Struggling to Bring Your Parents or Grandparents to Canada? Consider the Super Visa Alternative
If you’re living in Canada as a citizen or permanent resident and have been trying to bring your parents or grandparents to stay with you, the Super Visa may be the best solution, especially now that the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) has been closed to new applications since 2020.
While the Super Visa doesn’t provide a pathway to permanent residency, it offers a long-term solution for family reunification, allowing parents and grandparents to visit Canada for extended periods.
Understanding the Super Visa: A Closer Look
The Super Visa allows you to sponsor your parent(s) or grandparent(s) for a temporary stay of up to five years, with the possibility of a two-year extension. While not a permanent residency option, it enables your relatives to visit you for extended periods, ensuring valuable family time.
What Sets the Super Visa Apart?
The Super Visa comes with some significant advantages over the PGP:
- Application Flexibility: You can apply for the Super Visa at any time, unlike the PGP, which only opens once a year with a lottery system.
- Longer Stay: The Super Visa allows for a stay of up to five years, with the option to extend for another two years.
- No Invitation Required: For the Super Visa, you can apply directly via the IRCC portal without needing an invitation, unlike the PGP where you must first receive an invitation to apply (ITA).
- Processing Time: The Super Visa typically takes around six months to process, while the PGP processing time can range from 33 to 48 months depending on the applicant’s intended place of residence in Canada.
Key Differences Between the Super Visa and PGP
| Factor | Super Visa | PGP |
|---|---|---|
| Availability | Apply anytime | Open once a year (lottery system) |
| Processing Time | Approximately 6 months or less | 33–48 months (depending on province) |
| Maximum Length of Stay | 5 years, extendable by 2 years | Permanent residency |
| Invitation Required | No | Yes (via ITA after submitting Interest to Sponsor form) |
| Status Granted | Visitor status | Permanent residency |
| Financial Requirements | Based on family size for the most recent tax year | Based on family size for the last 3 years |
| Medical Insurance Requirement | Mandatory health insurance for the duration of stay | No medical insurance required |
Eligibility Criteria for the Super Visa
Sponsor (Host):
- Must be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or registered Indian.
- Must reside in Canada at the time of the application and when the relative arrives.
- Must meet the minimum income requirements, based on family size.
Minimum Income Requirements: The annual income needed depends on your family size. Here’s a breakdown:
| Family Members | Annual Income Requirement |
|---|---|
| 1 | $29,380 |
| 2 | $36,576 |
| 3 | $44,966 |
| 4 | $54,594 |
| 5 | $61,920 |
| 6 | $69,834 |
| 7 | $77,750 |
| Additional Members | $7,916 per person |
Sponsored Person (Sponsee):
- Parent(s) or grandparent(s) of the sponsor.
- Must purchase private health insurance for at least one year, providing a minimum coverage of $100,000.
- Must meet the necessary immigration medical exam requirements.
Step-by-Step Application Process for the Super Visa
- Prepare Documents: The sponsor must provide a letter of invitation and proof of income, along with proof of Canadian citizenship or permanent residency. The sponsored person(s) need to include a health insurance policy, proof of relationship, and biometric information if required.
- Submit the Application: Submit all necessary documents through the IRCC portal and pay any applicable fees. Ensure all documents are complete to avoid delays.
- Biometrics and Medical Exam: If required, the sponsored relative must complete biometric requirements and medical exams.
- Wait for Processing: After submission, the IRCC will review the application. Processing times vary by visa office, but it generally takes about six months.
Why Choose the Super Visa Over Other Options?
- No Lottery: Unlike the PGP, which uses a lottery system and only opens once a year, the Super Visa is available year-round, providing you with more flexibility.
- Extended Stay: The Super Visa allows relatives to stay up to five years at a time, far longer than regular visitor visas.
- More Accessible: You can directly apply for the Super Visa without needing an invitation, unlike the PGP.
For those who want to bring their parents or grandparents to Canada, the Super Visa provides an effective and flexible solution. It doesn’t grant permanent residency, but it offers the opportunity for longer stays and meaningful family reunification.
If you’re thinking of applying, make sure you meet all the eligibility requirements, including the income threshold, and ensure you’ve secured the proper health insurance for your sponsored relatives.
Start Your Super Visa Application Today
For more information or assistance with your Super Visa application, feel free to reach out to us! We’re here to guide you through every step of the process.
For a consultation about Immigration options, reach out to the CAD IMMIGRATION today!
