Canada Eases Health Insurance Requirements for Super Visa Applicants, Expanding Access for Parents and Grandparents

New Rule Allows Foreign Insurers for Super Visa Health Insurance

As of January 28, 2025, Canada has relaxed its health insurance requirements for Super Visa applicants, making it easier for parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens and permanent residents to visit their families for extended periods. Previously, applicants had to secure health insurance from Canadian providers to meet the Super Visa’s eligibility criteria. However, under the new guidelines, applicants can now obtain health insurance coverage from non-Canadian insurers, provided certain conditions are met.

This change significantly broadens the options available to those seeking to reunite with their families in Canada. Super Visa holders, who are typically allowed to stay in Canada for up to five years, must still meet the private health insurance requirement each time they enter the country. This policy shift is expected to make the process more accessible and flexible for applicants from abroad.

Non-Canadian Insurance Providers Now Eligible: How to Meet the New Super Visa Health Insurance Requirement

For non-Canadian health insurance providers to qualify for use in Super Visa applications, the provider must adhere to a few specific criteria. These requirements are as follows:

  1. Authorization by OSFI: The foreign insurer must be authorized by the Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions (OSFI) to offer accident and sickness insurance under the Insurance Companies Act.
  2. Inclusion in OSFI’s List: The insurer must appear on the OSFI’s list of federally regulated financial institutions.
  3. Policy Issuance in Canada: The insurance policy must include a statement confirming that the insurance was issued or made in the course of the insurer’s business in Canada.

It’s essential to note that insurance brokers and claims administrators will not be recognized under these rules, as only authorized insurance companies can meet the Super Visa requirements.

The insurance plan must also meet the following general criteria:

  • Valid for a minimum of one year from the date of entry to Canada.
  • Paid in full or via installment with a deposit.
  • Cover healthcare, hospitalization, and repatriation.
  • Provide a minimum healthcare coverage of $100,000.

When entering Canada, Super Visa holders must be prepared to present proof of insurance to a border services officer.

Steps to Verify If Your Foreign Insurance Provider Qualifies for Super Visa

If you’re considering using a non-Canadian health insurance provider for your Super Visa application, follow these steps to ensure the provider meets all necessary criteria:

  1. Check the OSFI List: Start by confirming that your health insurance provider is listed in the OSFI’s roster of federally regulated financial institutions. This list can be accessed on the OSFI’s website, where you can verify if the insurer is authorized to provide the required coverage.
  2. Contact OSFI for Confirmation: If you’re unsure whether a specific provider qualifies, you can email OSFI at information@osfi-bsif.gc.ca. Provide as much information as possible about the insurance company and the specific Super Visa requirements you are trying to meet. The OSFI aims to respond within 15 days.
  3. Verify Issuance in Canada: Make sure that the policy explicitly states that it was issued or made in the course of the insurer’s business in Canada. This is a key requirement for ensuring your insurance policy meets the Super Visa eligibility criteria.

Super Visa: A Key Pathway for Parents and Grandparents to Visit Canada

The Super Visa program is designed to offer a long-term temporary resident status to the parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens and permanent residents, allowing them to visit their family members for extended periods. With the new health insurance policy, the program becomes more accessible, enabling easier reunification of families in Canada.

Super Visa holders can stay in Canada for up to five years at a time, with an option to extend their stay by an additional two years. The Super Visa offers an alternative to the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP), which is a pathway to permanent residency in Canada. While the PGP allows parents and grandparents to apply for permanent residence, it is often subject to a lengthy lottery system, making it an uncertain and competitive process.

In contrast, the Super Visa provides a quicker and more certain route for families to reunite. To be eligible for a Super Visa, the applicant must meet several requirements, including:

  • Being the parent or grandparent of a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.
  • Having a host in Canada who is a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, at least 18 years of age, and meets the minimum income requirements.
  • The host must also commit to providing financial support for the duration of the applicant’s stay in Canada.

Applicants must also:

  • Apply for the Super Visa from outside Canada.
  • Be deemed admissible to Canada after a medical examination.
  • Have proof of valid health insurance coverage for the duration of their stay.

For those who plan to visit their family for six months or less, they can still enter Canada as regular visitors without needing a Super Visa.

The easing of the health insurance requirement for Super Visa applicants is expected to benefit many families, providing more options for securing the necessary insurance coverage to visit loved ones in Canada. This change brings more flexibility to the process, ultimately supporting the goal of family reunification.

For a consultation about Immigration options, reach out to the CAD IMMIGRATION today!

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