Canada increases length of stay for Parents and Grandparents Super Visa to 5 years

The Super Visa is a temporary visa that is an attractive option for Canadian citizens and permanent residents who wish to bring their parents and grandparents to Canada. The Super Visa is a multi-entry visitor visa that is valid for up to 10 years.

Major reforms to the Super Visa came into effect today, July 4. The changes include the following:

• The length of stay for Super Visa holders will be increased to five years per entry into Canada.
• People who currently have a Super Visa also have the option to request to extend their stay by up to two years while in Canada. This means current Super Visa holders will now be able to stay in Canada for up to seven consecutive years.
• Canada’s Immigration Minister will have the authority to designate international medical insurance companies to provide coverage to Super Visa applicants in the future.

Eligibility

• be the parent or grandparent of a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident of Canada

• have a signed letter from your child or grandchild who invites you to Canada that includes:

• a promise of financial support for the length of your visit

• the list and number of people in the household of this person

• a copy of this person’s Canadian citizenship or permanent resident document

• have medical insurance from a Canadian insurance company that is:

• valid for at least 1 year from the date of entry

• at least $100,000 emergency coverage

• have proof that the medical insurance has been paid in full (quotes aren’t accepted)

• apply for a super visa from outside Canada

• have your visa printed outside Canada (wait for visa office instructions)

• be allowed to enter Canada

• take an immigration medical exam

• meet certain other conditions