Maple News reports that Canada’s Super Visa is increasingly becoming a preferred option for citizens and permanent residents seeking to reunite with their parents and grandparents. This multiple-entry visa allows eligible parents and grandparents of Canadian residents to stay in the country for up to two years at a time, without the need to renew their status, and remains valid for up to 10 years.
Unlike the highly competitive Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP), which opens occasionally and offers limited spots through a lottery system, the Super Visa is available year-round. This provides a greater degree of certainty and flexibility for families wanting to bring their loved ones to Canada temporarily. It is especially advantageous for individuals from countries requiring a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV), as it minimizes the need for repeat applications.
To qualify for a Super Visa, the applicant must be the parent or grandparent of a Canadian citizen or permanent resident. Dependents are not eligible under this program, although spouses or common-law partners may be included in the same application. Applicants must also be admissible to Canada and may be screened for medical or criminal concerns.
The application must be submitted from outside Canada. In addition to standard visa requirements, applicants must provide a signed letter from their Canadian child or grandchild promising financial support for the visit. The Canadian sponsor must include proof of their citizenship or permanent resident status and list all members living in their household.
Another key condition is proving that the applicant has purchased private Canadian medical insurance with a minimum coverage of CAD $100,000. This insurance must be valid for at least one year from the planned date of entry, and IRCC requires proof of payment rather than mere insurance quotes.
Immigration officers will assess each applicant based on multiple factors, including ties to their home country, reason for visiting Canada, financial resources, family relationships, and the political or economic stability of their home country. These criteria help determine whether the applicant is likely to leave Canada at the end of their authorized stay.
Meanwhile, the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) continues to offer a pathway to permanent residency for those selected. In the most recent round, IRCC used a lottery system to invite 30,000 applicants who had previously expressed interest in 2020. The next intake window has not been announced but is anticipated in the near future.
As Canadian immigration programs evolve, the Super Visa remains a practical and accessible option for families seeking temporary reunification. For many, it bridges the gap until they can pursue permanent sponsorship through the PGP, allowing meaningful and extended visits with loved ones.