Key Takeaways

• Purpose: Visitor Visas are for general visits; Super Visas are specifically for parents and grandparents.

• Duration: Visitor Visas allow stays up to 6 months; Super Visas permit stays up to 5 years.

Understanding the differences of Super Visa vs. Regular Visitor Visa

When planning to bring parents or grandparents to Canada for an extended visit, understanding the difference between a Super Visa and a regular visitor visa is crucial for making the right choice for your family. With a super visa, eligible parents and grandparents can visit family in Canada for 5 years at a time. A visitor visa only allows for a stay of up to 6 months at a time. If you wish to stay longer, you must apply for an extension and pay a new fee.

Both visas fall under Canada's temporary resident visa (TRV) category, but they serve different purposes and have distinct requirements, benefits, and limitations. The choice between these two options depends on factors such as the intended length of stay, financial capacity of the sponsor, and the specific circumstances of your family situation.

Understanding these differences is essential not only for selecting the appropriate visa type but also for ensuring your application meets all requirements and has the best chance of approval. Recent policy changes have also affected how these visas are processed and issued, making it even more important to have current, accurate information when making your decision.

What is a Regular Visitor Visa?

A visitor visa (also called a temporary resident visa) is an official document that we put in your passport. It shows that you meet the requirements needed to travel to Canada. A regular visitor visa is the standard temporary resident visa that allows foreign nationals to visit Canada for various purposes, including tourism, visiting family and friends, or conducting business.

What is a Super Visa?

Parents and grandparents can visit their children or grandchildren for 5 years at a time with a super visa. It provides multiple entries for a period of up to 10 years. The Super Visa is a specialized category of visitor visa designed exclusively for parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens and permanent residents.

Key Differences Between Super Visa and Visitor Visa

1. Duration of Stay The most significant difference lies in the authorized stay period. The main difference between the two visas is that the super visa allows you to stay in Canada for up to five years at a time, while a visitor visa only allows you to stay in Canada for up to six months at a time. This extended stay period eliminates the need for frequent visa renewals or exits and re-entries.
2. Eligibility Restrictions Regular visitor visas can be obtained by any foreign national meeting basic requirements, while Super Visas have strict eligibility criteria. To be eligible for a super visa, you must have a host who is your child or grandchild, is a Canadian citizen, permanent resident of Canada or registered Indian.
3. Financial Requirements Super Visas require sponsors to meet specific income thresholds based on family size, while regular visitor visas have more flexible financial requirements. The sponsor must demonstrate they can financially support their visiting family members throughout their stay.
4. Health Insurance Mandate You must have proof of a health insurance policy from either a Canadian insurance company, or an insurance company outside Canada for Super Visa applications. This insurance must provide minimum $100,000 coverage and be valid for at least one year. Regular visitor visas do not have mandatory insurance requirements, though it's strongly recommended.
5. Medical Examination Super Visa applicants must undergo an immigration medical examination conducted by a panel physician authorized by IRCC, while regular visitor visa applicants typically do not require medical exams unless specifically requested.

Conclusion

Choosing between a Super Visa and a regular visitor visa requires careful consideration of your family's specific circumstances, financial capacity, and long-term plans. If you are looking for a personalized guidance based on your unique situation, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Contact Information:

Phone: +1 (888) 636- 2122

Email: info@mirzoyanimmigration.ca

Website: https://www.mirzoyanimmigration.ca

Note: None of the above statements are legal advice and are not meant to be the same for everyone. You must check the latest policy from the IRCC website before applying. Although everything is clearly stated on the official website, you may want to seek legal advice if you have any questions or concerns.