The Super Visa program is an excellent opportunity for parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens or permanent residents to visit and stay with their loved ones in Canada. In this article, we'll explain in detail how the Super Visa works, the eligibility criteria, the documents required and the steps to follow to apply. Follow our comprehensive guide to maximize your chances of success and best prepare your stay in Canada.
What is the Super Visa?
The Super Visa is a type of temporary Canadian visa that allows parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens or permanent residents to stay in Canada for up to five years (the CBSA officer may grant a shorter period, e.g. two years) without having to renew their status. Unlike the classic visitor visa, the Super Visa offers greater flexibility in terms of length of stay and opportunities to travel within and outside Canada.
Eligibility criteria
To be eligible for the Super Visa, you must :
- Be the parent or grandparent of a Canadian citizen or permanent resident of Canada
- Have a letter of invitation from your child or grandchild residing in Canada
- Prove that your child or grandchild meets minimum income requirements
- Take out private medical insurance for the duration of your stay
- Pass a medical examination by a Canadian government-certified physician
- Meet all other eligibility requirements for a visitor's visa, including proof of strong ties to your country of origin and proof that you will leave Canada at the end of your stay.
Required documents
To apply for a Super Visa, you will need to create an online account on IRCC's portal, complete the online application form and provide from the documents below those that apply to your situation and that IRCC indicates on your list of required documents:
- Identity documents
- Proof of your relationship to the Canadian citizen or permanent resident (birth certificate, other official document attesting to your parentage, etc.).
- Letter of invitation from your child or grandchild living in Canada
- Proof that your child or grandchild meets minimum income requirements (notice of assessment, letter from employer, etc.)
- Proof of private medical insurance for the duration of your stay
- Medical certificate issued by an accredited physician
- Additional documents to prove your ties with your country of origin and your intention to leave Canada at the end of your stay (property title, proof of employment, etc.).
- Travel history (optional)
- Statement of account (optional)
- Employment information (optional)
- Use of a representative form IMM 5476 (if you require representation for your application)
- Documents proving a conjugal relationship (optional)
- Authorization to release personal information to a designated person IMM 5475 (optional)
- Information on the IMM 5645 family
- Information on minors, depending on the situation
Application process
To apply for a Super Visa, follow the steps below:
- Gather all required documents
- Fill in the online application form
- Upload required documents
- Pay the application fee
- Submit your request online
- Wait for the Canadian government's decision
Processing time and approval
The processing time for a Super Visa application may vary depending on the visa office and its workload. In general, processing can take up to several months. It is therefore advisable to submit your application well in advance of your intended travel date. You can check processing times on the official Canadian government website.
Private medical insurance
Private medical insurance is an essential condition for obtaining a Super Visa. You must take out health, hospitalization and repatriation insurance for the duration of your stay, with a minimum coverage of 100,000 $ CAN. This insurance must be taken out with a Canadian insurance company and be valid for each entry into Canada. You'll need to provide proof of insurance when you apply for your visa.
Medical examination
A medical examination is required for Super Visa applicants. You must undergo this examination by a doctor approved by the Canadian government (list available on the official website). The purpose of the examination is to ensure that you do not present a risk to public health, and that you are fit to travel. The medical certificate must be submitted with your visa application.
Super Visa renewal and extension
The Super Visa is valid for a maximum of 10 years, and allows stays of up to 5 years at a time (possibly less). If you wish to extend your stay beyond this period, you will need to apply for an extension of your status at least 30 days before your visa expires. You will also need to provide additional documentation to prove that you continue to meet the eligibility requirements.
Refusal and appeal
If your Super Visa application is refused, you will receive a letter explaining the reasons for the refusal. It is often effective to correct the problems identified and submit a new application.
Can I work in Canada on a Super Visa?
The Super Visa is designed primarily to enable parents and grandparents to visit relatives living in Canada. It is not a work visa, and holders of this visa are not authorized to work in Canada. If you are interested in working while in Canada, you will need to consider other options, such as obtaining a temporary work permit or applying for permanent residency.
However, it is important to note that Super Visa holders can study in Canada without a study permit for up to six months. Beyond this period, a study permit will be required to continue studies.
If you are a Super Visa holder and wish to work in Canada, it is advisable to consult an immigration advisor or seek information on the various options available, such as the Temporary Foreign Worker Program. Each program has its own eligibility and application criteria, and it's essential to understand the requirements before submitting an application.
In summary, while the Super Visa offers a unique opportunity to spend time with your family in Canada, it does not allow you to work legally in the country. If you wish to work during your stay, it's crucial to explore the different work visa options to determine which best suits your situation and objectives.
Permanent residency options in Canada for Super Visa holders
The Super Visa allows parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens and permanent residents to stay temporarily in Canada. However, it does not lead directly to permanent residency. If you are interested in obtaining permanent residency in Canada as a Super Visa holder, here are some options to consider:
Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP)
The Parents and Grandparents Program is specifically designed to enable parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens and permanent residents to become permanent residents themselves. Applications are accepted once a year, and there is an annual quota for the number of applications accepted. Eligibility criteria for the PGP are similar to those for the Super Visa, but also include proof that the applicant can support himself and his family financially, and that the child or grandchild residing in Canada can support the applicant financially.
Express Entry program
Express Entry is an application management system for skilled workers wishing to immigrate to Canada as permanent residents. Although not specifically designed for Super Visa holders, if you have professional skills, work experience and fluency in English or French, you may be eligible for one of the programs managed by Express Entry, such as the Federal Skilled Worker Program, the Federal Skilled Trades Program or the Canadian Experience Class.
Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP)
Every province and territory in Canada has a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), which allows provinces and territories to invite people to settle in their area as permanent residents, based on their skills, work experience and ability to contribute to the local economy. Some PCPs have specific categories for parents and grandparents or other family members. Application requirements and processes vary according to the program, so it's important to research the options available in the province where you wish to settle.
It's important to note that each of these programs has its own eligibility criteria, requirements and application process. We recommend that you consult an immigration advisor or seek information on the various options to determine which is best suited to your situation and goals.
What to do if you've reached the limit allowed in Canada with a Super Visa?
If you've reached the limit of your stay in Canada with a Super Visa, you have several options to consider, depending on your future plans and personal situation.
Return to your country of origin
If you have reached the two-year limit and do not plan to extend your stay in Canada, you will have to return to your country of origin. Make sure you respect the conditions of your visa and leave Canada before your status expires.
Request an extension of stay if applicable
If you wish to remain in Canada beyond the authorized period, you may apply for an extension of your visitor status. You'll need to apply for an extension at least 30 days before your current status expires. You will also need to provide additional documentation to prove that you continue to meet eligibility requirements. Please note, however, that approval of the extension is not guaranteed and will depend on the Canadian authorities' assessment of your situation.
Explore permanent residency options
If you'd like to settle in Canada permanently, you can explore the various permanent residency options described in the previous section. These could include the Parents and Grandparents Program, Express Entry programs, or provincial and territorial programs. Each of these programs has its own eligibility criteria and application process.
Leaving and returning to Canada
The Super Visa is valid for a maximum of 10 years, and allows stays of up to 5 years at a time. If you have reached the limit and wish to return to Canada at a later date, you can leave the country and then return after a short period abroad. This will reset the authorized period of stay for a new visit, as long as your Super Visa is still valid.
Before making a decision, it's important to consider your personal situation, your goals and the requirements of each option. If you have any questions or need help navigating the various options, it's a good idea to consult an immigration advisor, or to look for information on the Canadian government website.
Can I study in Canada on a Super Visa?
Super Visa holders are authorized to study in Canada without a study permit for up to six months. If you plan to take a course, program or training course lasting less than six months, you can do so on your Super Visa without needing to apply for a separate study permit.
However, if you plan to follow a study program lasting longer than six months, you will need to apply for a study permit in addition to your Super Visa. To be eligible for a study permit, you will need to provide additional documents, such as:
- A letter of acceptance from a designated educational institution in Canada
- Proof that you have sufficient funds to pay for tuition, living expenses and round-trip travel between your home country and Canada.
- Proof that you do not intend to stay in Canada indefinitely and that you will leave the country at the end of your studies.
It is important to note that obtaining a study permit can take several weeks or months, depending on the visa office and workload. It is therefore advisable to submit your application for a study permit well in advance of your planned program start date.
In summary, although the Super Visa does not directly allow you to follow a long-term study program in Canada, it is possible to study for a short period (up to six months) without a study permit. If you plan to study for a longer period, you will need to apply for a separate study permit in addition to your Super Visa.
Super Visa: multiple-entry visa
The Super Visa is a multiple-entry visa, meaning that it allows holders to travel freely between their home country and Canada for the duration of the visa's validity, which can be up to 10 years. This feature of the Super Visa is particularly advantageous for parents and grandparents who wish to visit their loved ones in Canada several times without having to apply for a new visa for each visit.
The multiple-entry visa offers great flexibility for planning multi-year stays in Canada. Super Visa holders can stay in Canada for up to 5 years at a time, and exit and enter the country as many times as they wish, as long as the visa remains valid.
However, it is important to note that each entry into Canada is subject to assessment by border services officers. Super Visa holders must always be able to present relevant documentation, such as proof of valid medical insurance, a letter of invitation from their child or grandchild residing in Canada, and other supporting documents, to demonstrate that they continue to meet the program's requirements when entering the country.
In addition, Super Visa holders must respect the conditions and restrictions of the visa, such as not working in Canada without an appropriate work permit, and not studying for more than six months without a study permit.
In short, the Super Visa as a multiple-entry visa offers great convenience and flexibility for parents and grandparents who wish to visit their loved ones in Canada repeatedly and over an extended period of time. It is essential to respect the conditions of the visa and to be prepared to present the necessary documents each time you enter Canada to take full advantage of the benefits of the Multiple-Entry Super Visa.
Conclusion
The Super Visa program offers an excellent opportunity for parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens and permanent residents to spend time with their loved ones in Canada. By following this comprehensive guide and carefully preparing your application, you'll increase your chances of success and enjoy your stay in Canada to the fullest. Don't forget to check regularly for updates and changes in immigration policies to ensure you meet all program requirements.
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