Parent and grandparent super visa modified: Your family can stay in Canada longer
Parent and grandparent super visa holders will be able to stay in Canada for a longer period of time – 5 years per entry.
Canada is sweetening its popular parent and grandparent super visa program by increasing the length of stay for super visa holders to five years per entry into the country. People who have a super visa also have the option to request to extend their stay by up to 2 years at a time while in Canada.
Making the announcement, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, Sean Fraser stated that these enhancements will come into force on July 4, 2022.
Length of stay for parent and grandparent super visa holders increased from 2 years per entry into Canada to 5 years
Since 2011, Canadian citizens and permanent residents have been able to reunite with their parents and grandparents in Canada for extended periods of time through Canada’s super visa program. This multiple-entry visa, which is valid for up to 10 years, has allowed parents and grandparents to remain in Canada for 2 years at a time. This makes the super visa more beneficial than a regular multiple-entry visitor visa, under which the length of stay is usually 6 months or less.
Also read: Canada extends support for newcomer healthcare professionals to secure jobs
By making the super visa more accessible, the Canadian government hopes to attract, retain and integrate immigrants who contribute to the success of the nation. Each year, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) issues approximately 17,000 super visas.
International medical insurance companies – and not just Canadian insurance providers – will be able to provide coverage to super visa applicants
To adequately support super visa holders while in Canada, their host child or grandchild must meet minimum income requirements.
In addition, parents and grandparents applying for a super visa must have a medical examination and provide proof of private health insurance from an approved insurance provider. This is so super visa holders can receive emergency health care while they are in Canada, while ensuring that the cost of those services does not fall upon Canadian taxpayers.
The changes announced on June 7, 2022, will allow the immigration minister to designate international medical insurance companies to provide coverage to super visa applicants in the future. Currently, only Canadian insurance providers can provide the necessary medical coverage that super visa applicants are required to have. Information about any designated medical insurance companies located outside of Canada will be communicated on IRCC’s website at a later date.
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