Tips on how to extend your stay (for parents and grandparents)

Visiting your children or grandchildren in Canada is easier with a super visa. Under a regular travellers visa, visitors can enter Canada for up to 6 months at a time. A super visa is specifically for parents and grandparents to visit their children and grandchildren in Canada for longer than 6 months at a time.

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This is a great option for families living in different countries to get approval to live in Canada together for longer visits. It’s also an option to have your parents come to Canada to help with childcare for six months or more.

Here’s what you need to know about applying for your visa and getting the required medical insurance for your application.

Who is eligible for a super visa?

There are several requirements to get a super visa. These include:

Being the parent or grandparent of a Canadian citizen or permanent resident of Canada
Having a signed letter from that citizen or permanent resident that includes:
1. Agreement to financially support the applicant during their stay
2. List the number of people living in the household
3. A copy of Canadian citizenship documents or permanent resident document

Providing proof of private medical insurance from a Canadian company
Applying from outside of Canada
Having the visa printed outside Canada
Being otherwise allowed to enter Canada
Passing an immigrant medical exam

The approval committee also considers the reasons for your travel to ensure that you will leave by choice after your visit. They will consider:

Your ties to your home country
Why you’re visiting Canada
Your family and financial situation
The economic and political situation in your country.

Dependents are not eligible for a super visa but can still enter the country for up to 6 months at a time on a regular travel visa.

Insurance requirments for a super visa

Your parents or grandparents applying for a super visa must have valid health insurance from a Canadian insurance agency. This will cover their medical needs while in the country. For a super visa, you must have the following:

At least $100,000 in coverage
Coverage must be purchased from a Canadian insurance company
Insurance must be valid for at least one year from your date of entry

In addition to purchasing the insurance, you must show proof that it’s fully paid. Insurance quotes will not be accepted as proof of insurance.

How long can you stay in Canada?

If you applied before July 4, 2022, you might be eligible to stay in Canada for up to 5 years over a ten-year period. Those who applied before that date will only be allowed the original stay length first granted to you. For example, if you were previously given two years at a time, you’ll continue to receive that length per stay.

How to apply for a super visa

The Government of Canada’s immigration and Citizenship website outlines just two steps to apply:

Gather your documents, including:
1. Letter of invitation
2. Proof the Canadian resident or citizen can financially support you (through Notice of Assessments, T4/T1s, Employment letters, pay stubs, bank statements…etc).
3. Proof of appropriate medical insurance
4. Passing immigrant medical exam document
Submit your application through the IRCC portal
1. Create an account and sign in
2. Complete the online form and attach all requested documents
3. Pay the application fee via credit card

You’ve applied. Now what?

Now you sit back and wait for your application to be processed. Processing times can vary, and while the Government of Canada website says it usually takes a few weeks when we checked current processing times for this type of visa this week, it’s currently sitting at 36 months! Applications with missing or uncertain information may take longer.

You’ll need to arrange to have your biometrics recorded for entry into Canada.

You may be asked to attend an interview with Canadian officials in your country or provide additional documentation if required.

What happens when you arrive in Canada?

Upon arriving in Canada, you’ll undergo a biometric screening to confirm your identity and be asked for your supporting documents from your application.

If you wish to work or go to school in Canada during your stay, you’ll need to apply for a work permit or a study permit.

If you need to cancel your medical insurance because you are leaving the country, you may be eligible for a refund of your premium, less an administration fee. Not everyone will qualify for a refund, especially those with a medical claim under their policy. Similarly, if your visa acceptance is delayed, we can also change the start date for you.

Need help with your application

At AP Insurance, we can help you get the appropriate health insurance coverage even after your family has arrived in Canada. You can also pay your Super Visa medical coverage through regular monthly payments. This helps protect your savings and keeps your family closer.

Visit our page to learn more information about Super Visa.

Extending Your Canadian Stay With A Super Visa