If you’re living in Canada as a citizen or permanent resident, you might want your parents or grandparents to come visit you for an extended period. While sponsoring them for permanent residency (PR) through the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) is no longer an option (as it’s been closed since 2020), there’s still hope! The Super Visa is a great alternative.
The Super Visa allows parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens and permanent residents to visit for extended periods of time — up to five years at a time. Plus, it can be extended for another two years!
Let’s break it down and compare the Super Visa with the Parents and Grandparents Program to help you understand your options.
What is the Super Visa?
The Super Visa allows your parents or grandparents to stay with you in Canada as temporary residents for up to five years. After that, they can extend their stay for an additional two years. This visa is a fantastic option if you’re looking for a long-term visit with family, but remember, it doesn’t provide permanent residency.
Unlike the PGP, which works on a lottery system and only opens once a year, the Super Visa is available all year round. You can apply anytime, and processing time is usually 6 months or less!
Key Differences Between Super Visa and the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP)
| Factor | Super Visa | PGP |
|---|---|---|
| Availability | Can apply anytime | Once-a-year lottery system |
| Processing time | Usually 6 months or less | 33-48 months (depends on location) |
| Maximum stay | Up to 5 years, extendable for 2 more years | Permanent residency |
| Invitation required? | No, direct application to IRCC | Yes, must receive an invitation after submitting an interest form |
| Status granted | Visitor status | Permanent resident status |
| Income requirements | Must meet minimum income for the last tax year | Must meet income for the last 3 years |
| Medical insurance | Must purchase before applying | Not required |
Who Can Sponsor for a Super Visa?
To sponsor your parent(s) or grandparent(s) for the Super Visa, you need to meet the following eligibility criteria:
- Be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or registered Indian.
- Live in Canada when applying and when your relatives arrive.
- Be at least 18 years old.
- Meet or exceed the minimum income requirements (based on your family size).
Minimum Income Requirements for Sponsors
You must meet the minimum income requirements based on your family size. If you have a spouse or common-law partner, they can co-sign the application to help meet the income requirements.
Here’s a breakdown of the minimum income required based on the size of your family:
| Number of family members | Annual income required |
|---|---|
| 1 | $29,380 |
| 2 | $36,576 |
| 3 | $44,966 |
| 4 | $54,594 |
| 5 | $61,920 |
| 6 | $69,834 |
| 7 | $77,750 |
| More than 7 | Add $7,916 for each extra family member |
Who Can You Sponsor?
You can sponsor your parent(s) and grandparent(s), including their spouse or common-law partner. Unfortunately, dependents (such as children) cannot be included under the Super Visa.
To be eligible for the Super Visa, your relatives must:
- Be admissible to Canada (i.e., they must pass health and security checks).
- Purchase health insurance from a Canadian insurance company or a foreign insurer that meets Canadian standards.
- Go through an immigration medical exam to ensure they are in good health.
How to Apply for a Super Visa
Here’s a step-by-step guide for your parents or grandparents to apply for the Super Visa:
- Prepare the necessary documents:
- Letter of invitation from you, the sponsor, including your promise of financial support.
- Proof of income (from the last tax year).
- Health insurance proof that meets Canadian requirements.
- Proof of relationship to the sponsor (e.g., birth certificate).
- Submit the application through the IRCC Portal and pay the necessary fees.
- Complete biometric requirements if requested. This means they will need to visit a local site to have their fingerprints and photo taken.
- Wait for the decision. If everything is in order, your relatives will receive their Super Visa approval!
Q1: Can I sponsor my children along with my parents or grandparents?
- No, the Super Visa is only for sponsoring parents and grandparents. Children or dependents cannot be included in the application.
Q2: Can the Super Visa be extended?
- Yes! Super Visa holders can request an extension for an additional two years after their initial five-year stay.
Q3: Is medical insurance required for Super Visa applicants?
- Yes, applicants must have valid medical insurance that covers them for at least one year in Canada. The insurance must meet specific coverage requirements, including a minimum of $100,000.
Q4: Can I apply for the Super Visa if my relative has a medical condition?
- As long as the medical exam does not show any serious issues that make the applicant inadmissible, they can still apply. The immigration process considers their overall health.
Conclusion
The Super Visa is a great option if you’re looking to have your parents or grandparents visit you in Canada for an extended period. Although it doesn’t provide permanent residency, it allows family reunification and ensures your loved ones can stay with you for up to seven years!
If you need help with the application process or have more questions, feel free to reach out to Ask Kubeir. We’re here to guide you every step of the way!
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Disclaimer: This is for informational purposes only and not legal advice. Always consult experts like us or the official IRCC website for up-to-date details.