Super Visa Information by PL Immigration
The Super Visa offers a great opportunity for parents or grandparents who wish to spend quality time with their family members in Canada. It allows these family members of Canadian citizens or permanent residents to enjoy extended visits without the need for frequent visa renewals.
Understanding the Super Visa
The Super Visa is a special, multiple-entry visa for parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens or permanent residents. Valid for up to 10 years, this visa was first introduced in 2011, originally permitting stays of up to two years. Since its introduction, the stay period has been extended to five years with an option to request additional extensions.
To qualify for the Super Visa, both the host in Canada and the applicant must fulfill several requirements. These include the host meeting a minimum income level and the applicant obtaining medical insurance for at least one year.
Compared to standard visitor visas, the Super Visa provides the advantage of a longer stay in Canada. It allows for multiple entries over a period of ten years. As of 2022, those holding a Super Visa have the privilege to stay in Canada for five consecutive years, with the possibility of extending their stay by an additional two years if needed.
Eligibility for a Super Visa
To qualify for a Super Visa, the host in Canada must meet specific criteria:
- Be the applicant’s child or grandchild
- Hold Canadian citizenship or permanent residency
- Be at least 18 years old and reside in Canada
- Meet or exceed the minimum income threshold set by the LICO (Low Income Cut-Off), which varies based on the family and community size.
Statistics Canada updates the LICO annually, defining it as the income level below which a family spends significantly more on essentials like food, shelter, and clothing than the average family.
As per the LICO table for 2023, a family of two must have a minimum gross income of $34,254, while for a family of four, it must be $51,128.
Support Letter
The host needs to provide a signed letter inviting the applicant to Canada, assuring financial support during their stay. If the host’s spouse or common-law partner is also a citizen or permanent resident, they can co-sign the letter. The applicant must be outside Canada when applying, and a visa office outside the country should issue the visa.
Essential Documents for a Canada Super Visa
When applying for a Super Visa to Canada through PL Immigration, ensure you have all the necessary documents prepared to facilitate a smooth application process.
- Invitation Letter:
Obtain an invitation letter from your child or grandchild living in Canada. This letter should confirm their support and commitment and specify their status in Canada, whether as a citizen or permanent resident. - Proof of Relationship:
Submit documents like birth certificates or marriage certificates to verify your family connection to your Canadian child or grandchild. - Proof of Medical Insurance:
Secure private medical insurance from a Canadian provider. This is crucial for accessing essential health services during your stay. The insurance must cover at least $100,000 for medical care, hospitalization, and repatriation and should be valid for a minimum of one year. Some providers offer installment payment options to ease financial burdens. - Travel Document:
You must have a valid passport or travel document with a validity of at least one year from your intended entry date into Canada. - Proof of Financial Support:
Demonstrate your ability to sustain yourself financially in Canada without governmental aid. Include documents such as:- Recent bank statements
- Proof of employment or pensions
- Other financial documentation, if applicable.
- Purpose of Visit:
Write a detailed letter explaining why you are visiting Canada, outlining your planned activities, and describing how you intend to spend your time. - Background Check:
A background check is necessary to establish your admissibility to Canada, which may include police clearance certificates from countries you have previously resided in. - Completed Application Forms:
Fill out all application forms thoroughly and ensure they are signed and dated. Provide two recent passport-sized photos that meet Canadian government requirements. - Travel Document:
Submit your passport that aligns with your travel itinerary. - Financial Documentation:
Provide supporting documents such as a Notice of Assessment (NOA), T4/T1 forms, employment insurance stubs, or a letter from an accountant confirming your annual income.
Cost of Applying for a Super Visa
When you apply for a Canada Super Visa, several important costs are involved. The basic application processing fee is generally $100 for each person. However, if biometrics are needed, it will cost an additional $85 per person or a maximum of $170 for a family. Health insurance from a Canadian provider is also required, usually ranging from $1,000 to $5,000 a year, varying based on factors such as age and health. Don’t forget to include the expenses for a medical examination and possible costs for additional documentation.
Super Visa Processing Times
The time it takes to process a Super Visa application depends on the applicant’s country. By entering specific details on the government’s website, applicants can find out the exact processing duration. For instance, for those applying from India, the wait is around 94 days; for Nigeria, it’s about 61 days, and for Nepal, approximately 191 days. This information is updated weekly to reflect any changes.
Benefits of the Super Visa
The Canada Super Visa is a fantastic way for parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens or permanent residents to spend extended periods with their family without the need for frequent renewals. While the application process comes with several criteria, such as the purchase of medical insurance, proof of relationship, and evidence of financial support, the advantages of having a peaceful, extended stay in Canada are well worth it. The Super Visa simplifies the process of keeping families close despite long distances.
