A super visa is a multiple-entry visitor visa specifically for the parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens and permanent residents. It allows holders to stay in Canada for up to two years at a time without needing to renew their status.

The super visa allows eligible parents and grandparents to stay temporarily in Canada. To stay permanently, parents and grandparents must be sponsored for permanent residence by their Canadian child or grandchild.

Super Visa vs. Visitor Visa

• Super Visa: Available only to parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens or permanent residents. Allows stays of up to two years without needing to apply for an extension.
• Visitor Visa: Allows stays of up to six months. To extend the stay, a new application is required.

How to Apply for a Super Visa

You can apply for a super visa online or by submitting a paper-based application. The application must include:

• Proof of Relationship: Demonstrate that you are the parent or grandparent of a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.
• Letter of Invitation: From your child or grandchild in Canada, including plans for your care and information about the number of people living in their household.
• Private Health Insurance: Valid for at least one year from a Canadian insurance company, covering health care, hospitalization, and repatriation, with a minimum coverage of $100,000.
• Proof of Financial Support: Your child or grandchild must meet the Low Income Cut-Off (LICO) minimum for their family unit size, demonstrated through documents like recent tax assessments, pay stubs, or Employment Insurance benefit statements.

Key Eligibility Criteria for the Canadian Super Visa

To be eligible for a Super Visa, the applicant must meet certain requirements:

• Relationship Proof: Evidence of relationship to the Canadian citizen or permanent resident (e.g., birth or baptismal certificates).
• Medical Admissibility: Proof of a medical examination and being admissible to Canada on health grounds.
• Health Insurance: Private medical insurance from a Canadian insurance company with a minimum coverage of $100,000 valid for at least one year.
• Letter of Invitation: From the host child or grandchild, including a promise of financial support and a list of household members.
• Financial Support Proof: Host must meet the LICO, providing documents like tax assessments, pay stubs, or Employment Insurance benefit statements.
• Application Fee: $100 per person.
• General Temporary Residence Requirements: Must apply from outside Canada and meet the general requirements as a visitor.

Super Visa for Visa-Exempt Visitors

Some foreign nationals do not require a visitor visa to visit Canada (visa-exempt visitors). They are allowed to stay in Canada for up to six months without renewing their status. Visa-exempt parents and grandparents may still want to apply for a super visa to stay for up to two years at a time.

Application Procedure:

• Follow the same procedure as for non-exempt applicants.
• Successful applicants receive a letter to present to the border services officer, authorizing their stay instead of a visa.
• Visa-exempt visitors traveling by air must apply for an electronic travel authorization (eTA), even with a super visa.

Super Visa Extensions

Super visa holders can stay in Canada for up to two years. To stay longer:

• Apply for Extension: Submit the extension application no later than 30 days before current status expires.
• Implied Status: If the current visa expires while the extension application is being processed, the holder may remain in Canada until a decision is made.

Parent and Grandparent Sponsorship

As an alternative to the super visa, the Parent and Grandparent Sponsorship program allows for permanent immigration. This program enables parents and grandparents to become permanent residents, allowing them to stay in Canada indefinitely.