What Is a Super Visa And What Does it Allow?

What is a super visa?
A Super Visa allows the foreign parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens and permanent residents to enter Canada on multiple entries for up to two years. A Super Visa is a temporary permit, valid for 10 years, that allows these individuals to enter Canada as many times as they want for a duration of two years, at which point the document requires renewal. The parent and grandparent Super Visa is a great option for Canadian citizens and permanent residents who are in the process of sponsoring their parents for permanent residence or who do not qualify to sponsor their parents. Foreign parents and grandparents are not allowed to work or study in Canada while on a Super Visa.

WHO CAN APPLY AND WHAT ARE THE REQUIREMENTS?

There are a few requirements for you, the Canadian child, and for your foreign parents or grandparents before you can apply for a Super Visa. Super Visa eligibility is primarily based on the Canadian family members’ ability to financially provide for the parents and grandparents while they are in Canada. It is important to note that the financial requirement for a Super Visa is much lower than that for a permanent residence sponsorship. The minimum necessary income is 30% lower than for sponsorship, and you only need to have met this requirement for one year. The family members residing in Canada must also provide a letter of invitation. Your parents or grandparents must also be eligible to enter Canada. On top of this, there are some other requirements, like having a minimum level of Canadian Medical Insurance providing coverage for at least one year, and completing a medical exam. Immigration officials also look to other factors, such as their home country’s economic stability, their existing ties to their home country, and their purpose of travel. The Super Visa is a temporary application, and immigration officials need to be convinced that your parent or grandparent will leave the country once their visa expires. That said, the immigration authorities do still issue Super Visas to family members who are being or may be sponsored in the near future.

HOW TO APPLY FOR SUPER VISA FOR PARENTS IN CANADA:

The Super Visa has a relatively short application processing time – it is usually completed in about eight weeks. The application must be submitted to a visa office in the applicant’s home country. It is recommended that you hire a lawyer to assist with your Super Visa application. Understanding the parent and grandparent visa requirements and application makes it easy to allow your parents or grandparents to join you in Canada. Working with an experienced lawyer lowers the chances of your application being rejected. If your parents or grandparents come to Canada on a Super Visa, it may also be possible to sponsor them as permanent residents while they are in Canada. The Law Office of Matthew Jeffery has years of experience in successfully applying for Super Visas and Parental Sponsorships. If you are interested in having our firm assist you with your immigration matters, please CONTACT US to learn more.