What is a Super Visa for Canada?
A Super Visa is a special type of visa that allows eligible individuals to visit their children or grandchildren in Canada for an extended period. It offers the flexibility of staying for up to 5 years at a time and provides multiple entries, with the visa’s validity extending up to 10 years.
Eligibility and Requirements:
1. Health Insurance Requirement:
- One of the specific requirements for a Super Visa is the need for health insurance. Applicants must have valid health insurance coverage during their entire stay in Canada. The insurance should cover health care, hospitalization, and repatriation, with a minimum of $100,000 in emergency coverage.
2. Income Requirements:
- To be eligible, applicants must have a child or grandchild who is a Canadian citizen, permanent resident of Canada, or registered Indian, and is at least 18 years old and living in Canada. The host must also meet or exceed the minimum necessary income, which is determined based on the Low Income Cut-Off (LICO) scale.
Duration and Application Date:
3. Duration of Stay:
- If you apply for a Super Visa on or after June 22, 2023, you can stay in Canada for up to 5 years at a time.
4. Application Date Impact:
- The date you apply for your Super Visa can affect how long you can stay in Canada. If you entered Canada before June 22, 2023, or if you enter on or after that date, the duration of your stay may vary.
Additional Conditions for Super Visa Holders:
5. Health Insurance Renewal:
- Super Visa holders must renew or maintain their health insurance while in Canada and on re-entry.
6. Valid Passport:
- Ensure that your passport remains valid while you are in Canada.
Application Process:
7. Applying from Outside Canada:
- To apply for a Super Visa, you must be outside Canada when you submit your application.
Other Considerations:
8. Visa-Exempt Individuals:
- Even if you do not require a visitor visa to enter Canada, you can still apply for a Super Visa to stay for up to 5 years. If approved, you will receive a letter to present to a border services officer upon arrival.
9. Work or Study Limitations:
- It’s important to note that a Super Visa does not authorize you to work or study in Canada. If you plan to work or study, you may need a separate permit.
Income Table (2023):
The income requirements for Super Visa eligibility are determined based on the Low Income Cut-Off (LICO) scale, which takes into account the family unit size. For example, the minimum necessary gross income for a family unit of two persons is $34,254. See this link to get the latest income requirements.
Income Table 2023
Your child or grandchild may use the following income scale to assess their ability to meet the income requirements.
| Size of Family Unit | Minimum necessary gross income |
|---|---|
| 1 person (your child or grandchild) | $27,514 |
| 2 persons | $34,254 |
| 3 persons | $42,100 |
| 4 persons | $51,128 |
| 5 persons | $57,988 |
| 6 persons | $65,400 |
| 7 persons | $72,814 |
| More than 7 persons, for each additional person, add | $7,412 |
https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/application/application-forms-guides/guide-5256-applying-visitor-visa-temporary-resident-visa.html#incometables
How to Apply:
- You must apply for a Super Visa from outside Canada. The processing time varies by country.
After You Apply:
- The processing of your Super Visa application may include steps such as biometrics collection, an interview, and providing additional information or documents. If approved, you will receive instructions to submit your passport to receive the visa.
When You Arrive in Canada:
- Upon arrival in Canada, your identity and eligibility will be checked by border services officers. It’s essential to have your passport and relevant documents readily accessible.
Living, Working, or Studying in Canada:
- A Super Visa does not grant authorization to work or study in Canada. Most visitors who wish to work or study in Canada will require separate permits.
Please note that specific details and requirements may change over time, so it is important to refer to the official Canadian government website or consult with the nearest Canadian embassy or consulate for the most up-to-date information on Super Visas for Canada.
Frequently Asked Questions
A Super Visa is intended for the parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens or permanent residents. To be eligible for a Super Visa, the applicant must:
- Have a child or grandchild who is a Canadian citizen or permanent resident of Canada.
- Receive an invitation from their child or grandchild in Canada, which includes a promise of financial support during the visit.
- Meet or exceed the minimum necessary income requirement, as determined by the Low Income Cut-Off (LICO) scale.
- Purchase valid health insurance coverage for the entire duration of their stay in Canada, with a minimum of $100,000 in emergency coverage.
- Meet other standard eligibility criteria, including being admissible to Canada and satisfying immigration officers of their intention to return to their home country at the end of the visit.
The processing time for a Super Visa application can vary depending on several factors, including the country from which you are applying. It's advisable to check the current processing times on the official Canadian government website or the website of the visa office responsible for your region.
Super Visa holders are typically allowed to stay in Canada for up to 5 years at a time. If you wish to extend your stay beyond the initial period, you should apply for an extension before your current visa expires. Extensions are subject to approval by the Canadian immigration authorities.
There is no maximum limit on the number of times you can apply for a Super Visa. However, each application is assessed individually, and approval is not guaranteed. Applicants must continue to meet the eligibility criteria for each application.
If your Super Visa application is refused, you will receive an explanation for the refusal. You may have the option to reapply or address the reasons for refusal in a subsequent application. It's crucial to review the refusal letter carefully and consider seeking professional advice if necessary.
A Super Visa does not grant authorization to work or study in Canada. If you intend to work or study in Canada, you will need to apply for the appropriate work or study permit separately. Super Visa holders are expected to comply with the conditions of their visitor status.
While health insurance is a requirement for Super Visa applicants, it is not necessary to purchase health insurance before applying. However, you should ensure that you have a valid health insurance policy in place before traveling to Canada and provide proof of coverage as part of your application.
Yes, you can visit other countries while holding a Super Visa for Canada. The Super Visa allows multiple entries to Canada, and you are free to travel to and from Canada during the visa's validity period. However, it's essential to ensure that you meet the entry requirements of other countries you plan to visit.