The new Super Visa has been announced 4 months ago and many Canadians have jumped on the opportunity to invite their parents or grandparents from overseas to come visit them in Canada and stay for up to 2 years. The Government of Canada estimates that the time to process Super Visa is about 8 weeks, unlike the previous sponsorship applications, which took 6 years or longer. Also, unlike the regular visitor’s visa, parents of permanent residents and Canadian citizens receive a 10 year visa and can remain in Canada for up to 2 years at a time, without the need to renew and undergo medical tests every time.
Still many are unsure how to apply for the Super Visa for their parents and if they are qualified. In this article, we will try to shed some light and answer some of the common questions about the Super Visa process.
1. How to apply?
In order to apply for the parents and grandparent Super Visa you will need to submit the Application for a Temporary Resident Visa Made Outside of Canada [IMM5257] to a visa office and provide documents to support your application. You may request a multiple-entry visa for up to ten years if you submit the applicable fees along with the application.
2. Where can I find the correct visa office for my country?
You can find the list by clicking here.
3. What documents must be included with the application for the Super Visa?
Here is the list of the required documents:
• A valid travel document (such as a passport).
• Two recent passport photographs of each family member are required. Make sure these photographs meet the requirements.
• Enclose the application fee, unless you are from a visa-exempt country. Your fee will not be refunded, even if your application is not accepted.
• You must provide proof that your parents/grandparents have enough money for their visit to Canada.
• Evidence of the parent or grandparent relationship to the Canadian citizen or permanent resident they wish to visit
• A letter of invitation from the child or grandchild that includes arrangements for care and support and indicates the number of people residing in their household in Canada (mandatory);
• Proof from you that you and your family meet the Low Income Cut-Off (LICO)
• Proof that you have private medical insurance valid for a minimum of one year from a Canadian insurance company and that:
- Covers health care, hospitalization and repatriation;
- Provides a minimum coverage of $100,000; and
- Is valid for each entry to Canada and available for review by a port of entry officer.
4.What are the fees to apply for the Super Visa?
The fee is $150 per person for a multi entry visa and $75 for a single entry visa. These fees are not refundable, even if the visa is refused.
5. Do my parents need to undergo a medical examination?
Yes, in order to apply for the Super Visa, they are required to undergo a medical examination. Your visa office will provide you with instructions and a form with your assigned number before you see a designated medical practitioner. Unfortunately, your family doctor cannot do the medical examination.
6. What kind of medical insurance are we required to get for the parents?
In order to apply for the Super Visa, you are required to buy medical insurance, from a private Canadian insurance company that will cover health care, hospitalization and repatriation. The insurance has to be valid for one year and provide a coverage of at least $100, 000.
7. What if the Super Visa gets refused or they stay in Canada less than one year, are we entitled to a refund?
In case the Super Visa gets refused, you can get a full refund from the insurance company. Super Visa insurance office can help you with getting your refund, if you provide us with the copy of the refusal letter.
-If your parents stay in Canada less than one year, you can ask for a refund for the remaining time, assuming there were no claims on file. Some insurance companies charge fees for cancelations, while others do not.
Please contact us by calling our toll free number 1-877-211-4301 or by email arbetov.office@gmail.com and we will gladly provide you with all the necessary information and answer all your questions. Because we work with 6 different insurance companies we will also be able to help you find the lowest Super Visa insurance prices.
Best regards
The Arbetov Team!
