Canada Super Visa

Overview of the Canada Super Visa
The Canada Super Visa is a long-term, multiple-entry visa specifically for parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens or permanent residents. It allows eligible applicants to visit their children or grandchildren in Canada for up to 5 years at a time, with the visa itself valid for up to 10 years. Key requirements include obtaining private medical insurance and meeting financial and other eligibility criteria. The Super Visa provides a much longer stay than a regular visitor visa, making it ideal for families seeking extended reunification without frequent renewals.
Who can Apply for Super Visa in Canada?
The Canada visa for parents (Super Visa) is specifically designed for parents and grandparents (biological, adoptive, or step, if in a legal parental relationship) of Canadian citizens or permanent residents. Spouses or common-law partners of eligible parents and grandparents can also be included in the same application, but dependent children are not eligible.
Eligibility Criteria for Canada Super Visa
To qualify for a Super Visa Canada for parents, the following requirements must be met:
- Relationship: Applicant must be the parent or grandparent of a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.
- Host Requirements: The host (child or grandchild) must:
- Be at least 18 years old.
- Be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident (or registered Indian under the Indian Act).
- Meet or exceed the Minimum Necessary Income (MNI) based on family size.
- Provide a written invitation letter promising financial support for the applicant’s stay.
- Application Location: Application must be made from outside Canada.
- Health Insurance: Applicant must have private medical insurance (minimum CAD $100,000 coverage) from a Canadian or approved insurer, valid for at least 1 year from the date of entry.
- Medical and Security Clearance: Applicant must undergo a medical examination and provide police clearance certificates to prove admissibility.
- No Dependents: Cannot include dependent children in the application.
Benefits of Super Visa
- Longer Stay: Stay in Canada for up to 5 years per visit.
- Multiple Entries: Valid for up to 10 years, allowing repeat visits.
- Faster Family Reunification: No lottery or lengthy waiting like in sponsorship programs.
- Emergency Visits: Easy travel for family events or urgent situations.
- Healthcare Coverage: Required insurance ensures access to medical care.
What are the Requirements for Canada Super Visa?
1. Canada Super Visa requirements
- Complete the Super Visa application online through the IRCC portal while you are outside Canada.
- Upload all required documents, including those proving your relationship, insurance, and invitation letter.
- Pay processing fees and, if required, the biometrics fee.
2. Medical Insurance Requirements
Obtain private medical insurance from a Canadian insurance company.
- Minimum coverage: $100,000 CAD.
- Must be valid for at least 1 year from your date of entry.
- Must cover healthcare, hospitalization, and repatriation.
- Provide proof of payment (not just a quote) when you apply.
3. Financial Requirements
Your host in Canada (child or grandchild) must show they meet or exceed the minimum income threshold set by the government for Super Visa purposes. The income requirement increases with household size and is updated annually by IRCC.
- Acceptable proof includes tax documents (like Notice of Assessment), pay stubs, employment letters, or bank statements.
Other Key Requirements
- You may be asked to provide biometrics, undergo a medical exam, and/or submit police certificates, if requested.
- When you arrive in Canada, have your Super Visa, passport, and all supporting documents ready for inspection at the port of entry. Entry to Canada is determined by the border officer, even with a valid visa.
How to Apply for Canada Super Visa from Dubai?
To apply for a Canada Super Visa from Dubai, follow these steps:
- Determine Eligibility: Confirm you are the parent or grandparent of a Canadian citizen or permanent resident and meet all program criteria, including obtaining medical insurance and an invitation letter from your child or grandchild in Canada.
- Gather Required Documents: Typical documents include:
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- Passport.
- Proof of relationship (birth certificate, etc).
- Letter of invitation from your child/grandchild in Canada.
- Proof of your child/grandchild’s minimum income.
- Medical insurance proof (minimum $100,000 CAD, valid for at least 1 year; from January 28, 2025, international insurance is accepted if it meets Canadian requirements).
- Marriage certificate (if your spouse is applying as well).
- Completed application forms.
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- Apply Online: Submit your application through the official IRCC website or via a recognized visa application center in the UAE. You must apply from outside Canada.
- Pay the Fees:
- Application processing fee: $100 CAD per person.
- Biometrics fee: $85 CAD per person.
- Medical exam fee: varies.
- Submit Biometrics: After applying, you will receive biometric instructions. Visit the Visa Application Centre (VAC) in Dubai to provide fingerprints and photos.
- Medical Exam: Complete a medical examination with an approved doctor if requested by IRCC.
- Wait for Processing: Average processing time is about 4–6 months for a Super Visa, but this may vary.
- Decision and Passport Submission: If approved, you may be asked to bring or send your passport to the visa center for visa stamping. Once you receive your passport back with the visa, you can travel to Canada.
Processing Time and Fees for Dubai Applicants
Super Visa Processing Time
As of the latest update, the processing time for a Canada Super Visa application from Dubai (UAE) is approximately 303 days. This timeline is based on IRCC’s current data and may vary slightly depending on application volume and individual circumstances. Applicants are advised to apply well in advance and ensure all documents are complete and accurate to avoid delays.
Fees for the Super Visa application are as follows:
- Application fee: $100 CAD per person.
- Biometrics fee: $85 CAD per person.
How to Renew Canadian Super Visa?
To renew (extend) your Canada Super Visa, you must apply for an extension of your visitor status “not a new Super Visa” while already in Canada. Here’s how the process works, based on official information:
- When to Apply: Submit your extension application at least 30 days before your authorized stay under the Super Visa expires, to avoid losing your legal status.
- How to Apply: You apply online to extend your stay as a visitor through the IRCC portal. Select “Visitor Record” as the document you are applying for.
- Required Documents: Provide updated documents, including:
- Proof of continued financial support from your child or grandchild in Canada.
- Updated private medical insurance (still meeting minimum coverage and duration requirements).
- A valid reason for requesting the extension.
- Processing: Your stay can be extended for up to 2 years at a time per approval, and you may reapply as needed.
- Maintaining Status: If you apply before your permit expires, you can stay in Canada under “implied status” until a decision is made.
Renewing ensures you remain compliant with Canada immigration law and maintain eligibility for continued stays with your family.
How CanApprove Immigration Experts can Assist You?
Founded in 1998, CanApprove has been a trusted name in Canada immigration consultants in Dubai, helping individuals and families navigate the process with confidence. Whether you’re applying for a Canada Super Visa, Visitor Visa, or any other pathway, our experienced team ensures your application is accurate, complete, and aligned with current IRCC guidelines. We provide end-to-end support, from documentation and financial requirements to insurance guidance and real-time updates. Backed by regulated consultants and legal experts, CanApprove simplifies the process and helps you take the right step toward your future in Canada.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who are the eligible sponsors of a Super Visa for Canada?
Eligible sponsors are the child or grandchild of the applicant who is a Canadian citizen or permanent resident (or registered Indian under the Canadian Indian Act), at least 18 years old, living in Canada, and able to meet minimum income requirements (Low Income Cut-Off [LICO]) to support their parent(s) or grandparent(s).
What is the success rate for a Canadian Super Visa?
The official government sources do not publish a specific “success rate” for Super Visa applications. Success largely depends on meeting all eligibility and documentation requirements, including proper financial proof and medical insurance coverage. Well-prepared applications from eligible families have a high likelihood of approval, but incomplete or ineligible applications are often rejected.
Can I bring my spouse under a Super Visa in Canada?
No, the Canada Super Visa is only for parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens or permanent residents. Your spouse can apply separately if they qualify, or may need a regular visitor visa instead.
Can I convert a Canada Super Visa into a permanent resident visa?
No, the Super Visa is a long-term, multiple-entry visitor visa and cannot be directly converted to permanent residency. If you wish to obtain permanent residence, your child or grandchild must sponsor you under the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP), which is a separate process that requires an invitation and meeting PGP-specific criteria.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who are the eligible sponsors of a Super Visa for Canada?
Eligible sponsors are the child or grandchild of the applicant who is a Canadian citizen or permanent resident (or registered Indian under the Canadian Indian Act), at least 18 years old, living in Canada, and able to meet minimum income requirements (Low Income Cut-Off [LICO]) to support their parent(s) or grandparent(s).
What is the success rate for a Canadian Super Visa?
The official government sources do not publish a specific “success rate” for Super Visa applications. Success largely depends on meeting all eligibility and documentation requirements, including proper financial proof and medical insurance coverage. Well-prepared applications from eligible families have a high likelihood of approval, but incomplete or ineligible applications are often rejected.
Can I bring my spouse under a Super Visa in Canada?
No, the Canada Super Visa is only for parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens or permanent residents. Your spouse can apply separately if they qualify, or may need a regular visitor visa instead.
Can I convert a Canada Super Visa into a permanent resident visa?
No, the Super Visa is a long-term, multiple-entry visitor visa and cannot be directly converted to permanent residency. If you wish to obtain permanent residence, your child or grandchild must sponsor you under the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP), which is a separate process that requires an invitation and meeting PGP-specific criteria.
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