Super Visa Emerges as Accessible Alternative for Parents and Grandparents Seeking Family Reunification in Canada

Canada’s Super Visa program has become an increasingly popular pathway for Canadian citizens and permanent residents to reunite with their parents and grandparents for extended stays, especially for those who miss out on the lottery-based Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP).

Unlike the PGP, which grants permanent residence but is limited to lottery invitations from a past intake, the Super Visa can be applied for year-round. It allows eligible parents and grandparents to stay in Canada for up to five years per visit and remain eligible for multiple entries over a 10-year period. This provides significantly longer stays than the standard visitor visa, which typically permits a maximum of six months.

While the PGP requires a Minimum Necessary Income (MNI) threshold and a long undertaking period (20 years in most provinces), the Super Visa has Low-Income Cut-Off (LICO) requirements and a shorter undertaking period that lasts only during the stay. However, it grants visitor status rather than permanent residency, meaning holders are not entitled to public health insurance and cannot work or study in Canada.

Eligibility Requirements

Hosts (Sponsors) must:

• Be at least 18 years old.
• Hold Canadian citizenship, permanent residency, or registered Indian status.
• Meet or exceed LICO income requirements.

Applicants (Parents/Grandparents) must:

• Apply from outside Canada.
• Hold private medical insurance valid for at least one year with coverage of $100,000 or more.
• Pass a medical examination.
• Demonstrate they are admissible to Canada.

Applications can also include the applicant’s spouse or partner, but not dependents.

Addressing Common Reasons for Refusal

• Proving ties to home country: Show property ownership, employment confirmation, family connections, or other assets.
• Proof of financial support: Provide recent bank statements, tax documents, and letters of employment from the host.
• Medical admissibility: Provide medical reports showing stability of any health conditions and proof of adequate insurance.

Processing Times

As of August 5, IRCC reports the following Super Visa processing times:

• India: 129 days
• USA: 89 days
• Nigeria: 58 days
• Bangladesh: 110 days
• Pakistan: 126 days

In comparison, the PGP processing time to settle outside Quebec is currently 36 months.

The Super Visa offers a faster, more flexible alternative for families seeking long-term visits without waiting years in the PGP queue, although it does not provide the same immigration status or benefits.

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