Super Visa Program requires new documents

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC, formerly known as CIC) has updated the documents required in order to submit an application for the Super Visa Program, which allows the parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens and permanent residents to come to Canada as visitors for an extended period The Super Visa allows its bearer multiple entries to Canada for a period up to 10 years. The key difference between a Super Visa and a visitor visa is that the Super Visa allows an individual to stay for up to two years on initial entry into Canada, while a 10-year multiple entry visitor visa would only have a status period for each entry of six months only.

The Super Visa is a popular option for immigrants to Canada who wish to see their parents and/or grandparents for an extended period, while also building their lives and careers in Canada. Another option towards this end is the Parent and Grandparent Program (PGP), which is a program for permanent resident status. However, the PGP is currently closed for new applications, and the most recent application intake periods have seen demand far outweigh the supply of visas available. Therefore, the Super Visa may be seen as a backup option.

Minimum income threshold

 the invitation from a Canadian host (i.e. sponsor).

Applicants must also:

 prove that their child or grandchild in Canada meets a minimum income threshold (see below);

 provide a written statement from that child or grandchild that he or she will give financial support;

 have valid Canadian medical insurance coverage for at least one year; and

 have an immigration medical exam.