Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). Has announced significant reforms to the Parents and Grandparents Super Visa.
These reforms would effectively increase the length of stay for the Super Visa to 5 years per entry.
The following will come to effect from July 4, 2022:
1. The length of stay for Super Visa holders will be increased to five years per entry into Canada.
2. People who currently have a Super Visa also have the option to request to extend their stay by up to two years while in Canada. This means current Super Visa holders will now be able to stay in Canada for up to seven consecutive years.
3. Canada’s Immigration Minister will have the authority to designate international medical insurance companies to provide coverage to Super Visa applicants in the future.
Currently , Super Visa holders can stay in Canada for up to two years per entry. The Super Visa is a multi-entry visa that is valid for up to 10 years.
As it stands only insurance providers in Canada can provide medical coverage that is mandatory for Super Visa Applications. But the IRCC could be set to announce changes to that.
The IRCC states that it issues around 17,000 Super Visas on a yearly basis.
For over 10 years the Super Visa has served as an alternative to the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP). However, given the popularity the demand for sponsorship significantly exceeds the number of available spots.
The IRCC received about 200,000 sponsorship applications but offers only around 10% (20,000) immigration spots through the PGP
The Super Visa is available to applicants who pass a medical examination and provide proof of health insurance from approved medical coverage providers. This allows holders of the visa to get energy healthcare at no costs, as it is paid for by Canadian taxpayers.
Furthermore, the children or grandchildren of the applicants must meet the minimum income requirements of the IRCC.
