Canada offers multiple visa options for those looking to visit family members who are citizens or permanent residents.
While a standard visitor visa allows stays up to 6 months, the Parent and Grandparent Super Visa provides the opportunity for longer visits over up to 10 years.
What is a Visitor visa?
A visitor visa is an official document placed in one’s passport by the Canadian government. It shows the holder has met the requirements to enter Canada as a temporary resident. Most visitors can stay up to 6 months per entry. The officer at your port of entry will determine and record your authorized length of stay.
You may instead need an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) to visit Canada. Whether you require a visa or ETA depends on your nationality, passport, travel purpose, and transit method. An ETA permits short stays for certain foreign nationals.
Introducing the Super Visa
The Super Visa program provides a unique long-term visitor visa. Eligible parents and grandparents of a Canadian citizen or permanent resident can visit for up to 2 years at a time, totaling 10 years. During this period, you retain temporary resident status.
Super Visas offer more flexibility than standard visitor visas. Applicants aren’t subject to the lottery system of the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP). Super Visas provide excellent options for relatives wanting longer visits.
Eligibility Criteria
- To qualify for a Parent/Grandparent Super Visa, you must:
- Prove your relationship to a Canadian citizen/permanent resident
- Pass background checks regarding criminality and health
- Show sufficient ties to your home country
- Obtain medical insurance from a Canadian provider
- Get an invitation letter from your child/grandchild
Financial Support Requirements
Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada also verifies your financial support. Your child/grandchild must demonstrate income above Low-Income Cut-Off levels. This ensures they can assist you during an extended Canadian visit if necessary.
Required Documentation
- When applying, have the following documents ready:
- Proof of relation to a Canadian citizen/permanent resident
- Medical exam/insurance documents
- Tax records, pay stubs, employment letter from your child/grandchild
- Invitation letter covering financial support pledge
Application Process
Once you’ve confirmed eligibility and prepared documentation, submit your application to the Canadian visa office for your place of residence abroad. Processing times range from several weeks to months depending on volumes.
The Super Visa presents excellent long-term travel privileges for parents and grandparents of Canadians. With some key application components, you can visit family for up to a decade while maintaining temporary status.
With more prolonged visitation rights for parents/grandparents of Canadians, the Super Visa offers an excellent alternative to standard visitor visas.Book your consultation today to check whether you are eligible for a visitor or super visa!
