Super visa

Super Visa is a special temporary resident visa (TRV) for parents and grandparents of a Canadian Citizen or Permanent Resident. Parents and Grandparents can obtain a super visa allowing them to stay in Canada for up to two years per visit. Super Visa usually is valid for ten years, or sometimes visa officer issues a lesser duration visa due to the early expiry of the passport. To apply for a super visa, the following are mandatory:

1. You must be a parent/grandparent of a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.
2. You must be a real visitor, clearly stating your purpose of visit and alleging to leave at the end of your stay.
3. You must prove that your child/grandchild has the financial power to sponsor your visit.
4. Written evidence of your child/grandchild will have to be provided.
5. You must also provide evidence of your financial capability.
6. You must have valid Canadian medical coverage for at least a year.
7. You must take an immigration medical exam.
8. You must have a criminal-free record.
9. Other dependent applicants cannot be included in this application.

There are two ways to apply for a Parent and Grandparent Super Visa:

• Apply Online
• Apply on Paper

If you apply on paper, you must send in all required documents attached to your application. Other necessary requisites are as follows:

1. Documents prove that you are the parent/grandparent of the person you visit. These documents can be anything from birth certificates to baptismal certificates.
2. A letter of invitation from the person you intend to visit. This should clearly state that he/she will be able to care for you. The letter should also include virtual addresses and phone numbers.
3. Documents proving that your child/grandchild meets the low-income cut-off LICO.
4. Documents proving that your child/grandchild has private medical insurance.

The letter of invitation is a formal letter inviting your parent/grandparent to Canada. The letter should clearly state the intent of the invitation and promises regarding taking care of your parent/grandparent. This letter is to be sent to the person you invite, who will forward the letter to the Canadian embassy in their country. The letter must have the following imperative information:

1. Complete/given name of the person inviting and the person being invited.
2. Date of birth of both parties.
3. Their Complete address and all-important phone numbers of both parties.
4. The purpose and duration of the trip.
5. Your relationship to the person being invited.
6. Photocopies of documents proving that the person inviting is a legit Canadian citizen/permanent resident.
7. Job title of the person inviting.
8. Details of the family residing in Canada that will be invited.
9. Details of how the parent/grandparent will be living.
10. Details of how they will pay for things during their stay.

Individuals require a visa or an eTA Electronic Travel Authorization to travel to Canada. Some individuals only need a valid passport. Individuals holding passports from the following countries fall in the visa-exempt category and may travel to Canada without a visa:

1. All European Union Countries
2. Andorra
3. Australia
4. Bahamas
5. Barbados
6. Brunei
7. Chile
8. Hong Kong
9. Iceland
10. Israel
11. Japan
12. Liechtenstein
13. Mexico
14. Monaco
15. New Zealand
16. Norway
17. Papua New Guinea
18. Samoa
19. Singapore
20. Solomon Islands
21. South Korea
22. Switzerland
23. Taiwan
24. United Arab Emirates (from June 5, 2018)
25. United States of America

Individuals holding passports from the countries above will be issued a stay of 6 months to extend their stay. They must apply 30 days before the expiry of the entry stamps on their passports. If the countries above’ residents want to apply for the super visa, they must apply through the visa office or online. 

Parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens and permanent residents may be eligible to apply for the Super Visa. The applicants cannot be inadmissible to Canada based on health or security, and they may be required to meet specific conditions set forth by the visa office through which they will be applying.
Only parents and grandparents, along with their spouses or common-law partners, may be included in an application for the Super Visa, no dependents.

The application process is similar to that for a regular TRV. However, additional documentation is required to ensure that the parents and grandparents are well supported during their time in Canada. This requirement includes:

• A letter of invitation from the child or grandchild residing in Canada;
• Documents that prove the child or grandchild meets the Low Income Cut-Off (LICO) minimum (see table below)
• Proof of parental relationship with child or grandchild, such as a birth certificate
• Proof of medical insurance coverage with a Canadian insurance company for at least one year

The application should be processed at the Canadian visa office responsible for the applicant’s residence outside Canada. Depending on the visa office, additional documentation may be needed.

The complete application will be assessed concerning several factors. The purpose of the visit to Canada will be examined as to whether parents or grandparents will maintain sufficient ties to their home country. This can be illustrated by showing family ties, finances, and other connections outside Canada.

All Super Visa applicants will be required to undergo a medical examination. The visa office will issue forms and instructions for this examination after submitting the application.

To qualify for a Super Visa, the child or grandchild’s parents or grandparents must prove that their household meets the required Low Income Cut-Off (LICO). This proof may consist of the following documents:

• Notice of Assessment (NOA) or T4/T1 for the most recent tax year;
• Employment Insurance stubs
• An employment letter including salary and date of hire
• Paystubs
• bank statements