Here Is Everything You Need to Know about Super Visa!

Introduced as an alternative to the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP), Super Visa has made it possible for permanent residents and Canadian citizens to bring their parents and grandparents into the Canadian provinces. In this case, they will not have to worry about limited spots and lottery systems. Read on to learn how to get a Super Visa within a few months. 

What is Super Visa?

The Super Visa is a document that reduces the hassle for Canadian citizens and permanent residents that might have otherwise occurred to get their foreign parents and grandparents in Canadian provinces and territories. The factor that makes it different from a regular visa is that it is applicable for use for at least 10 years, and a visitor can stay with their Canadian son or daughter for 5 consecutive years. You do not need to renew the visitor status consistently, even after visiting Canada on multiple occasions. 

Eligibility Criteria for Super Visa

Some criteria must be fulfilled to be able to apply for the Super Visa:

• Firstly, you need to be the parent or grandparent of a Canadian citizen or permanent resident of Canada.

• You will also need to receive a signed invitation letter from your Canadian child or grandchild.

• Further, you will be asked for documents that can support the claim of the Low-Income Cut-Off (LICO) minimum of your child or grandchild, documents as proof of a parental relationship with the Canadian child and grandchild 

• Lastly, you will need a document of proof of your medical insurance coverage valid for at least a year from the date of application. 

Recent Changes to Super Visa Applications

The Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has recently declared some changes in how Super Visa applicants will now have to pay for their medical insurance. 

It is mandatory for applicants to have their private medical insurance with at least $100,000 in emergency coverage valid for up to a year. While earlier, the insurance could be paid in monthly installments, the policy was altered in August. The applicants then had to make a complete annual payment. This amount was around $1,500 for a 65-year-old and more for people over 65. 

The change created a kind of agitation, with many people complaining about the financial pressure making it difficult for permanent residents to reunite with their families. IRCC was  forced to return to the earlier setup once again in December. The policy reversing was done to reaffirm Canada’s responsible move in uniting families. 

How Can You Apply for Super Visa?

If you are considering applying for a Super Visa, here are the steps you will need to follow:

Step 1: Determine your eligibility

The first step is to determine whether you are eligible for a Super Visa. To be eligible, you must meet certain requirements, such as:

• Being the parent or grandparent of a Canadian citizen or permanent resident
• Having a letter of invitation from your child or grandchild who is a Canadian citizen or permanent resident
• Passing a medical exam from a panel physician approved by the Canadian government
• Having valid medical insurance for at least one year from a Canadian insurance company
• Providing proof of financial support from your child or grandchild in Canada

Step 2: Gather the required documents

Once you have determined that you are eligible, you will need to gather the required documents, which include:

• A letter of invitation from your child or grandchild who is a Canadian citizen or permanent resident
• Proof of medical insurance for at least one year from a Canadian insurance company
• Proof of financial support from your child or grandchild in Canada
• A copy of your child or grandchild’s Canadian citizenship or permanent resident status document
• Your passport, which must be valid for at least one year

Step 3: Complete the application

You can complete the Super Visa application online or on paper. The application will ask for personal information, travel history, employment history, and education history, as well as information about your family in Canada and your financial situation.

Step 4: Pay the application fee

The Super Visa application fee is currently $150 CAD per person. You can pay this fee online or by mail.

Step 5: Submit the application and supporting documents

Once you have completed the application and paid the fee, you will need to submit the application and all the required documents. You can do this online or by mail.

Step 6: Wait for a decision

The processing time for a Super Visa application varies depending on the volume of applications received. It is recommended that you apply well in advance of your planned travel date. You can check the status of your application online or by contacting the visa office.

Step 7: Attend an interview (if required)

In some cases, you may be required to attend an interview before your Super Visa can be issued. If this is the case, you will be notified and given instructions on how to schedule an interview.

Step 8: Receive your Super Visa

If your application is approved, you will receive your Super Visa in your passport. The visa will show the expiry date, which is the date by which you must enter Canada. Once you enter Canada, you can stay for up to two years at a time, with a maximum validity period of 10 years.

The Super Visa application process can be straightforward if you follow the above steps and meet the eligibility criteria. Make sure you allow enough time for processing, gather all the required documents, and follow the instructions carefully.

Conclusion

The Canadian government is trying its best to cater to all of its immigrants’ social and familial needs. As a part of their immigration policy, they have undertaken the task of reuniting Permanent residents and Canadian citizens with their families. As a result, the changes to the Super Visa have been undertaken to ensure a better and easier mode of application and traveling for the applicants. 

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Aishani Pande

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