Super Visa
A Super Visa is a type of visa that allows parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens or permanent residents to visit Canada for an extended period. Unlike a regular visitor visa, which has a maximum validity of six months per entry, the Super Visa offers a longer duration of stay, typically up to two years per entry.
Here are some key features and requirements of the Super Visa:
Duration of stay: The Super Visa allows parents and grandparents to stay in Canada for up to two years per entry without the need for renewal.
Multiple entries: The Super Visa is a multiple-entry visa, which means the visa holder can leave and re-enter Canada multiple times within the validity period.
Extended validity: The Super Visa is usually issued with a long validity period, which can be up to 10 years. However, the visa holder's passport validity should be within that period.
Insurance requirement: Super Visa applicants must provide proof of private Canadian medical insurance coverage for at least one year, with a minimum coverage amount, before the visa is issued. The insurance must cover healthcare, hospitalization, and repatriation, and it should be valid for each entry into Canada.
Financial requirements: The applicant must provide evidence of financial support from their child or grandchild in Canada. The sponsor in Canada must meet a minimum income threshold to demonstrate that they can financially support the visitor during their stay in Canada.
Immigration Medical Examination: Super Visa applicants are required to undergo an Immigration Medical Examination to ensure they do not have any medical conditions that could pose a risk to public health in Canada.
It's important to note that the Super Visa is a visitor visa and does not grant permanent residence or work authorization in Canada. Its primary purpose is to allow parents and grandparents to visit and spend an extended period with their family in Canada.
Am I Eligible To Apply For A Super Visa?
To determine your eligibility for a Super Visa, you need to meet certain requirements. Here are the general eligibility criteria:
Relationship to a Canadian citizen or permanent resident: You must be the parent or grandparent of a Canadian citizen or permanent resident of Canada.
Letter of invitation: You need to have a signed letter of invitation from your child or grandchild in Canada. The letter should include information about the host, their status in Canada, their ability to support you financially, and a commitment to provide you with care and support during your stay.
Financial requirements: You must demonstrate that your child or grandchild meets the minimum income threshold by providing proof of their income and employment status. The income requirements are updated annually and depend on the size of the host's family.
Medical insurance: You are required to provide proof of private Canadian medical insurance coverage for at least one year. The insurance must cover healthcare, hospitalization, and repatriation. The coverage should be valid for each entry into Canada.
Immigration Medical Examination: You will be required to undergo an Immigration Medical Examination by a panel physician approved by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). The examination ensures that you do not have any health conditions that could pose a risk to public health in Canada.
Intention to leave Canada: You must satisfy the immigration officer that you have a genuine intention to leave Canada at the end of your authorized stay. This includes demonstrating strong ties to your home country, such as family, employment, assets, or other commitments.
It's important to note that meeting the basic eligibility requirements does not guarantee the approval of a Super Visa. The final decision rests with the immigration officer who assesses your application.
What is the LICO requirement for super visa ?
The LICO (Low Income Cut-Off) requirement for a Super Visa is one of the financial criteria that the sponsor (the child or grandchild in Canada) needs to meet. The LICO is an income threshold established by the Canadian government to determine the minimum income required to support a Super Visa applicant.
The specific LICO amount for the Super Visa depends on the size of the sponsor's family unit, including the number of people living in their household and their combined income. The LICO is updated annually, so it's important to refer to the most recent figures provided by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
To meet the LICO requirement, the sponsor's income must be equal to or greater than the minimum necessary income calculated based on the LICO for their family size. The income can come from various sources, such as employment, self-employment, pensions, investments, or other eligible sources.
It's important to note that the LICO requirement may change over time, and it's advisable to check the current LICO figures provided by IRCC