Canada is one of the most preferred countries to live in due to its numerous work and educational opportunities. The 'Land of Maple Leaf' lives up to its reputation with special privileges on offer, like the 'Super Visa,' which grants visitors a longer temporary stay.
What is a Canadian Super Visa?
Canada is one of the few countries in the world to have a hassle-free visit policy for the parents and grandparents of its immigrant citizens. Anyone with a permanent residency in Canada can avail of this facility if they meet certain conditions. So, what is a Canadian Super Visa? This is a special visa arrangement for parents and grandparents of permanent Canadian residents. The convenience clause of this particular visa allows to overrule time constraints governing regular visas, thus making it an attractive prospect for potential immigrants.
How is a Super Visa Different from a Visitor Visa?
The Super Visa facilitates the visit and stay of parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens. Key differences between a Visitor Visa and a Super Visa include:
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SPECIFICATION
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VISITOR VISA
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SUPER VISA
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Duration of Stay
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Six months
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Five years
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Applicability
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All visitors, with certain exceptions
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Only for parents and grandparents of Canadian residents/citizens
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Eligibility
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All visitors to Canada who have not been rendered inadmissible
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Must have children or grandchildren living in Canada
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Entry Window
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Single entry or multiple entry, depending on eligibility
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Multiple entries granted in each case
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Eligibility Criteria for a Super Visa For Canada
Applicants must meet the following conditions to be eligible for a Super Visa for Canada:
- Must have an adult child or grandchild living in Canada. The child/grandchild should be a Canadian citizen/permanent resident.
- Must be from outside Canada.
- Should have a signed letter of invitation from their child/grandchild guaranteeing financial sustenance.
- Must have a medical insurance policy covering a minimum of one year from their entry into Canada.
- Should clear an immigration medical exam and not be inadmissible to Canada.
How to Write a Letter of Invitation for a Super Visa
An application for a Canada Super Visa for parents or grandparents must be accompanied by a letter of invitation signed by the child/grandchild and cosigned by their spouse or common-law partner if they identify as Canadian citizens or permanent residents. The invitation should include:
- Complete name, birth date and contact details of both host and visitor.
- Residential status of host and relationship with visitors.
- Details of calculated family size to confirm the status of the host's minimum necessary income.
- Promised financial support by the host for visitors during the duration of stay.
How to Apply for a Canadian Super Visa
A Canada Super Visa application is an online process that ensures a hassle-free experience. However, certain conditions like a disability or an identity exception might allow for offline application. Applying for a Canadian Super Visa online entails the following steps:
- Log on to the IRCC (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada) portal and fill out the application form.
- Pay the processing fee.
- Submit the application with all necessary documents, including the fee receipt.
- Book a biometrics collection appointment to begin processing your Super Visa.
What is the Processing Fee for a Parent or Grandparent Super Visa?
The payment for processing a Canada Super Visa for parents or grandparents needs to be made online before your application is submitted. The processing fee for this special type of visa is around $100 CAD during the application process. Biometric processing will call for another $85 CAD. The mandatory immigration medical exam for a Super Visa will cost between $200 CAD and $300 CAD. You can, therefore, expect a total cost of $400 CAD-$500 CAD for the entire application process.
How Long Does it Take for a Super Visa to be Processed?
The process of scrutinising a Canada super visa for parents or grandparents begins only after you are done with your biometrics submission. Thereafter, it can take anywhere from two to six months for the visa processing to be completed. Depending on the country from where you are applying and also the visa office processing your application, the exact time will vary. The general processing time in which you can expect your Super Visa for Canada to be approved is 145 days, with applicants from India possibly obtaining the same in around 135 days.
Are You Allowed to Work in Canada on a Super Visa?
A Canada Super Visa is a special type of visitor visa that only grants a visitor status. This means you cannot work or study in the country if you are currently on this visa. Individuals desirous of working in Canada need to obtain a work permit from within the country. However, granting the work permit will strip them of their special visitor status and they will only be recognized as a temporary worker through this arrangement.
Conclusion
The Canada Super Visa grants temporary residence status to parents and grandparents of its residents. It is mandatory to have a valid health insurance policy covering the entire duration of your stay. It also is recommended to buy a travel insurance cover to tide over any contingencies during international trips.