Canada is increasing the length of stay for parents’ and grandparents’ Super Visa holders to 5 years per entry. Additionally, the Minister of Immigration may designate international medical insurance companies, in addition to Canadian companies, to provide insurance coverage to Super Visa applicants in the future.
The Canadian immigration department has recently announced major reforms to the Parents and Grandparents Super Visa, effective from July 4, 2022. These reforms include:
• The length of stay for Super Visa holders on each entry to Canada will be increased to five years.
• Individuals who currently hold a Super Visa can also apply to extend their stay in Canada for up to two years. This means Super Visa holders can now remain in Canada for up to seven consecutive years.
• The Minister of Immigration will have the authority to designate international medical insurance companies to provide coverage to future Super Visa applicants.
Parliament Bill to Increase Super Visa Length of Stay
Currently, Super Visa holders can stay in Canada for up to two years per entry. The Super Visa is a multiple-entry visa valid for up to 10 years.
At present, only Canadian insurance companies can provide the medical coverage required for Super Visa applicants. The Canadian immigration department has stated it will announce further details at a later date.
These reforms were proposed by the Conservative Party of Canada through Bill C-242. A press release from the immigration department shows that the governing Liberal Party supports the reforms and will vote for the bill, which is currently under parliamentary approval.
Super Visa as an Alternative to the Parents Sponsorship Program (PGP)
According to the Canadian immigration department, approximately 17,000 Super Visas are issued annually.
For over a decade, the Super Visa has been offered as an alternative to the Parents and Grandparents Sponsorship Program (PGP). The PGP provides permanent residency, but since it is very popular, demand for the sponsorship program far exceeds its intake capacity. In a year with a fixed intake capacity, the immigration department receives about 200,000 applications for the PGP, but only around 20,000 are accepted through the program. As a result, in recent years, immigration authorities have temporarily launched a lottery system through expression of interest for the PGP and held draws issuing invitations to apply for permanent residency under the PGP. In an email to CIC News last week, immigration stated it has no updates on its plans for the PGP in 2022.
Therefore, the Super Visa is available to those who pass a medical examination and provide proof of private health insurance from an approved insurance company. This allows Super Visa holders to receive emergency health care in Canada without costing Canadian taxpayers. Additionally, the host children or grandchildren must meet the minimum income requirements set by immigration authorities.
