Super Visa 2024
The Super Visa for Canada is a multi-entry visa for Canada as it provides multiple entries into Canada for up to 10 years. However, the parents and grandparents of permanent residents of Canada who wish to stay for less than 6 months can instead apply for Canada’s Visitor Visa.
In order to be eligible for the Super Visa, the applicant must be the parent or grandparent of either a citizen of Canada or a Canadian permanent resident. Also, they are required to get a letter of invitation signed by the child/grandchild who is inviting them to Canada.
The processing times vary from country to country. Biometrics need to be submitted and the fees for processing the application to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). Also, it is very important to know that a letter of invitation does not guarantee that a visa will be provided to the applicant. This is just a way to let visa offices assess the applicant to determine if they meet the conditions and requirements of Canadian immigration law.
Also, the complete name and address, as well as the relationship with the individual, will be required for both the applicant and the person for whom the visa is being applied. The Super Visa requires a written and signed promise of financial support to be submitted.
What is the minimum income requirement?
The applicant’s child/grandchild must meet a minimum income under the Super Visa eligibility criteria, also known as the Low Income Cutoff (LICO) based on family size. Income is required for the 3 tax years immediately prior to the day of your application.
The following table illustrated the minimum income requirements:
Size of family | Minimum Income Required (In CAD) |
1 | 24,949 |
2 | 31,061 |
3 | 38,185 |
4 | 46,362 |
5 | 52,583 |
6 | 59,304 |
7 | 66,027 |
7 or more (for each additional person add) | 6,723 |
Proof that the income – of the Canadian citizen/PR who is sponsoring their parent/grandparent – meets or exceeds the low-income cut-off [LICO].
In addition, the letter of invitation must be written by the person inviting his parents or grandparents to Canada. There might be cases where visa offices might request that a notary public notarize the letter.
Among the various factors taken into consideration when granting the visa is that the person invited to Canada must be a “genuine visitor” who will voluntarily leave the country at the end of their visit. Other major selection factors include the overall political and economic stability of the home country, the purpose of the visit to Canada, and the ties to the home country.
How to submit the proof of income?
The host can prove their income by one of the following means:
- Send the most recent hard copy of the notice of assessment.
- Obtain information related to tax directly from the CRA.
- A most recent copy of your employer’s T4 or T1 (if you are self-employed, you can get a letter from an accountant confirming your annual income).
- An original letter from the applicant’s employer that states the job title and description with the salary.
- Employment insurance payslips.
- Proof of the other major sources of income that include investments, pension statements, etc.
What is the eligibility for the Canada Super Visa?
For a candidate to be eligible to apply for a Canadian super visa, they must:
- Be a grandparent or parent of a Canadian permanent resident or a citizen.
- Posses a letter that is signed from the applicant’s child or grandchild inviting them to Canada that includes:
- A pledge that says they will financially support you for the duration of the visit.
- The list and number of people in that person’s household.
- A copy of that person’s Canadian citizenship or permanent resident document.
- Hold medical insurance with a Canadian insurance company that is:
- Valid for a minimum of one year from the date of entry in Canada.
- Coverage of at least $100,000.
- Have proof that medical insurance has been paid (quotes are not accepted).
Candidate should also:
- Apply for a Canadian super visa from outside the country.
- Be allowed to enter Canada.
- Pass an immigration medical examination.
- Meet certain other conditions.
Dependents can not be included in the application.
How to demonstrate Financial support?
The child or grandchild who invites you must prove that his household has the necessary minimum income.
Here is the list of the document that an applicant can submit as proof of funds:
- Notice of Assessment (NOA) or T4/T1 for the most recent tax year
- Employment insurance statements
- Letter of employment including salary and date of hire
- Payslips
- Bank statements
What are the documents required for a Super Visa?
- A letter of invitation from your child or grandchild who is a Canadian citizen or permanent resident of Canada and includes.
- Proof that your child or grandchild’s household has the minimum necessary income.
- Proof of payment of medical insurance from a Canadian insurance company.
- A document confirming that you have passed an immigration medical examination.
What are the minimum coverage levels required for Super Visa insurance?
You must purchase Super Visa insurance from an insurance company in Canada. It should cover health care, repatriation, and hospitalization. It must have a minimum coverage level of CAD $100,000 and must be valid for each time the parent or grandparent enters Canada. Upon entry, the parent or grandparent must be able to present proof of their Canadian Super Visa insurance to an agent at the port of entry.
How much does Super Visa medical insurance cost?
Costs and coverage options depend on your province or territory. You can get Super Visa insurance for a parent or grandparent or a couple. A couple traveling together can save money compared to buying Super Visa insurance policies individually. Super Visa insurance typically costs between CAD $100 and CAD $200 per month, although the exact cost will differ depending on your provider and plan.
Are there alternatives to Super Visa insurance?
Super Visa insurance is designed to cover parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens or permanent residents (PRs) traveling to Canada and planning to stay for up to two years. If you or a family member do not qualify for a super visa, you have other options for travel visas and travel insurance. Many people travel to Canada for temporary stays of less than six months using a visitor’s visa or simply using their passport if they are from a visa-exempt country. Parents who have a 10-year multiple-entry visa that allows them to stay for a maximum of six months may be eligible for Visitors to Canada insurance.
How are the Parents and Grandparents Super Visa different from a multiple entry visa?
Usually, most visitors to Canada can stay for up to six months when they first enter Canada. Visitors wishing to stay longer must apply for an extension and pay a new fee. With the Parents and Grandparents Super Visa, eligible parents and grandparents can visit family in Canada for up to two years without having to renew their status.
The Super Visa is a multiple entry visa that allows multiple entries for up to 10 years. The main difference is that the super visa allows a person to stay in Canada for up to two years at a time, while a 10-year multiple-entry visa would only have one status period for each entry of six months only.
Note: To combat the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, IRCC has granted applicants with incomplete applications an additional 90 days to obtain all the correct documents.
