport is valid for your stay is essential, as having a valid super visa does not guarantee entry. Lastly, a super visa does not grant permission to work or study in Canada.

What Happens if Your Canadian Super Visa Application is Refused?

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If your Canadian Super Visa application is refused, carefully review the reasons provided in the refusal letter. The letter will outline the specific issues that led to the denial, such as insufficient documentation, failure to meet eligibility requirements, or concerns about your intent to leave Canada after your visit.

Reasons For Refusal

Common reasons for refusal include inadequate proof of financial support, lack of proper health insurance, or failure to meet the minimum income requirements set by your host in Canada. You have the option to reapply for a Super Visa, but you must address the issues that led to the initial refusal.

Provide The Required Documents

Ensure you provide the required documents and correct any mistakes in your previous application. If the refusal was due to missing information, gather all necessary documents before reapplying. Sometimes, you may also consider filing an appeal if the refusal was based on an error. Consulting with a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC) can help improve your chances of success in the reapplication process.

FAQs

Is it Recommended That an Immigration Consultant be Used for a Super Visa Application?

While not mandatory, using an RCIC or immigration lawyer can be beneficial, especially if your situation is complex. They can help navigate the application process, ensure all requirements are met, and increase your chances of approval. However, you can apply independently if you're comfortable with the process.

Can my Parents/Grandparents Study in Canada with a Super Visa?

No, a Canadian Super Visa is specifically for visiting family and is not intended for studying. If your parents/grandparents wish to study in Canada, they would need to apply for a separate study permit that meets the specific requirements for international students. The Canadian Super Visa allows them to visit Canada while considering other options but not to enroll in a program of study.

Can my Spouse/Partner Join me on a Canadian Super Visa?

No, the Canadian Super Visa is designed for parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens and permanent residents. Spouses or partners of the Canadian Super Visa applicant must apply for their visitor visa or explore other immigration options if they wish to join them in Canada. Each individual must meet the specific eligibility criteria for their respective visa category.