Discover Your Eligibility for the Canada Super Visa, Learn About Medical Insurance Needs and the Application Process

The Super Visa program introduced by Canada allows Canadian citizens and permanent residents to bring their foreign parents and grandparents to the country for visits lasting up to five years. The program is beneficial as it allows visitors to spend extended time in Canada without the need for frequent status renewals. This initiative will particularly benefit Indians and other immigrants who are forced to live in Canada without their dependent parents and have had to leave them behind in their home countries.

Requirements for the Super Visa To qualify for the Super Visa, an applicant must fulfill the following conditions:

• Be a parent or grandparent of a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.
• Possess a letter of invitation from their child or grandchild inviting them to Canada.
• Present evidence demonstrating that their child or grandchild meets the minimum Low-Income Cut-Off (LICO).
• Provide proof of the parental relationship with their child or grandchild, for example, a birth certificate.
• Show evidence of medical insurance that complies with the specific requirements.

Medical Insurance Obligations

The most crucial requirement for the Super Visa is obtaining adequate medical insurance coverage. The insurance must cover the costs of healthcare, hospitalization, and repatriation and provide at least $100,000 in emergency coverage.

Monthly Instalments for Medical Insurance

In August 2022, the Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) stated that annual up-front payments would be mandatory for medical insurance coverage. This change was met with opposition from families who claimed that it was financially demanding and punished families who couldn’t afford to pay for a full year’s coverage in advance.

However, in December 2022, IRCC reversed the policy, and applicants can once again pay for their insurance coverage in monthly instalments.

How to Obtain the Canada Super Visa

The Super Visa application process takes place at the Canadian visa office in the applicant’s country of residence outside of Canada. The application is then evaluated based on factors such as the purpose of the visit to Canada and the strength of the family member’s ties to their home country. Some visa offices may require additional documentation.