PGP Super Visa Holders Can Soon Stay In Canada For Up To 7 Years

The Immigration and Refugees Commission (IRCC) has announced major reforms to the Parents and Grandparents Super Visa.

The following will be effective on July 4, 2022:

• The length of stay for Super Visa holders will be increased to five years, with the option to request an additional two years while in Canada.
• Canada’s Immigration Minister will have the authority to designate international medical insurance companies to provide coverage to Super Visa applicants in the future.

“The enhancements to the super visa program allow family members to reunite for longer in Canada, which helps everyday Canadian citizens and permanent residents succeed and contribute to society while affording their parents and grandparents invaluable opportunities to spend time with their family,” said Immigration Minister Sean Fraser.

Canada’s multiple-entry Super Visa, first available in 2011, is valid for 10 years and previously allowed candidates to stay up to two years per visit. Under a regular multiple-entry visit visa, that period is usually six months or less.

To support the visa holder, the child or grandchild of the candidate must meet minimum income requirements.

Kyle Seeback, a member of the Conservative Party of Canada, proposed these reforms through Bill C-242. IRCC’s press release indicates the ruling Liberal Party of Canada supports the reforms and will vote for Bill C-242, which is currently making its way through Parliament.

Canada issues approximately 17,000 Super Visas per year, according to IRCC. It is an important alternative to the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP), which is a pathway to permanent residence.

There is a high number of applicants for the PGP, which is a lottery process, so many do not know whether it will be possible to bring their relatives to Canada.

Eligibility for the Parents and Grandparents Super Visa

An application for this visa must be made outside Canada. There are certain requirements that must be met by applicants for the Parents and Grandparents Super Visa.

Firstly, the applicant must be eligible for a regular visitor visa. An applicant must also show a Canadian immigration official that, aside from being in good health and having a valid travel document, they intend to leave the country at the end of their authorized stay, they have sufficient ties to their home country, such as work, family, or property, and they have sufficient financial resources to support themselves during their stay.

In addition, the individual applicant must:

• Show proof that they are the parent or grandparent of a Canadian citizen or permanent resident;
• Obtain medical insurance from a Canadian insurance company (or designated international companies from July 4, 2022) that is valid for at least one year, providing a minimum coverage of $100,000 for health care, hospitalization and repatriation;
• Undergo a medical examination.

Finally, a family member of the applicant in Canada must:

• Show proof that they are a Canadian citizen or permanent resident;
• Provide the applicant with a letter of invitation. In this letter, information is provided about the applicant’s upcoming visit, about the child’s career and economic situation in Canada. Most importantly, this letter must include a written and signed promise of financial support for the applicant for the duration of their visit;
• Clearly demonstrate their income exceeds a predetermined minimum.