Super Visa for Parents and Grandparents Visiting Canada

Super Visa to Canada

Have not met your parents or grandparents in a while? Would like to show them your life in Canada? Would like to be able to spend time with them and take care of them? You may be eligible to invite your parents or grandparents through the Super Visa.

Who is Eligible to apply for Super Visa?

In order to apply for Super Visa application you must be the parents or grandparents of a Canadian citizen of permanent resident. This application is strictly drafted for parents or grandparents and their spouses and common law partners; you cannot apply for dependents in under this category.

If approved, this visa can be used for up to ten years by applicants. Meaning you can leave Canada and re-enter Canada using the same Super Visa without having to apply again. In order to gain this visa you must meet certain criteria set forth by Canadian immigration.

Applicant from Temporary Resident Visa exempt countries

There are countries that do not need to apply for a visa when entering Canada, meaning they are exempt from this process. There are many countries which are not exempt and must apply for a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) also known as Visitor Visa before attempting to enter Canada. The Super visa is perfect for nationals of countries who do require a visa as this will abolish the hassle of going back and forth and applying for a visa to enter Canada. Some of these countries are:

Afghanistan
Iran
Iraq
South Africa
Saudi Arabia
Peru
Senegal
Philippines
Russia
Cuba
Brazil
Egypt
Lebanon
Yemen
Pakistan
India
Morocco

The countries who are exempt from Temporary Resident Visas can also apply for a Super Visa. However, they will not be issued a visa; they will simply be issued a letter from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada which would allow them to visit Canada for two years at a time instead of six months at a time. Some of these countries are:

France
Finland
Sweden
Italy
Australia
Bahamas
Netherland
Spain
Republic of Korea
Denmark
Singapore

Eligibility to apply for a Super Visa

Once you have determined whether you are from a visa exempt country or not there are many other eligibility criteria that you need to meet. In basic terms, a Super Visa application is comparable to a Temporary Resident Visa, however, because super visas are valid for a longer period and parents and grandparents are involved and sponsors are expected to support them, extra documentation will be required. Some of the documentation that you need to have are:

Proof of relationship of applicant and sponsor
Proof of medical insurance – this is very important as the Canadian government will not be held liable for medical expenditures of super visa holders- insurance must be valid for at least a year from the date of entry to Canada and provide a minimum of $100,000 of coverage
Invitation from sponsor – signed letter pledging financial and other support for parents and grandparents
Sponsor (child’s) proof of income – you must meet low-income cut-off (LICO) standards of Canada
Applicant must conduct medical examination before entering Canada
Applicants must proof to immigration sufficient ties to their country of residence
The overall political and economic stability of your home country will be assessed by an immigration officer

Financial Responsibility of the Sponsor for Super Visa Application

There is a minimum income requirement for people who would like to sponsor their parents or grandparents to Canada. As mentioned above, the sponsor is already responsible for the applicant’s medical expenses. Apart from medical expenses, the sponsor has to prove to IRCC that he or she is financially capable of taking care of his/her parents. This aspect is determined by immigration using the Low Income Cut-Off (LICO) table.

Low Income Cut-off

Size of family unit (sponsor – child/grandchild)	Minimum income necessary
1 person	$ 24,600
2 persons	$ 30,625
3 persons	$ 37,650
4 persons	$ 45,712
5 persons	$ 51,846
6 persons	$ 58,478
7 persons	$ 65,101

Source: cic.gc.ca

If your family size is more than 7 persons, simply add $6,628 for each additional person. The income aspect of super visa is crucial to your application. Your family will be assessed based on how much income they have to establish whether an application can be submitted or not. Remember the above table shows the minimum income only, obviously the higher the income the more chances of approval will be there for you.

Difference between Visitor Visa and a Super Visa

The biggest difference is the time limit on visitor visas and super visas. Generally visitors may visit for up to six months only and they can apply for extension if they wish to prolong their visit. With the super visa, you can visit Canada for up to two years on your first visit. There are also specific requirements as mentioned above.

Shabnam Akrami

Shabnam Akrami is the Managing Partner and Founder of Akrami & Associates. p> Prior to receiving her Paralegal Diploma with Honours, she completed her Law Degree from the UK at the University of London as well as completed a Post Graduate Diploma. In addition, she has also graduated from York University where she received both her Bachelor in Criminology and Masters in Socio-Legal Studies. She is also a Member in good standing with Law Society of Upper Canada. Prior to opening her own firm, she gained extensive experience in corporate immigration law; specializing in work permits, temporary resident permits and rehabilitation cases. She has in depth and hands on experience in all Canadian Immigration and Citizenship matters. These matters include preparation and submission of applications for permanent residence, work permits, NAFTA applications, labour market opinions, temporary resident permits, sponsorships, and business investors. Shabnam is dedicated to all her clients and committed to the successful completion of all the immigration matters in her care. With Shabnam, there is always a way!