For many Canadian citizens and permanent residents, the greatest challenge of starting a new life in North America is the distance from family. Fortunately, the Canadian government provides a specialized pathway to bridge this gap. The super visa for parents and grandparents in Canada is a unique multi-entry visa that allows family members to stay for extended periods, far exceeding the limits of a standard visitor visa.
In this guide, we will explore the essentials of the Super Visa, its eligibility criteria, and a crucial component of the application: what is an invitation letter from Canada and how to write one correctly.
What is the Canada Super Visa?
The Super Visa is a long-term, multiple-entry visa designed specifically for the parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens or permanent residents. Unlike a regular 10-year visitor visa—which typically limits stays to six months at a time—the Super Visa allows eligible family members to stay in Canada for up to five years per entry.
Furthermore, holders can request an extension of up to two years while remaining in Canada, making it an ideal alternative to the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP), which is often subject to lotteries and long wait times.
Key Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for a Super Visa, the applicant must meet several specific criteria:
- Direct Relationship: The applicant must be the parent or grandparent of a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.
- Financial Stability of the Host: The child or grandchild in Canada (the host) must prove that their household income meets the Minimum Necessary Income (MNI) or Low Income Cut-Off (LICO) as defined by the government.
- Medical Insurance: Applicants must provide proof of private medical insurance from a Canadian insurance company, valid for at least one year, with a minimum coverage of $100,000.
- Immigration Medical Exam: The parent or grandparent must undergo a medical examination by an IRCC-approved panel physician.
- Admissibility: Like all visitors, they must be “admissible” to Canada, meaning they have no criminal record or serious health issues that pose a risk to public safety.
What is an Invitation Letter from Canada?
One of the most frequent questions from sponsors is: what is an invitation letter from Canada? In the context of the Super Visa, an invitation letter is a formal document written by the Canadian host (the child or grandchild) addressed to the visa officer. It serves as a legal promise that the host will provide financial and logistical support for the visitor during their stay.
While it does not guarantee a visa, it is a mandatory requirement. It helps immigration officers verify the relationship between the host and the applicant and ensures that the visitor will not become a financial burden on the Canadian social system.
What to Include in the Invitation Letter
To ensure the letter meets professional standards and IRCC requirements, it must include:
- Host Information: Full name, date of birth, address, phone number, and proof of status (Citizenship certificate or PR card).
- Visitor Information: Full name, date of birth, address, and their relationship to the host.
- Logistics of the Visit: The intended length of stay and where the visitor will live.
- Financial Commitment: A signed promise of financial support and a list of the number of people in the host’s household.
Why Choose the Super Visa Over a Visitor Visa?
While a visitor visa is easier to obtain for short trips, the Super Visa offers peace of mind for families who want to spend significant time together. It eliminates the need for frequent renewals and provides a stable residency status for several years. For many, it is the most reliable way to ensure that grandparents can be present for milestones like the birth of a grandchild or long-term family celebrations.
Final Thoughts
Navigating the immigration process can feel overwhelming, but understanding the super visa for parents and grandparents in Canada is the first step toward a successful reunion. By ensuring your invitation letter from Canada is detailed and backed by the necessary financial documents, you significantly increase the chances of a smooth approval process
