A Complete Guide to Applying for Canada’s Super Visa – All You Need to Know

If you are a Canadian citizen or permanent resident with parents or grandparents living in another country, then perhaps you are wondering how you might be able to bring them to Canada for longer visits so that they can enjoy more time here with their family. The answer is to apply for Canada’s Super Visa. Here is what you need to know.

What is the Super Visa?  

A Super Visa is a special visa that allows parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens to visit Canada for extended periods of time (up to five years) without the need to keep renewing their visas.  The Super Visa is valid for up to 10 years.  

The following is what you will need to do to apply:

1. Determine eligibility. 

Your family member is eligible if they are your parent or grandparent, and you are either a Canadian citizen or permanent resident. The applicant must also be legally eligible to enter Canada.

2. Determine considerations.  

When considering the application of your parent or grandparent, the visa officer will look at the following factors.

• Ties to home country.
• The purpose of the visit.
• Family and finances.
• The economic stability of the home country.
• Invitation from a Canadian host.
• Proof of immigration medical exam

3. Requirements for the host.  

In addition to requirements for the Super Visa applicant, the visa officer will also look at certain requirements for you as a host. These criteria include:

• You must be the adult child or grandchild of the applicant.
• You must meet a minimum income threshold. (This will depend in part on the size of your family).
• You must provide a written statement saying that you intend to support your parent or grandparent during their stay in Canada.
• You must demonstrate that your parent or grandparent has valid medical coverage for a minimum of one year.

4. Collect the necessary documentation. 

In addition to their application, there are a number of documents that your parent or grandparent will be required to submit along with it. Some of the documents that may be needed could include:

• Proof that they are your parent or grandparent (this could be through birth certificates, baptismal certificates, etc.)
• A letter of invitation from their host (you) which includes arrangements for care and support.
• Proof that the host meets the income threshold (this could be through T4s, bank statements, or other financial documents.
• Proof that your parent or grandparent has strong ties to their home country and would therefore not be likely to stay beyond the duration of their visa. This could be shown by providing proof of finances, investments, etc. in the home country.

5. Medical examination. 

In order to qualify for their super visa, your parent or grandparent will have to undergo a medical exam. This medical exam is different from the one they would be able to get through their regular family physician. They will have to get the medical examination done by a panel physician. This is a specially designated medical professional who conducts exams for the specific purpose of Citizenship and immigration to Canada.

The results of this exam are sent directly to Citizenship and Immigration Canada and they are valid for one year. They will have to provide proof that they have had this exam along with their application.

6. Complete the necessary forms. 

Your parent or grandparent will first fill out a form for a Temporary Resident Visa and indicate that they are also requesting a Super Visa. On Question 1 in the “details of your visit to Canada” section of the application they will indicate “Super Visa”.  

7. Review any additional visa office requirements.

If your parent or grandparent is applying for their Super Visa from outside of Canada, they will need to submit their application through the appropriate visa office in their area. Some offices may have additional documentation requirements. They should check with that office to ensure they have everything they need in order to avoid possible delays. 

8. Compile the application.  

Once the applicant has finished filling out the forms, they should double-check everything and go through the checklist of the necessary documentation to ensure they have everything that is required before placing everything in an envelope to submit to the visa office. They should also be sure to include proof of payment for the application.

9. Await communication from the visa office.  

Once the visa office receives the application, they should acknowledge that receipt either by a letter or email. In some cases, they may also request additional information. Each visa office will have its own processing times, but you can usually check these online.  

10. Decision

Once Citizenship and Immigration Canada have reviewed your parent or grandparent’s application for a Super Visa, they will inform them of their decision. They may also provide additional instructions for them to obtain their visa. These instructions should be followed accordingly. 

Do you need a lawyer to apply for a super visa? 

While it is not a strict requirement to have an immigration lawyer help you with the super visa application process, it can relieve a lot of the stress of trying to figure out all the steps and necessary documentation on your own. It can also help you avoid making mistakes and omissions which could result in the application getting delayed or even denied. 

Contact Minhas Lawyers today

At Minhas Lawyers, we have skilled immigration lawyers with years of experience in helping Canadian citizens and permanent residents of Canada to bring their parents and grandparents into the country on Super Visas. We can help you compile all of the information you require for your application and advocate on your behalf to help you have the best chance of getting approval.  Call us today to speak to an immigration lawyer.