Canada’s super visa lets parents and grandparents visit their families for up to five years, with an option to extend their stay by another two years
Canadian citizens and permanent residents now have a reliable way to bring parents and grandparents to Canada for longer visits through the government’s super visa program.
This option offers an alternative to the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP), which runs on a lottery system. Many families who miss out on an invitation under the PGP find the super visa a more practical choice.
The super visa grants visitor status in Canada for up to 10 years. Holders can stay for as long as five years at a time. They may even extend their stay for two more years, making it possible to remain in Canada for up to seven consecutive years.
By comparison, regular visitor visas allow only six months at a time.
The main difference lies in outcomes. The PGP gives permanent residence, while the super visa grants long-term visitor status. The PGP also comes with strict income requirements, long waits, and limited spaces due to the lottery system.
The super visa, however, is open year-round. As long as applicants and their hosts meet requirements, they can apply anytime. Processing is also much faster, with timelines ranging from two to four months depending on the country.
Hosts must be Canadian citizens, permanent residents, or registered Indians over the age of 18. They also need to meet the Low-Income-Cut-Off (LICO) financial requirement to show they can support their relatives.
Applicants must apply from outside Canada. They need valid private medical insurance worth at least $100,000. The insurance must cover health care, hospitalization, and repatriation, and remain valid for one year from entry. Applicants must also pass a medical exam and prove they are admissible. Spouses or common-law partners can be included in the same application, but dependents cannot.
The process involves a few clear steps:
Once approved, applicants will receive a letter and instructions to provide their passport for visa stamping. Those from visa-exempt countries receive a letter to present at the border, but they still need an electronic travel authorization (eTA).
Common reasons for refusal include weak ties to the home country, poor financial proof, or health concerns. Applicants can strengthen their case by showing job confirmation, property ownership, dependent family members, or financial assets.
Hosts should also provide detailed proof of income, such as bank statements, pay stubs, and tax records. Medical records showing controlled health conditions can help overcome concerns about inadmissibility.
The PGP remains the only route to permanent residence, but spaces are limited and wait times stretch to three years or more. The super visa, in contrast, allows parents and grandparents to join their families much sooner.
It offers peace of mind for families eager to spend more time together in Canada without the uncertainty of a lottery.
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