Welcoming your loved ones to Canada via Super Visa
At Ahlawat Law PC, we understand the deep desire to have your parents and grandparents join you in Canada for extended visits. The Super Visa is a fantastic program designed to make this a reality, allowing eligible parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens and permanent residents to visit Canada for up to five years at a time. It’s a visa that provides multiple entries and can be valid for up to 10 years.
This blog post will delve into the key aspects of the Super Visa, helping you understand the eligibility requirements and the application process.
What is the Super Visa?
The Parent and Grandparent Super Visa is a special type of visitor visa that allows parents and grandparents to stay in Canada for a longer duration than a regular visitor visa. Instead of the usual six-month limit for most visitor visas, the Super Visa grants an initial stay of up to five years. This provides a wonderful opportunity for families to spend significant time together right here in Canada.
Who is Eligible for a Super Visa?
To be eligible for a Super Visa, both the applicant (the parent or grandparent) and the host (their child or grandchild in Canada) must meet certain criteria.
Eligibility of the Applicant (Parent or Grandparent):
- Must be a parent or grandparent of a Canadian citizen or permanent resident. This includes step-parents, step-grandparents, adopted parents, and adopted grandparents.
- Must be admissible to Canada. This means they must not have a criminal record, pose a security risk, or have any other reasons for inadmissibility under Canadian law.
- Must genuinely intend to stay in Canada temporarily and leave at the end of their authorized stay.
- Must meet specific medical examination requirements. Applicants will need to undergo an immigration medical exam by a panel physician approved by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
- Must hold a valid passport or travel document.
- Must be applying for the visa from outside of Canada.
- Must have the visa issued by a Canadian visa office abroad.
- Must be permitted to enter Canada.
- Must provide proof of private medical insurance coverage from a Canadian insurance company that is valid for at least one year from the date of entry and provides a minimum coverage of $100,000 for health care, hospitalization, and repatriation.
Eligibility of the Host (Child or Grandchild in Canada):
- Must be a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident of Canada.
- Must be at least 18 years of age and reside in Canada.
- Must meet the Minimum Necessary Income (MNI) requirements. This demonstrates their financial capacity to support their parent or grandparent during their extended stay in Canada. The MNI is based on the host’s family size plus the number of parents or grandparents they are sponsoring and is updated annually by IRCC.
- Must provide proof of their status in Canada, such as a Canadian citizenship certificate, permanent resident card, or a Certificate of Indian Status.
- Must sign a letter of invitation that includes a commitment of financial support for the duration of the visit and lists all family members included in the MNI calculation (with names and dates of birth).
The Application Process: A General Overview
The application process for a Super Visa generally involves these steps:
- Gather All Necessary Documentation: This includes the applicant’s passport, proof of the familial relationship with the host (e.g., birth certificates, marriage certificates), the host’s proof of status in Canada, proof of the host’s income (e.g., Notices of Assessment from the Canada Revenue Agency – CRA), and proof of the required Canadian medical insurance.
- Complete the Official Application Forms: All required application forms are available on the IRCC website. It’s crucial to fill these out accurately and completely.
- Pay the Applicable Processing Fees: There is a non-refundable fee associated with the Super Visa application.
- Submit the Application: The majority of Super Visa applications are submitted online through the IRCC portal. Ensure all supporting documents are uploaded correctly.
- Undergo a Medical Examination: The applicant will need to undergo a medical examination conducted by a panel physician authorized by IRCC.
- Provide Biometrics (if required): Depending on the applicant’s nationality, they may be required to provide their biometrics (fingerprints and photograph).
- Attend a Visa Interview (if requested): In some instances, the applicant may be asked to attend an interview at a Canadian visa office in their country of residence.
Why Choose the Super Visa?
The Super Visa offers significant advantages for Canadian families:
- Extended Visits: The primary benefit is the opportunity for parents and grandparents to enjoy extended stays of up to five years at a time in Canada, fostering stronger family connections.
- Multiple Entries: The Super Visa is a multiple-entry visa, allowing the holder to travel in and out of Canada within the validity period of the visa (up to 10 years).
- Potential for In-Canada Extension: Super Visa holders have the option to apply for an extension of their stay for up to an additional two years from within Canada, providing even greater flexibility.
Ahlawat Law PC: Your Trusted Partner in Family Reunification
Navigating the intricacies of the Super Visa application can be challenging. At Ahlawat Law PC, our team is dedicated to providing you with the expert legal advice and support you need to successfully reunite with your parents and grandparents in Canada. We can assist you with:
- Thoroughly assessing the eligibility of both the applicant and the host.
- Ensuring all necessary documentation is complete, accurate, and meets the stringent requirements of IRCC.
- Preparing and submitting a comprehensive and well-supported Super Visa application.
- Addressing any potential complexities or issues that may arise during the application process.
We deeply value the importance of family unity and are committed to guiding you through every step of the Super Visa process. Contact Ahlawat Law PC today for a consultation.
