Did you know you can host your parents or grandparents for up to five consecutive years on a single visit? This remarkable opportunity is made possible through a special program designed for family reunification.
I want to guide you through this incredible option. It offers a powerful alternative to standard tourist visas. The goal is to allow your loved ones to enjoy extended stays without the stress of frequent renewals.
This program is specifically for the parents and grandparents of a Canadian citizen or permanent resident. It bridges the gap between short visits and permanent immigration. Imagine having your family nearby for birthdays, holidays, and everyday life for multiple years.
In this guide, I will explain the entire process. We will cover eligibility, the application steps, and the required medical insurance. My aim is to make this complex process clear and manageable for your family. You can learn more about the official requirements on the parent and grandparent super visa page.
Key Takeaways
- The program allows for extended visits of up to five years per entry.
- It is designed for parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens and permanent residents.
- The multi-entry privilege is valid for up to a decade.
- It eliminates the need for status renewals every six months.
- Specific eligibility criteria, including income requirements, must be met.
- Private medical insurance from a Canadian provider is mandatory.
Understanding the Super Visa Canada
For those wishing to host their family for extended periods, a special long-term option exists. This program is designed specifically for parents and grandparents.
It fundamentally changes how families can plan their time together.
What is a Super Visa?
This authorization is a unique category of long-term visitor visa. It is available exclusively to the parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens or permanent residents.
A key feature is the permission to stay for up to five years per entry. The authorization itself can be valid for up to a decade. This allows for multiple visits over many years.
Benefits Over a Regular Visitor Visa
The advantages of this program over a standard visitor visa are significant. A typical tourist permit usually limits a stay canada to six months or less.
Extending a regular visit requires a formal application. Alternatively, the individual must leave and re-enter. This creates uncertainty and extra steps.
The long-term program removes this hassle. It offers stability for multi-year family plans.
| Feature | Super Visa | Regular Visitor Visa |
|---|---|---|
| Maximum Stay per Entry | Up to 5 years | Usually 6 months |
| Validity Period | Up to 10 years | Varies |
| Renewal During Stay | Not required | Extension often needed |
| Ideal For | Long-term family visits | Short trips and tourism |
This option is perfect for families wanting genuine, extended reunification. It provides a temporary solution without the path to permanent status.
Eligibility Requirements for Parents and Grandparents
Both the visiting relative and the Canadian host must satisfy distinct eligibility criteria for this long-term program. Approval depends on meeting all conditions for both parties.
I will guide you through these essential requirements.
Applicant Eligibility and Ties to Home Country
The applicant must be a parent or grandparent of a Canadian citizen or permanent resident. This relationship is the foundation of the program.
They must also prove strong ties to their home country. This shows their intent to return after their stay.
Evidence can include job letters, property deeds, or close family connections back home.
Sponsorship Requirements and Income Proof
The sponsor in Canada must meet specific financial requirements. This ensures they can support their visiting family members.
The key is meeting the Low Income Cut-Off (LICO) for their total household size.
| Size of Family Unit | Minimum Required Income |
|---|---|
| 1 person | $29,380 |
| 2 persons | $36,576 |
| 3 persons | $44,966 |
| 4 persons | $54,594 |
| 5 persons | $61,920 |
| 6 persons | $69,834 |
| 7 persons | $77,750 |
For each additional person, add $7,916. Proof includes tax assessments or employment letters.
Meeting these income levels is a critical step for the applicant’s approval.
Gathering Essential Documents
The strength of your application lies in the completeness and accuracy of your supporting documentation. I recommend organizing everything systematically before submission.
Thorough preparation prevents unnecessary delays or refusals. Each piece of evidence builds a compelling case for approval.
Proof of Relationship and Invitation Letter
You must provide clear proof of your family connection. Birth certificates or adoption papers establish the parent-grandparent relationship.
The invitation letter from your child or grandchild is crucial. It should promise financial support for your entire stay.
This letter must list all household members and include their status documentation. A signed commitment shows genuine family support.
Required Financial and Income Documents
Your sponsor’s income proof must meet specific thresholds. Recent tax assessments and employment letters demonstrate financial stability.
The documentation should clearly show they exceed the LICO requirements. Bank statements and pay stubs provide additional support.
Organize these financial documents with care. They prove your family’s ability to provide lasting support during your extended visit.
Securing Mandatory Medical Insurance
One of the most critical steps in the application process involves obtaining proper health protection. This requirement cannot be overlooked or postponed.
I emphasize that comprehensive medical insurance is absolutely mandatory for approval. You must purchase this insurance from a Canadian provider before submitting your application.
Insurance Coverage Requirements
The policy must meet specific government standards. It needs valid least $100,000 in emergency coverage.
This protection must remain active for at least one year from your entry date. The policy should cover emergency medical care, hospitalization, and repatriation costs.
This requirement exists because visiting family members cannot access provincial healthcare. The insurance ensures they won’t burden the public system.
Choosing the Right Canadian Insurance Provider
Reputable companies like Manulife, Allianz, and Sun Life offer tailored policies. These meet all official requirements for the canada super program.
Costs typically start around $1,800 per year for a 65-year-old applicant. Many providers offer monthly payment plans to make premiums manageable.
Compare multiple quotes carefully. Review coverage details, exclusions, and claim processes before selecting your medical insurance provider.
Step-by-Step Super Visa Application Process
Once eligibility is confirmed and documents are gathered, the formal submission phase begins. This systematic approach ensures each requirement is properly addressed.
Preparing and Completing the Application
The online submission process starts with form IMM 5257. Complete all fields accurately through the official immigration portal.
Upload all supporting documents with your application. This includes proof of relationship and financial support evidence.
Double-check every section before final submission. Accuracy prevents unnecessary delays in the review process.
Submitting Biometrics and Medical Exams
After application submission, schedule your biometrics appointment promptly. This involves fingerprinting and photography at designated centers.
The medical examination must be conducted by an approved physician. Results are submitted directly to immigration authorities.
Both steps are mandatory for program approval. Timely completion keeps your application moving forward.
| Step | Requirements | Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| Form Completion | IMM 5257, supporting documents | Before submission |
| Biometrics | Fingerprints, photograph | Within 30 days of request |
| Medical Exam | Approved physician assessment | Before final decision |
Processing times vary after complete submission. Monitor your application status regularly for updates.
Respond quickly to any additional information requests. This maintains momentum toward approval.
Understanding Processing Times and Fees
Planning your family reunion requires realistic expectations about both timing and financial commitments. I’ll guide you through the typical processing duration and associated costs.
Average Processing Duration
The processing time for this authorization typically ranges from 90 to 145 days. This varies by visa office and individual circumstances.
Delays can occur if additional document verification is needed. Medical exam results or security checks may extend the timeline.
Submit a complete application to avoid unnecessary delays. Book your biometrics appointment promptly after submission.
Application and Biometrics Fee Breakdown
Government fees total CAD $185 per applicant. This includes a $100 application fee and $85 biometrics charge.
Mandatory medical insurance starts around $1,800 per year for a 65-year-old. Additional costs include medical exams and travel expenses.
Check current processing times for your specific country before applying. Plan for at least 4-6 months before your desired travel date.
| Fee Type | Amount | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Application Fee | CAD $100 | One-time |
| Biometrics Fee | CAD $85 | Per person |
| Medical Insurance | Starting at $1,800 | Annual |
| Medical Exam | CAD $200-450 | One-time |
Additional Tips for a Successful Application
A successful application often comes down to meticulous attention to detail in the final preparation stages. I want to share insights that can help you avoid common pitfalls and ensure a smooth process.
Avoiding Common Mistakes
One of the most frequent errors is inconsistent information across forms. Ensure every detail, from family size to your sponsor’s status, matches perfectly.
Another critical area is providing sufficient proof of income. The financial support evidence must clearly meet or exceed the required thresholds. Submitting expired documents or unclear photocopies also causes significant delays.
All documents not in English or French require certified translations. Neglecting this step can halt your application.
Ensuring Accurate Document Submission
Double-check every piece of paper before submission. Create a checklist to ensure nothing is missing. This includes the mandatory medical insurance policy from a Canadian provider.
I strongly recommend having a qualified immigration professional review your complete package. Their experienced eye can catch oversights you might miss.
Keep organized records of everything you submit. Respond promptly to any requests for more information from immigration authorities to avoid unnecessary time extensions.
Honesty and accuracy throughout the process are your greatest allies.
Providing truthful information prevents serious complications, including potential bans on future applications. A careful, thorough approach significantly increases the applicant’s chance of approval.
Insider Advice and Best Practices
Having guided countless families through this process, I’ve identified specific strategies that consistently yield positive outcomes. Professional insight can transform a complex application into a straightforward journey.
Expert Recommendations from Canadian Immigration Professionals
Start your planning early—ideally six to eight months before your desired travel dates. This timeline accommodates document gathering, medical exams, and processing periods without stress.
I recommend exceeding the minimum income requirements by a comfortable margin. Stronger financial proof demonstrates greater capacity to support visiting family members.
For complex situations, consider working with regulated immigration consultants. They provide invaluable assistance with document preparation and application review.
Remember that this authorization is temporary, not a pathway to permanent status. Maintain valid medical insurance throughout the entire stay and respect the visitor conditions.
Conclusion
Bringing loved ones together for meaningful multi-year visits transforms family dynamics in profound ways. The super visa Canada program offers this remarkable opportunity for permanent residents and citizens to host their parents and grandparents for extended periods.
This special visa allows stays of up to five years per entry, eliminating frequent renewal needs. The multi-entry privilege valid for a decade provides exceptional flexibility for family reunification.
Successful applications require meeting specific criteria. These include proof of relationship, adequate income levels, and mandatory medical insurance. Thorough preparation ensures smooth processing.
While the process involves multiple steps, the reward of having parents or grandparents present for years makes the effort worthwhile. This program strengthens family bonds across generations.
I encourage families to begin their journey with confidence. The comprehensive guidance provided here supports your path toward successful family reunification in Canada.
