Super Visa Medical Exam and Income Requirements and Super Visa Insurance Requirements

Canada Family Reunification

For many Canadian Citizens and Permanent Residents, living away from their families could be difficult; especially when it comes to Parents and Grandparents. That is why Immigration, Refugee & Citizenship Canada (IRCC) introduced the ‘Super Visa’.

What is a Super Visa?

If you are from a Visa exempt country (such as the United States), your relatives can travel to Canada, and remain here for up to 6 months at a time without a visa. If you are from a country where a travel visa is required (such as India), relatives must apply for a visitor visa before coming to Canada; which if approved, allow them to visit for up to 6 months at a time (if multiple entry is granted, they could be allowed to visit for up to 6 months at a time, on multiple occasions for up to a 10 year period).

The Super Visa is slightly different from this, as Canadian Citizens and Permanent Residents can only apply for Super Visas for their Parents or Grandparents. This visa would allow the sponsor’s Parents or Grandparents to remain in Canada for up to 2 years at a time, possibly on multiple occasions for up to 10 years if ‘multiple entry’ is awarded. It is important to note that the visa can only be granted until the expiry date of the sponsored person’s passport, so ensure the Passports are valid for at least 2 years before applying.

The Super Visa is a great option for people who would like to have their parents or grandparents reside with them for a longer duration, have parents or grandparents who cannot travel back and forth as often as the visitor visa would require, for families where the parents or grandparents are assisting with childcare for their grandchildren, or would like to build a stronger relationship with their grandchildren or great grandchildren, etc. Canada appreciates the value that comes with families being connected!

What are the requirements to apply for a Super Visa?

Although the majority of the requirements for a Super Visa are the same as the Visitor Visa, there are a few key differences; specifically the income requirement, medical exam, and the medical insurance requirements. All of the requirements (in addition to completing the application forms) are explained in more detail below:

• Provide proof of the parent or grandparent relationship with the Canadian Citizen or permanent Resident sponsoring them.
• Provide a signed letter from their child or grandchild, which pledges their financial support during the duration of the visit.
• Evidence of the family’s ability to financially support the visiting parents or grandparents during the visit- this is demonstrated by proving they meet the Low Income Cut Off for their family size.
  • Example: a husband, wife, and 2 children = family size of 4. If the wife would like to apply for her parents to come on Super Visa, the family size would increase to 6. The LICO for 6 people is $52,838- meaning the husband and wife must have earned more than $52,838 (in 2015, or the year previous to applying) and be able to provide proof of their earning (employment letters, notice of assessments, T4 slips, etc.) in order for them to be eligible to apply for the Super Visa for her parents.
• Applicants must provide proof that they have purchased Canadian medical insurance, or that Canadian medical insurance has been purchased for them by their sponsoring child or grandchild:
  • Must be valid for a minimum of 1 year from the date of entry to Canada
  • Provides a minimum of $100,000 in coverage (for each parent or grandparent)
  • Covers the parent or grandparent for health care, hospitalization and repatriation

Tip:

Although it is only required to purchase 1 year of medical insurance, it is advised to purchase coverage for the full visit, and any future visits in case of medical emergencies, as without coverage the sponsor could responsible for tens of thousands of dollars worth of medical bills should the parent or grandparent require medical care. Elderly parents and grandparents are particularly vulnerable to requiring medical assistance.

• Each parent or grandparents applying to come on Super Visa must complete a medical exam, and be considered medically admissible before being issued their Super Visa.

In addition to the above requirements, Officers will also consider a few factors when making a decision on the Super Visa application:

• The parent or grandparent’s ties to his or her country of origin– if the Officer does not see a strong tie to their home country, they may not believe that the parent or grandparent will return home after the duration of their visit expires; this could result in a possible rejection.
• The purpose of the visit– the stronger the reason for the visit, the more likely the Officer will approve the application (i.e. to be present for the birth of a grandchild, to assist a new mother adjust to motherhood, to visit a sick family member; these are all strong and valid reasons to visit Canada.)
• The parent or grandparent’s financial situation– although a letter of financial support is required from the Canadian Citizen or Permanent Resident sponsoring the applicant, it is best if the applicant has a strong financial situation of their own. The Officer will like to see that they are able to financially return home when necessary, and that they are not looking to permanently reside in Canada while being supported by their child or grandchild.
• The political and economic environment of the parent or grandparent’s home country- if the parent or grandparent is travelling to Canada from a country in turmoil, the Officer may question if they will return home after the expiry of their visit’s duration, or if they may try to apply as to remain in Canada as a refugee.
• Invitation from Canadian host– having a strong invitation and support letter from their child or grandchild will only increase the chances of a positive decision on the Super Visa application.

How can I apply for a Super Visa for my parent or grandparent?

This is where Akrami & Associates can help! If you would like to apply for a Super Visa for your parent or grandparent, give us a call to discuss your case, and how to get started. Having a professionally completed application from an firm experienced in Super Visa applications like Akrami & Associates will not only increase your chances of approval, but it will also take away the burden of trying to navigate this tricky application process alone. We have helped hundreds of parents and grandparents reunite with their children and grandchildren here in Canada, and we can help your family reunite as well!

There are several methods to apply for a Super Visa depending on what country your parent or grandparent is travelling from:

Visa required countries: Super Visa applications can be completed either online, or submitted via paper application to the nearest Canadian Visa post.

Visa exempt countries: parents and grandparents who are entitled to visit for 6 months without a visa can apply directly at the closest Canadian Visa office by providing proof that they meet the Super Visa requirements.

Akrami & Associates is experienced in all types of Super Visa submissions, and can help you determine which option is the best for you and your family. Contact us today for a consultation!

With Akrami and Associate there is always a way!!