Canada announces new “Super Visa” for parents and grandparents
In December 2011, Canada announced Super Visas for parents and grandparents to live in Canada for up to 24 months. Canadians are indicating that it should be processed in about eight weeks. This solves a long standing problem in Canada of having to wait many years before being able bring your parents.
To apply for a super visa, you must be
- be the parent or grandparent of a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident of Canada;
- be found admissible to Canada; and
- meet certain other conditions.
Currently, visitors to Canada usually may only visit for six months at a time. Most visitors who wish to stay longer must apply for an extension, and pay a new fee, every six months. With the Parent and Grandparent Super Visa, eligible parents and grandparents will pay fewer fees and have some certainty that they will be able to enjoy the company of their families in Canada for a longer period of time. Dhade & Associates can assist individuals to obtain a super visa.
CIC will be able to issue the visas, on average, within eight weeks of the application. This means that instead of waiting for eight years, a parent or a grandparent can come to Canada within eight weeks.
In order to obtain a Parent or Grandparent Super Visa, you also need to provide:
- Evidence of the parent or grandparent relationship to the Canadian citizen or permanent resident you wish to visit (e.g., birth certificate, baptismal certificate or other official document naming you as parent);
- AA letter of invitation from your child or grandchild that includes arrangements for care and support;
- Proof from your child or grandchild that he or she meets the financial requirements and
- 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.
