Key changes to the Super Visa process:
Inviting parents or grandparents to Canada has become more straightforward with recent modifications to the Super Visa rules. On September 15, 2023, the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, in collaboration with the Minister of Public Safety, issued updated Ministerial Instructions concerning the Parent and Grandparent Super Visa – also known as the Super Visa.
Eligibility criteria for hosts:
To be eligible for a Super Visa, individuals must have a host who meets specific criteria. The host should be the child or grandchild of the visitor and must be a Canadian citizen, a permanent resident of Canada, or a registered Indian. Documentation supporting the host's Canadian citizenship or permanent residency status, including that of their spouse or common-law partner, if applicable, is required. Alternatively, the host can provide a Scurf Certificate of Indian Status or Certificate of Indian Status (status card).
Understanding the Super Visa:
The Super Visa is a multiple-entry temporary resident visa (TRV) with an impressive validity of up to 10 years. Each entry allows an authorized stay of up to 5 years, making it an ideal choice for parents and grandparents wishing to visit family in Canada.
Differentiating Super Visa from Visitor Visa:
It's crucial to not that a Super Visa is distinct from a regular visitor visa. Super Visa holders can stay in Canada for up to 5 years at a time, while a visitor visa typically permits a 6-month stay. If a more extended visit is desired, an extension request and fee payment is necessary.
Special CASs: Registered Indian hosts:
In the case of a Super Visa application with a host child or grandchild who is a registered Indian, the application process remains unchanged. Officers should process the Super Visa application as usual and should not demand additional proof of Canadian citizenship or permanent residency from the host. The Certificate of Indian Status is the sol requirement to establish the host's registration under the Indian Act. Once all Super Visa criteria are met, a Super Visa allowing for 5-yеar stays for each authorized entry should be issued.
Financial support and Health insurance:
Hosts are required to demonstrate their financial ability to support the applicant during their authorized stays. This involves providing evidence that their income meets or exceeds the minimum necessary income, based on Statistics Canada's low-income cut-offs.
Additionally, parents or grandparents must furnish satisfactory proof of valid health insurance from a Canadian insurance provider or an approved international insurance company, as per the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship’s guidelines.
The updated Super Visa rules aim to streamline the process and provide grater accessibility for those wishing to invite their parents and grandparents to Canada. This changes mark a significant step towards facilitating family reunions and enhancing the overall immigration experience.