Citizenship and Immigration Canada has started accepting applications for parent and grandparent super visa as announced earlier. With the Super Visa, parent and grandparent could be enjoying the company of their family in about eight weeks as compared to waiting for as long as eight years or more when applying through Family Class sponsorship.

Super visa is one of the first steps by Canadian government to reduce the backlog of sponsorship application of parents and grandparents by the Canadian residents.  Parents and Grandparents will be able to reunite with their children and grand children without unnecessary delays.

Who Can Apply?

The applicant must meet the following eligibility criteria:

• Be a parent or grandparent of a Canadian citizen or permanent resident. The applicant must provide proof of the parent or grandparent relationship to the Canadian citizen or permanent resident.
• Provide a a signed letter from their child or grandchild pledging financial support to the parent or grandparent for the duration of their visit to Canada, including proof that the child or grandchild meets the following minimum necessary income (Low Income Cut-Off);
  

  The minimum necessary income (Low Income Cut-Off)

  Size of Family Unit	Minimum necessary income
  1 person (the sponsor)	$22,229
  2 persons	$27,674
  3 persons	$34,022
  4 persons	$41,307
  5 persons	$46,850
  6 persons	$52,838
  7 persons	$58,827
  More than 7 persons, for each additional person, add	$5,989

  Effective until December 31, 2011

• Undergo an Immigration Medical Examination (IME) prior to being issued a Super Visa;
• Submit proof that they have purchased comprehensive Canadian medical insurance that:
  • is valid for a minimum period of one year from the date of entry to Canada;
  • provides a minimum of $100,000 in coverage; and
  • covers the applicant for health care, hospitalization and repatriation.
• Applicants satisfy the visa officer that they meet all other standard admissibility criteria. Following are a number of reasons why applicant can be found inadmissible, denied a visa and refused entry to Canada:
  • security
  • human or international rights violations
  • criminality
  • organized criminality
  • health grounds
  • financial reasons
  • misrepresentation
  • non-compliance with IRPA or
  • having an inadmissible family member.

For parents and grandparents already visiting Canada

Parents and grandparents who are currently in Canada may apply for an extension of their status for up to two years by submitting an Application to Change Conditions, Extend Stay or Remain in Canada (IMM 1249) to the Case Processing Centre in Vegreville, Alberta, as long as they meet all the criteria. These applications will be examined on a case-by-case basis.

For parents and grandparents from visa-exempt countries

Parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens and permanent residents from a country whose citizens are not required to have a visa to enter Canada are also eligible to enjoy the Super Visa’s authorized stay of two years. They may apply at a Canadian visa office (no fee required) and demonstrate that they meet all the requirements for the Super Visa.
Applicants who meet all the criteria will be issued a letter by the visa office which they will present to a Canada Border Services Agency officer at the port of entry upon their arrival in Canada. The officer may authorize a visit to Canada for up to two years.

We can help you in assessing your eligibility for Super Visa and assist you with your application of Super Visa to reunite with your family in Canada.  Click Here to Contact us to find out how we may help you.