Inviting Your Parents/Grandparents to Canada: A Step-by-Step Guide

If you have recently gained PR status in Canada, you may want to invite your parents and grandparents to come visit you. However, for new immigrants, the process of applying for Super Visa Canada can be a bit confusing and they may find themselves stuck in the process. Therefore, we have curated a step-by-step guide on how to apply for a parent or grandparent super visa, eligibility requirements, documents required, processing time of Super Visa, and more.

Understanding Super Visa

A Super Visa is offered by the Government of Canada to PR holders and citizens to invite their parents and grandparents to Canada for an extended duration. It is a multiple-entry, temporary resident visa with which they can stay in Canada for up to 5 years at a time with the option of applying for a two-year extension from within Canada.

Canada Super Visa is usually valid for 10 years, meaning they don’t have to reapply for a visa every time they wish to visit the country. An important thing to note is that when coming to Canada on a Super Visa, the parents and grandparents are visitors and thus, do not have the same legal rights that are provided to a permanent resident or citizen of Canada.

Super Visa vs. Visitor Canada

Though Super Visa is a type of Visitor Visa, there are some differences, which are mentioned below – 

1. Duration – With a Super Visa, parents and grandparents can stay in Canada for up to 5 years at a time. With a Visitor Visa, you can only stay for 6 months. 
2. Visa Validity – A Super Visa is valid for 10 years or until your passport expires, whereas a Visitor Visa is valid for a shorter period.
3. Eligibility – Super Visa is only given to parents and grandparents of the PR holders and citizens and as for Visitor Visa, anyone can apply for it as long as they meet the eligibility criteria.
4. Processing Time – Super Visa processing time is about 7 weeks and Visitor Visa’s processing time is about 4 weeks.

Eligibility Requirements for a Canada Super Visa

Listed below are the eligibility criteria you must meet to sponsor your parents and grandparents for a Super Visa – 

For applicant:

• A letter of invitation from a host in Canada (child or grandchild)
• Proof of his/her parental relationship to the host through any of the following documents:
  • A copy of the birth certificate of the child or grandchild; or,
  • Baptismal certificate; or,
  • Other official documents naming the applicant as the parent
• Proof of private medical insurance, which must be valid for at least one year and include the following essentials:
  • Validity for a minimum of 1 year
  • Approval from a Canadian insurance company
  • Coverage of health care, hospitalization, and repatriation
  • A minimum coverage of $100,000,
  • Validity for each entry to Canada; and
  • Availability for review at the Canadian port of entry   

For host:

The host must show that he/she meets minimum income requirements and is ready to take responsibility for the financial support of the applicant in Canada.

Steps to Apply for Canada Super Visa

Here is a step-by-step guide on the application process for Super Visa Canada – 

Step 1 – Gather important documents

It is essential that the parents and grandparents review the above-mentioned document checklist and gather them for the application. In addition, they will be required to submit copies of their financial documents like bank statements, property documents, etc., or employment letters to prove they have ties to their home country and will stay in Canada temporarily.

Step 2 – Fill out the application

Once you have gathered all the documents, you must fill out the Super Visa application. Pay the processing fee and biometrics fee online. 

Step 3 – Submit any additional documents (if needed)

While the Super Visa is being processed, your parents and grandparents might be asked to submit additional documents. They may need to submit the biometrics, appear for a medical examination, and submit a police clearance certificate. Sometimes, the applicants are also requested to attend an interview at their local visa center. 

Step 4 – Receive visa confirmation

The Super Visa takes about 7 weeks to be processed. Once you get your visa approval, it is important to submit your passports. The visa sticker will state your date of expiry and thus, parents/grandparents will be able to travel to Canada.

Moving to Canada and then inviting your parents or grandparents can be a confusing process with so much information available on the internet. Therefore, you must seek professional advice to apply for Canada PR Visa from one of the best immigration consultants, Nationwide Visas. With a highly qualified team of immigration experts, Nationwide Visas offers excellent services that make the entire process seamless. So why wait any longer? Connect today!