Super Visas do still exist. The Super Visa is a type of visa that allows parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens or permanent residents to stay in Canada for up to five years at a time without the need to renew their visa. The Super Visa is valid for several years. So, your parents or grandparents can repeatedly use the visa for prolonged stays in Canada.
The Super Visa was introduced in 2011 as a part of the Parent and Grandparent Program. To be eligible for a Super Visa, applicants must meet certain requirements. They must provide evidence that they are the parent or grandparent of a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, have a signed letter of invitation from their child or grandchild in Canada, provide proof of sufficient funds to support themselves during their stay in Canada, and undergo a medical examination if required.
One of the key benefits of a Super Visa is that it allows parents and grandparents to stay in Canada for up to five years at a time without the need for renewal or leaving the country. This is a significant advantage over regular visitor visas, which typically allow for stays of up to six months at a time. While the exact processing time can vary depending on the circumstances of each application, most Super Visa applications are processed within a few months.
Additionally, Super Visas are valid for a period of up to ten years, which means that eligible individuals can visit Canada multiple times during that period without needing to reapply for a visa each time. It is worth noting that Super Visas are not the right choice for everyone. For example, if you only plan to visit Canada for a short period of time, a regular visitor visa may be more appropriate.
Additionally, it’s important to remember that Super Visas do not provide any kind of legal status in Canada, and recipients of Super Visas are not eligible to work or study in Canada. Overall, Super Visas can be a great option for parents and grandparents who want to spend an extended period of time with their loved ones in Canada.
If you’re considering applying for a Super Visa, be sure to carefully review the eligibility requirements. One of the key requirements for a Super Visa is meeting the income threshold set by the Canadian government. To qualify for a Super Visa, the sponsor (the Canadian citizen or permanent resident who is sponsoring their parent or grandparent) must meet a minimum income threshold. This threshold is based on the size of the sponsor’s family, which includes the sponsor, their spouse or common-law partner, and any dependents they have.
The income threshold is updated annually. The sponsor must meet the income threshold for both the year in which they submit their application and the year before that. The income threshold is determined by using the Low Income Cut-Off (LICO) figures provided by Statistics Canada. For example, as of 2022, the LICO for a family size of two people is $33,140. If the sponsor is a family of two, the minimum income required to qualify for a Super Visa would be $32,899.
It is important to note that meeting the income threshold does not guarantee approval of a Super Visa application. Other requirements, such as having valid medical insurance and passing a medical exam, must also be met. Valid medical insurance must be purchased from a Canadian insurance provider. The insurance must cover the period of the Super Visa and provide a minimum of $100,000 in coverage for health care, hospitalization, and repatriation.
This requirement for insurance is put in place to ensure that visitors to Canada are able to cover any medical costs that may arise during their stay, without the burden falling on the Canadian healthcare system. It is important to note that the insurance policy should be purchased before applying for the Super Visa, as proof of insurance is required to be submitted with the application.
It’s always best to work with a qualified lawyer to obtain your Canadian Super Visa. That way, you know your application is done correctly. This is a great option for parents and grandparents. We’d be happy to see if you qualify and help you apply. Get in touch with us now.