In Canada, a citizen or new permanent resident may wish to extend an invitation to their parents or grandparents to stay for extended periods of time. There are several reasons for this, such as missing them, parents or grandparents retiring, getting ready to have a child or adjust to being a parent, or experiencing the death of a loved one. It is not always as easy for recent immigrants to invite their parents or grandparents to remain in Canada as it seems. If the parents are foreign nationals, they might require a visa in order to enter Canada, and the temporary permits that come with visitor visas might not always be adequate for the specific requirements. Under the Canadian government’s super visa programme, your parents or grandparents can visit Canada more easily and for longer periods of time over a ten-year period without needing to renew for a visa each time. You can sponsor your family for a super visa in Canada with the assistance of one of the best immigration lawyers in Winnipeg.
WHAT IS A SUPER VISA?
Established in December 2011, the Canada Super Visa is a special kind of immigration that is intended to make long-term trips easier for parents and grandparents of citizens or permanent residents of Canada. Only adult Canadian citizens or permanent residents’ children and grandchildren who are over 18 are eligible for the visa. Parents or grandparents who have lived in Canada for more than five years within the last ten years are not eligible to apply for the super visa unless they fulfil specific requirements.
ELIGIBILITY FOR A SUPER VISA
- You need to have a host who is your child or grandchild in order to qualify for a super visa. The host must be a registered Indian, a citizen of Canada, or a permanent resident of Canada.
- Copy of the permanent resident document (and copy of the spouse or common-law partner, if applicable) or copy of the Canadian citizenship document (and copy of the spouse or common-law partner, if applicable) or a Secure Certificate of Indian Status or Certificate of Indian Status (status card) must be provided by your child or grandchild.
- The child or grandchild must be at least eighteen years old, a resident of Canada, and earn at least the minimum required.
- A letter inviting you to Canada with a guarantee of financial support for the duration of your stay must be signed by the child or grandchild. If the spouse or common-law partner of your child or grandchild is a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, they may co-sign the letter. The list of individuals (names, dates of birth, and numbers) that you provide when calculating your family size to estimate the minimum necessary income should also be included in the letter.
- Additionally, at the time of submitting your super visa application, you have to be outside of Canada. Your visa must be printed by a visa office located outside of Canada. You have to meet specific requirements, undergo an immigration medical examination, and be granted permission to enter Canada. Dependents cannot be added to this application.
- You need to provide documentation of health insurance coverage from an insurance provider licensed by the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, or from an insurance provider outside of Canada.
- The health insurance policy should cover medical expenses, hospital stays, and repatriation; it should be paid in full or in instalments with a deposit; it should also give emergency coverage of at least $100,000. The policy should be valid for at least a year from the date of arrival.
HOW TO APPLY FOR A SUPER VISA?
- In order to apply for a super visa, you need to be outside of Canada when you submit your online application through the IRCC Portal.
- Go to the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website and register in order to start the visa application process.
- Next, to demonstrate your eligibility for a visa, fill out the online form and attach any supporting documentation.
- Lastly, use a credit card or prepaid card to pay your expenses.
Upon submitting your visa application, you will have to provide your biometric information. Before providing your biometrics, you must pay the biometrics fees. Your application can be delayed if you haven’t paid the required amount. If your disability prevents you from applying online, or if you are travelling with a travel document or identity granted to a refugee, stateless person, or non-citizen, you may also apply on paper.
Following the submission of your application and the collection of your biometrics, the Canadian government may further request that you undertake the following:
- Attend an interview
- Provide further details
- Obtain a medical examination
- Obtain a certificate from the police
Your passport will be stamped with a visa if your application is accepted. The IRCC will provide you with a letter to present to a border services officer upon your arrival in Canada if your country of origin does not require a visa. You will receive an explanation if your application is denied, including information on your right of appeal and the reasons behind the decision.
BENEFITS OF SUPER VISA
- Permits stay for up to two years at a period, which is longer than the normal visitor visa’s six-month duration.
- With numerous entries permitted over a ten-year period, this visa provides flexibility for repeat visits without the need for frequent visa applications.
- Gives the chance to request an extension, which could result in a cumulative stay of up to seven years.
- Year-round availability allows freedom to schedule trips around holidays, family gatherings, or personal achievements.
- Especially helpful for those from nations where a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) is required, as it removes the need for repeated TRV applications.
- Reduces the paperwork involved in renewing a visa, making travel easier for grandparents and parents.
CONCLUSION
The super visa is intended for people who want to travel to Canada to spend a significant amount of time with family members. Immigration lawyers in Oshawa can guide you through the challenging Super Visa application procedure and improve your chances of being granted this unique visa.
