Super Visa Offers An Alternative To PGP For Family Reunification

Super visa offers an alternative to PGP for family reunification, i.e., Canadian citizens and permanent residents have an alternative pathway to reunite with their parent(s) or grandparent(s) in Canada through the government’s super visa program, which allows for extended visits without waiting years for permanent residence approval.

For families that did not receive an invitation through the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) lottery system, the super visa offers a flexible and accessible option to spend significant time together in Canada.

The super visa grants visitor status for up to 10 years, allowing a maximum stay of five years per visit. In comparison, a standard visitor visa typically allows only six months of stay at a time.

PGP vs. Super Visa: A Quick Comparison

Why The Super Visa Is Easier To Obtain?

The PGP operates on a limited lottery-based invitation process, where only those who submitted an Interest to Sponsor form in the 2020 intake are considered. Even if eligible, sponsors are not guaranteed an invitation due to high demand and limited spots.

In contrast, the super visa is open year-round to anyone meeting eligibility criteria. As long as the host (child or grandchild in Canada) and the applicant (parent or grandparent) satisfy the requirements, approval chances are generally higher and wait times are shorter.

Eligibility Criteria For The Super Visa

As super visa offers an alternative to PGP for family reunification, let’s discuss the eligibility criteria for the same. 

Well, to qualify, both the host and the applicant must meet specific requirements.

Host Requirements:

• Must be at least 18 years old.
• Must be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or a registered Indian under the Indian Act.
• Must meet or exceed the Low-Income Cut-Off (LICO) for their household size.

Applicant Requirements:

• Must apply from outside Canada.
• Must purchase and maintain private medical insurance from a Canadian or approved foreign insurer.
• Must be admissible to Canada.

A super visa application can include a spouse or common-law partner, but dependents (such as children) cannot be included.

Application Process For The Super Visa

Applications must be submitted by the parent(s) or grandparent(s) themselves from outside Canada. The general process involves:

• Purchase Medical Insurance – Secure qualifying coverage for at least one year from the intended date of entry.
• Gather Required Documents – This typically includes:

1. 1. • A letter of invitation from the host in Canada confirming financial support.
      • Proof of the host’s income and status in Canada.
      • Proof of the family relationship.
      • Proof of valid medical insurance.

• Submit The Application – Apply via the IRCC Portal and pay the required fees.
• Provide Biometrics – If requested by IRCC.
• Complete A Medical Exam – Applicants will be instructed by IRCC when to take the exam.
• Receive Final Instructions – If approved, applicants from visa-required countries will be asked to submit their passport for visa stamping. Applicants from visa-exempt countries will receive an approval letter to present at the port of entry.

Note: Visa-exempt travellers must also apply separately for an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA).

Avoiding Common Reasons For Super Visa Refusals

IRCC may refuse applications due to insufficient documentation or concerns about the applicant’s likelihood of leaving Canada at the end of their authorized stay. Addressing these areas upfront improves success rates.

Demonstrating Strong Ties To The Home Country

Applicants must prove they have compelling reasons to return home, such as:

• Employment confirmation letters.
• Proof of dependent family members in the home country.
• Property ownership documents or lease agreements.
• Financial asset records.

Proving Financial Support From The Host

Hosts must demonstrate they can financially support the visiting relative according to LICO. Strong evidence includes:

• Recent bank statements.
• Pay stubs from employment.
• CRA Notice of Assessment for the most recent tax year.
• Employment insurance benefit statements.
• Employment verification letters.
• T4 or T1 tax documents.

These are provided in addition to the required letter of financial support.

Addressing Medical Inadmissibility Issues

Applicants could be deemed medically inadmissible if their health condition is expected to cause excessive demand on Canadian healthcare (over $27,000 annually) or pose a public health risk.

To reduce refusal risk:

• Disclose all medical conditions honestly.
• Provide records showing chronic conditions are well-managed and stable.
• Submit a paid medical insurance policy with coverage of at least $100,000 for health care, hospitalization, and repatriation.
• Include supporting documents like:
  • Letters from doctors detailing treatment and stability.
  • Letters from insurers confirming coverage.
  • Copies of relevant medical test results.

Immigration Outcome: Super Visa vs. PGP

The Parents and Grandparents Program offers permanent residence and access to public healthcare. In contrast, the super visa grants visitor status, which:

• Allows up to five years per visit.
• Can be extended for two more years, enabling up to seven consecutive years in Canada.
• Can be renewed after expiry, if eligibility is maintained.

Super visa holders cannot work or study in Canada unless they separately obtain the necessary permits.

Processing Times: Super Visa vs. PGP

As super visa offers an alternative to PGP for family reunification, it is vital to note that Super visa applications are processed significantly faster than PGP applications.

Recent IRCC Processing Times (as of August 5):

• India: 129 days
• USA: 89 days
• Nigeria: 58 days
• Bangladesh: 110 days
• Pakistan: 126 days

By comparison, PGP processing times for applicants outside Quebec currently stand at 36 months.

The super visa offers flexibility, faster processing, and the ability to spend extended periods in Canada without the long waits associated with permanent residence under the PGP. For many families, it is an effective solution to maintain close connections while navigating Canada’s limited sponsorship opportunities for parents and grandparents.

CWRVisa, a Canadian immigration leader, promises excellence and tailored pathways for your Canadian journey. Get in touch with us at CWRVisa.ca.