The biggest difference between a super visa and a visitor visa is the length of time you are allowed to stay in Canada.
Super visas are a type of Canadian visitor visa that are only available to parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens or permanent residents. Normally, a visitor visa can be valid for a stay of up to six months. To continue your stay in Canada you need to apply to extend your visa. With a super visa, you may be able to stay in Canada for up to two years at a time without needing to apply for an extension.
The Super Visa is a multi-entry visa that provides multiple entries for a period up to 10 years. The key difference is that the super visa allows an individual to stay for up to two years on each entry into Canada, while a 10-year multiple entry visa would only have a status period for each entry of six months only.
There are also specific requirements that you must meet to be able to get a super visa. To be eligible for the super visa, applicants must be the parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens or permanent residents. Dependents of parents and grandparents are not eligible for the super visa. However, they can apply for a regular visitor visa. The super visa applicants must also be found admissible to Canada and meet some other conditions such as hold a medical insurance certificate.
Immigration, Refugee and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) must believe the applicant is a genuine visitor to Canada who will leave by choice at the end of the visit. There are considerations the officer may look for:
- the person’s ties to his or her home country
- the purpose of the visit
- the person’s family and financial situation
- the overall economic and political stability of the home country
- invitation and financial security from Canadian/Permanent Resident hosts
The parent or grandparent must also do the following:
- provide a letter promising financial support from their child or grandchild in Canada who has a minimum income and can show supporting documents to prove this;
- prove he or she has Canadian medical insurance for at least one year to cover the time he or she will be in Canada
- complete an immigration medical examination.
The super visa application can be considered in two parts, there are requirements on both the Canadian and permanent resident who is inviting and the applicant. Both must meet certain requirements to be considered by the immigration officer.
It is extremely important to prepare such documentation and provide specific supporting documents to ensure a strong application either a visitor visa or the super visa application.
Are you considering a super visa or a visitor visa for your family? Contact us directly anytime to set up a free consultation, we’re always here to help. www.FoothillsImmigration.com / info@foothillsimmigration.com
