Super Visa Program
The Super Visa program stands as one of the most successful initiatives, enabling thousands of parents and grandparents who are either permanent residents or Canadian citizens to reunite with their families in Canada. This innovative program offers the benefit of extended stays, allowing parents and grandparents to reside with their children and grandchildren in Canada for up to two years without requiring visa extensions.
The Super Visa’s appeal lies in its straightforward application process, expedited processing times, and a notably higher acceptance rate. If you’re seeking to explore the flexible Super Visa option and reunite with your parents or grandparents, consider seeking the guidance of a reputable immigration consultant.
Applying for the Super Visa
The Super Visa program caters specifically to parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens or permanent residents, provided they meet specific eligibility criteria. This program is designed for parents and grandparents only and doesn’t extend to dependents. However, spouses or common-law partners of parents and grandparents can be included in the Super Visa application.
Applicants for the Super Visa should:
- Present a letter of invitation from their child or grandchild.
- Qualify as a parent or grandparent (including spouses and common-law partners) of either a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident of Canada.
- Provide valid proof, such as a birth certificate containing parental or grandparental names, establishing the relationship with the child or grandchild.
- Demonstrate that their child or grandchild meets a minimum income threshold.
- Include a written letter from their child or grandchild indicating their commitment to covering expenses during the visit and supporting the Super Visa applicants throughout their stay.
- Clearly express genuine intentions of being a Canadian visitor and committing to departing by choice at the end of the authorized stay.
- Furnish documentary evidence that the child or grandchild meets the minimum Low Income Cut-Off (LICO) criteria.
- Possess a minimum of one year's Canadian medical insurance coverage.
Assessment of Super Visa Applications
Depending on the local visa office’s requirements, additional documents may need to be submitted. Super Visa applications are processed by Canada visa offices located outside Canada. Assessment of Super Visa applications involves consideration of various factors, including:
- Purpose of the visit to Canada.
- Likelihood of maintaining ties with the home country.
- Number of family relationships and details of property and financial investments in the home country.
- Undergoing a medical examination.
Eligible Sponsors of Super Visa Applicants
Sponsors must meet specific financial criteria to invite their parents or grandparents under the Super Visa. You are eligible to invite parents and grandparents if you fulfill the following conditions:
- You are a permanent resident or citizen of Canada, aged 18 or older.
- You meet or exceed the Minimum Necessary Income criteria.
- You submit three Notices of Assessment as evidence of meeting the minimum income requirement.
- You are prepared to provide an undertaking committing to support parents or grandparents during their stay in Canada.
- You commit to repaying provincial social assistance benefits, if applicable.
- If you reside in Quebec, you must sign an additional undertaking.
The financial criteria for Super Visa sponsors are more lenient compared to those for permanent residency (PR) sponsorship. The gross income required is nearly 30 percent lower than that for PR sponsorship. Furthermore, the gross income only needs to exceed the Minimum Necessary Income for one year, as opposed to the three-year requirement for PR sponsorship.
Vancouver Services Inc. offers expert guidance throughout the Super Visa application process, aiding in the preparation and submission of applications. If you’re considering a Super Visa to reunite with your family, reach out to us today for comprehensive assistance.
- Preparation of documents
- Due Diligence