Family plays an extremely vital role in most societies. In fact, many rely on family for several things — from comfort, friendship, identity to support and protection. Canada is no different as people in the country see the value of family just like in most societies. According to the 2013 General Social Survey on Social Identity, about 16M Canadian or more than half of people aged 15 years and older signified that they are closer to at least five family members, including those residing within and outside their home.
The Canadian government understands the significant value which the family plays throughout a person’s life and the government shows its support by devising several immigration programs that are in keeping with the idea. In fact, more than 90,000 parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens and permanent residents have been granted Super Visa since its launch in 2012– to which a large part of these awards are applicants from the Philippines, China, India, Bangladesh and Pakistan. Read on as we will discuss Super Visa for parents and grandparents, one of the Family Class Sponsorship Programs, which might help you reunite with your parents and grandparents residing outside the Canadian territory.
WHO CAN APPLY?
The Canada Super Visa Program enables the parents and grandparents of people with Canadian citizenship status and permanent residence status to visit their family and stay in Canada for as long as two years per visit, without having the need of renewing their status. All visitors under the Super Visa Program are also granted a multi-entry visa that provides multiple entries in and out of the country over a period of up to ten (10) years.
Super Visa holders who wish to remain in Canada for more than two years per visit may apply for an extension, provided that they submit their extension application not later than thirty (30) days before the current visa status expires. Should your super visa expires while you’re waiting for a decision on your extension application, the government allows you to remain in Canada awaiting such a decision and your status is deemed as implied status.
If you are a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident in Canada and you have parents and grandparents residing outside the territory of Canada that you want to be with inside the territory, it is imperative to consider utilizing the Super Visa Program. If you are not familiar or confident on how to process the visa application, it is always the best option to consult with an expert, such as the lawyer of Konan Law Firm, so you can get all the assistance you need to get your parents and grandparents with you in Canada.
WHO ARE NOT ELIGIBLE?
The dependents of parents and grandparents are not eligible to enter Canada under the super visa program; however, if they wish to enter the country, they can always apply for a regular visitor visa.
ELIGIBILITY
A person to be qualified under the Super Visa Program may be allowed to enter Canada as a visitor if she/he can show that they are merely paying a visit in Canada to see a child and/or grandchild that possessed a Canadian citizenship status or permanent residency status, and that he/she is willing to return to their home country once their period to stay expires. Other factors that are considered in order for parents or grandparents to be admissible to Canada are the following:
● Establish sufficient ties to their mother country;
● Show the purpose of their visit;
● Proof of their financial status in their home country;
● The political stability of their home country;
● Show a letter of invitation from their Canadian child or grandchild living in Canada;
● Proof that they will receive financial support from their child or grandchild in Canada;
● Proof of parental relationship to the child or grandchild;
● Attending an interview with a Canadian visa officer;
● Furnish a copy of their criminal records;
● Complete and pass the Canada Super Visa immigration medical examinations; and
● Show documents proving that their child or grandchild have met the income requirements to apply under the Canada Super Visa, such as but not limited to the following:
- A most recent copy of the T4 or T1;
- A letter from the child/grandchild’s employer;
- A most recent copy of the notice of assessment or tax returns;
- Proof of private medical insurance with a Canadian insurance company valid for a minimum of one year;
- Employment insurance pay-stubs;
- Employment letter including salary and date of hire;
- Bank statements.
HOW TO APPLY FOR A SUPER VISA
Applying under the Super Visa Program is super easy. In fact, the process can be done online just like any other immigration program of the Canadian government or by submitting a paper-based application — whichever process suits you.
In either case, you must establish the fact that you are indeed either a parent or a grandparent of a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident. Your Super Visa application must likewise be accompanied by a letter of invitation from your child or grandchild, including certain documents proving that he/she has met all the requirements necessary to apply under the program. Likewise, you will also be required to show that you have acquired at least a one-year private health insurance from a reputable Canadian insurance company.
TAKEAWAYS
The Super Visa Program of Canada is the best if not perfect for families who want their parents and grandparents to exit and enter Canada temporarily for a maximum period of two years per visit for a period of ten (10) years. If you are a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident that has parents and grandparents living abroad, the Super Visa program might be the right path for your family to be all together in Canada.
Contact our friendly team at Konan Law Firm today so we can help you bring your parents and grandparents to Canada soon. Indeed, there is no shame in feeling homesick but there is no need for that, especially when you can have the option to take your loved ones in Canada, too. Rest assured, Konan Law Firm is alongside with your journey of making that dream come true!