Parent and Grandparent Super Visas

Citizenship and Immigration Canada recently published the Ministerial Instruction 4 (MI-4) in Canada Gazette. It contains details on the temporary pause on Family Class Sponsorship Applications for Parents and Grandparents for 24 months effective November 5, 2011. This is to address the application backlogs and to speed up the process for Family Class Sponsorship for Parents and Grandparents. And as part of this action is the introduction of Parent and Grandparent Super Visas.

What is Parent and Grandparent Super Visas?

Parent and Grandparent Super Visas is a multiple-entry visa that will allow an applicant to remain in Canada for up to 24 months at a time without the need for renewal of their status. The Parent and Grandparent Super Visa will come into effect on December 1, 2011.

What is the processing period for Parent and Grandparent Super Visas?


Citizenship ang Immigration Canada will be able to issue the visas, on average, within eight weeks of the application. This means that instead of waiting for eight years, a parent or a grandparent can come to Canada within eight weeks. Parent and Grandparent Super Visa applicants will be required to obtain private Canadian health-care insurance for their stay in Canada.

How to qualify for Parent and Grandparent Super Visas?

To qualify, parents and grandparents must:

1. Undergo the Immigration Medical Examination (unless exempted);

2. Demonstrate that they have purchased private Canadian medical insurance; and

3. Provide a written commitment of financial support from a child or grandchild in Canada who meets a minimum income threshold.

Parent and Grandparent Super Visas is ideal for parents and grandparents who do not really want to immigrate to Canada but want to visit their families in Canada whenever they want.