The sponsors who do not meet the income eligibility requirements to sponsor their parents as Permanent residents to Canada, need not to worry! they can now also invite their parents or grandparents on the Super Visa. The dependents of applicants cannot be included in this application, However, the applicant’s spouse or common law partner can accompany them with Super Visa.

The Super visa is a multiple-entry visa, which is valid up to 10 years. The sponsored parents or grandparents can stay up to 2 years at a stretch upon entering into Canada, without renewing their status or visa.

• How is a Super Visa Different from a 10-Year Multiple-Entry Visa?
  • The parent and grandparent Super Visa allow eligible applicants to stay with their children and grandchildren in Canada for up to two years continuously on every entry to Canada. Whereas, a 10 years multiple-entry visa allow the visitors to visit Canada for a limited period of 6 months. In order to stay more than 6 months, they have to apply for an extension and pay the required fee every time they extend their visit.

• The sponsor and the applicant must meet eligibility requirements which are given as follows:
  • Status: The applicant must be the parent or grandparents of a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident of Canada
  • Income requirements: The sponsor must show that their income is above a fixed minimum level
  • Invitation: The sponsor is required to provide a Letter of invitation signed by the child or grandchild that includes:
    • Commit to support financially for the duration of the applicant’s visa.
    • Family members in the sponsor’s household
    • Proof of sponsor’s Canadian citizenship or permanent resident document

• • Medical Insurance: The sponsor and the applicant must show the proof of paid medial insurance from a Canadian insurance company that is:
    • Valid for at least one year from the date of entry
    • At least $100,000 for minimum coverage

• • In addition, the visa officer will make a decision on the applicant’s admissibility after taking into consideration various factors as given below:
    • Health of the applicant;
    • Financial situation;
    • Invitation from the Canadian host;
    • Ties with the home country;
    • Political and economic stability of the home country;
    • Purpose of visit; and
    • Availability of funds to support themselves for the length of their stay

1. How long does it take to process an application for a temporary resident’s visa?

It absolutely depends upon the discretion of the Canadian government. So, no one can make any guarantees or consider a specific time period as a precise duration for processing of visa applications. Ideally, one must apply for at least two-three months in advance before departing the home country for Canada.

However, professional help from regulated immigration consultants may help reduce the waiting time. In addition, chances of acceptance improve terrifically because they are the experts in this field and know what exactly it takes to obtain an approval from the authorities.

2.  What can delay the processing of a temporary visitor’s visa application?

 There are actually a number of factors that can lead to delay in processing of your temporary visitor’s visa application. It may be a result of one or a combination of many factors, including but not limited to:

• Incomplete application
• Errors in application
• Pending background check
• Pending health check
• Criminal record
• Pending verification of documents
• Interview required

3. Can anyone visiting Canada on a temporary visitor’s visa can leave the country and return before the visa expires?

It depends on the type of visa you have obtained. On a single entry visa, it is not permitted. The individual will require re-applying for the visa in case he/she wants to return to Canada. There are multiple-entry visas that allow individuals to visit the country multiple times until the expiry of visa.

4.  What if I want to extent my visitor status?

Generally, a visitor’s visa is valid for six months and you can stay in the country for this duration without any problem. However, if you wish to extend your stay, you will need to apply to get a ‘visitor status’ before the expiry of your current visitor status.

And if the renewal is awaited and your visa expires but you have already applied for an extension, you are given an ‘implied status’ until the final decision on your request is taken. A ‘restoration of status’ appeal can be made within the 90 days if your application of visa extension is refused.

5. Is it important to seek professional assistance?

Getting a temporary visa is a complex process as the chances of refusal are higher if application filed is incomplete or contains errors. Moreover, it may take really long to get it approved and obtain a visa. In case of refusal, re-processing may take much longer. In order to avoid all the hassles, and keep the process short and smooth, it’s recommended to seek professional assistance. The immigration consultants are people who are qualified and experienced in handling such cases. They can assist you with the entire process right from eligibility assessment to obtaining an approval.