Canada’s Super Visa program offers a unique opportunity for Canadian citizens and permanent residents to bring their parents and grandparents for extended visits. This program provides a longer stay duration compared to a regular visitor visa, making it an attractive option for family reunification. This article delves into the details of the super visa for parents and grandparents in canada, including eligibility criteria, application process, benefits, and key considerations.
What is the Super Visa?
The Super Visa is a multi-entry visa that allows parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens and permanent residents to stay in Canada for up to two years at a time without needing to renew their status. It is valid for up to 10 years, facilitating multiple entries and extended family visits.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for a Super Visa, applicants and their sponsors must meet specific requirements:
For the Applicant (Parent/Grandparent):
- Relationship: Must be the parent or grandparent of a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.
- Letter of Invitation: A letter from the child or grandchild in Canada, promising financial support for the duration of the visit, is required. The letter must include:
- A pledge of financial support.
- The list and number of people in the household.
- A copy of the inviter’s Canadian citizenship or permanent resident document.
- Medical Insurance: Proof of private medical insurance from a Canadian insurance company that:
- Is valid for at least one year from the date of entry.
- Covers health care, hospitalization, and repatriation.
- Provides a minimum coverage of CAD 100,000.
- Medical Examination: Undergo an immigration medical examination to ensure they are medically admissible to Canada.
For the Sponsor (Child/Grandchild):
- Minimum Income: Meet the minimum necessary income (MNI) requirement, which varies depending on the number of people in the household. Proof of income can be demonstrated through:
- Notice of Assessment (NOA) or T4/T1 for the most recent tax year.
- Employment Insurance stubs.
- Employment letter with salary and job details.
- Bank statements.
Application Process
1. Prepare the Required Documents
Gather all necessary documents, including:
- Proof of relationship to the Canadian citizen or permanent resident.
- Letter of invitation from the child or grandchild in Canada.
- Evidence of private medical insurance.
- Proof of the sponsor’s income.
- Completed medical examination results.
2. Complete the Application Form
Fill out the application for a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) [IMM 5257] and any other required forms. Ensure all information is accurate and complete.
3. Submit the Application
Submit the application online or through a Visa Application Center (VAC). Include all supporting documents and the processing fee.
4. Wait for Processing
Processing times vary by country. The application may take several weeks to process, during which the applicant might be required to provide additional information or attend an interview.
5. Receive the Visa
Once approved, the Super Visa will be stamped in the applicant’s passport, allowing for entry into Canada.
Benefits of the Super Visa
- Extended Stay: Parents and grandparents can stay for up to two years per visit, compared to six months for regular visitor visas.
- Multi-Entry: Valid for up to 10 years, allowing multiple entries to Canada.
- Family Reunification: Facilitates extended family visits, strengthening familial bonds.
Key Considerations
- Health Insurance: Ensuring continuous health insurance coverage is crucial as it is mandatory for the entire duration of the stay.
- Financial Responsibility: Sponsors must be prepared to support their parents or grandparents financially and provide proof of their ability to do so.
- Application Accuracy: Ensuring all information is accurate and complete can prevent delays or refusals.
Conclusion
The what is an invitation letter from canada and permanent residents to reunite with their parents and grandparents for extended periods. By understanding the eligibility criteria, application process, and key considerations, families can successfully navigate the Super Visa application and enjoy extended time together in Canada. This initiative not only promotes family reunification but also underscores Canada’s commitment to welcoming and supporting diverse family structures.