By The Super Visa is a multi-entry visa that allows parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens or permanent residents to visit Canada for up to two years at a time. It’s valid for up to 10 years.
Check Eligibility:
You must be the parent or grandparent of a Canadian citizen or permanent resident. Dependents of parents and grandparents are not eligible for the super visa, but they can apply for a regular Canada visa.
Invitation Letter:
You will need an invitation letter from your child or grandchild in Canada, who must also demonstrate that they meet the minimum necessary income (as set by the Canadian government) and that they will provide financial support during your stay.
Medical Insurance:
You must have evidence of Canadian medical insurance coverage for at least one year. The insurance policy must cover health care, hospitalization, and repatriation and provide a minimum coverage of $100,000, and it must be valid for each entry to Canada and available for review by a port of entry officer.
Application:
The application can be done online or on paper. Applying online can be more convenient and result in faster processing times.
Documentation:
As part of the application process, you’ll need to provide certain documents. These typically include a copy of your invitation letter, proof of your relationship to your child or grandchild, a statement from that child or grandchild that he or she meets the minimum necessary income, proof of medical insurance, and more.
Medical Examination & Biometrics:
As an applicant from Pakistan, you will likely need to have a medical examination. You will also need to give biometrics (fingerprints and photo) as part of the application process.
Visa Office Instructions:
You must also meet any specific instructions that the visa office where you’re applying from may have.
Fees:
You will need to pay a fee when you submit your application.
Once you submit your application, it will be processed by the Canadian immigration authorities. If your application is successful, you will receive a Super Visa which allows you to stay in Canada for up to two years at a time over a 10-year period.
1. Get your documents ready
Before you apply for a super visa, you need:
- a letter of invitation from your child or grandchild who is a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident of Canada that includes:
- a promise of financial support for the duration of your visit
- the list and number of people in the household of this person
- a copy of this person’s Canadian citizenship or permanent resident document
- proof that your child or grandchild’s household meets the minimum necessary income; examples include:
- Notice of Assessment (NOA) or T4/T1 for the most recent tax year
- Employment Insurance Benefit statements
- employment letter including salary, job title, job description, and date of hiring
- pay stubs
- bank statements
- proof of payment for medical insurance from a Canadian insurance company that is:
- valid for at least 1 year from the date of entry
- at least $100,000 emergency coverage
- a document confirming that you had an immigration medical exam
Who is eligible for a super visa?
Relationship:
You must be the parent or grandparent of a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident of Canada. Dependent children of these parents or grandparents are not eligible for the Super Visa.
Invitation:
You must have a signed letter of invitation from your child or grandchild who invites you to Canada that includes:
- a promise of financial support for the duration of your visit
- the list and number of people in the household of this person
- a copy of this person’s Canadian citizenship or permanent resident document
Financial Support (Minimum Income Threshold):
The child or grandchild who invites you must meet a minimum income threshold, which is defined by the government.
Medical Insurance:
You must have evidence of Canadian medical insurance coverage for at least one year. The coverage must:
- be valid for at least one year from the date of entry
- provide at least $100,000 for minimum coverage
- cover health care, hospitalization, and repatriation
Immigration Medical Examination:
Applicants are required to complete an Immigration Medical Examination.
Other Conditions:
Apart from these, the Immigration officer must be satisfied that you are a genuine visitor who will leave Canada at the end of your visit. They will consider several factors including your ties to your home country, the purpose of your visit, your family and financial situation, and overall economic and political stability of your home country.
CONCLUSION
Importantly, this Super Visa underscores the importance of family reunification in Canadian immigration policy, providing a mechanism for extended family visits and maintaining strong international family connections. It’s a valuable opportunity for families to spend extended periods together, contributing to Canada’s diverse and multicultural society.
