When considering travel to Canada, it’s essential to understand the distinctions between a standard visitor visa and a Super Visa, particularly for parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens or permanent residents. While both visas fall under the category of temporary entry, they have significantly different conditions regarding the length of stay and eligibility.
The primary difference between these two visas lies in the duration of stay. A visitor visa typically allows entry to Canada for up to six months per visit, while the Super Visa offers extended benefits, permitting eligible parents and grandparents to stay in Canada for up to five years at a time.
Understanding the Visitor Visa
Most individuals traveling to Canada require a visitor visa, also known as a temporary resident visa. This visa is an official document placed in your passport by the Canadian government, confirming that you meet the requirements to enter the country.
Generally, visitors can remain in Canada for up to six months. However, a border services officer at the port of entry may alter this duration, depending on the circumstances. If no specific date is stamped in your passport, you are allowed to stay for six months or until your passport expires—whichever comes first.
In some cases, travelers may need a visitor record, which outlines the exact date they must leave the country. Whether you need a visitor visa or an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) depends on several factors, such as your nationality and the type of travel document you plan to use.
What is the Super Visa?
The Super Visa is designed for parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens or permanent residents, offering them the opportunity to visit family for an extended period—up to five years at a time—without the need to renew their status. Additionally, the Super Visa allows multiple entries into Canada over a 10-year period.
For families looking for a more secure alternative to the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP), the Super Visa offers predictability since it doesn’t require a lottery, providing a clearer path for family reunification.
Super Visa Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for a Super Visa, the applicant must be a parent or grandparent of a Canadian citizen or permanent resident. The applicant’s spouse or common-law partner may also be included in the application, but no dependents are allowed.
Applicants must be deemed admissible to Canada, meaning they cannot have any criminal or health issues that would prevent entry. A medical exam is required to prove that the applicant meets health standards.
Additionally, the applicant’s purpose of the visit will be evaluated, and they must demonstrate sufficient ties to their home country, ensuring they do not overstay their visit.
Children or grandchildren of the applicant must also provide proof of financial support by meeting the Low-Income Cut Off (LICO) requirements. This demonstrates that they are capable of supporting their elderly family members during their stay in Canada.
Proof of financial support can be provided through:
- Notice of Assessment (NOA) or T4/T1 for the most recent tax year
- Employment Insurance stubs
- A letter of employment including salary and hire date
- Pay stubs
- Bank statements
A signed letter from the child or grandchild is also required, promising financial support throughout the visit and listing the number of people in the household.
Moreover, applicants must obtain medical insurance from a Canadian company, valid for at least one year with at least $100,000 in emergency coverage. The insurance must be paid in full at the time of application.
Once eligibility is confirmed and the required documentation is submitted, the application can be processed at the Canadian visa office responsible for the applicant’s place of residence outside Canada.
For those seeking long-term visits with family in Canada, understanding the Super Visa’s advantages over a traditional visitor visa can make a significant difference in planning your stay.