Planning a trip to Canada or wanting to bring your parents or grandparents over for a visit? Canada offers two types of visas for these purposes: the Visitor Visa and the Super Visa. Though they may sound similar, they cater to different needs and offer varied lengths of stay. Here’s a straightforward breakdown to help you understand which visa might be right for you or your family.
What’s a Visitor Visa?
A Visitor Visa, also known as a Temporary Resident Visa, is pretty much your ticket into Canada if you’re visiting for tourism, family, or business reasons. It’s a sticker in your passport showing you’re allowed to enter Canada.
Most people are allowed to stay for up to 6 months with a Visitor Visa. However, the final say is with the border officer who might adjust this duration upon your arrival. If there’s a change, they’ll mark the date by which you need to leave in your passport or issue a visitor record with the departure date.
Your need for a Visitor Visa or an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) depends on:
- Your passport’s country of issue
- Your nationality
- How you’re getting to Canada
What’s a Super Visa?
The Super Visa is a special type of visa for parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens and permanent residents, allowing them a longer stay. Unlike the Visitor Visa’s 6-month limit, the Super Visa lets your loved ones stay for up to 5 years per visit, with the possibility of multiple entries over 10 years.
There’s no lottery system like the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP), making it a more certain option for family reunification.
Eligibility for the Super Visa
To apply for a Super Visa, you need to be a parent or grandparent of someone in Canada who is a citizen or permanent resident. You also need to pass medical exams and not have any criminal or health reasons preventing you from entering Canada.
Key requirements include:
- Proving strong ties to your home country
- A medical exam showing you’re in good health
- A promise of financial support from your family in Canada, meeting minimum income levels (Low-Income Cut-Off, LICO)
- A signed invitation letter from your child or grandchild in Canada
Your child or grandchild in Canada must prove they can financially support you by showing:
- Tax documents (NOA or T4/T1)
- Employment details (including salary)
- Bank statements
Additionally, you must have medical insurance from a Canadian company that covers at least $100,000 for at least one year, fully paid.
Applying for the Super Visa
If you meet all the criteria and have your documents ready, you can apply for the Super Visa through the Canadian visa office in your home country.
While both the Visitor Visa and Super Visa allow family visits to Canada, the Super Visa offers a longer and more flexible option for parents and grandparents of Canadians. Understanding the differences and requirements can help ensure a smooth application process, bringing families together for those extended, cherished visits.
