Queries for Super Visa go up with the pause on Canada PR applications

Canada’s recent pause on new PR applications under the Parents and Grandparents Programme (PGP), which previously allowed parents and grandparents to immigrate as Permanent Residents (PRs), has led to an increased interest in ‘Super Visa’.

The Super Visa offers families a way to reunite for longer periods without having to wait for years under the PGP backlog. It is a multiple-entry visa that allows parents and grandparents of Canadian Permanent Residents (PRs) or citizens to stay in Canada for extended periods.

Experts, however, noted the majority among the queries include concerns about how long will Super Visa remain open due to uncertainties in Canada’s visa policies, duration in processing work, apprehensions about restrictions.

Canada has recently introduced changes to its visa policy, scaling back its once-standard practice of issuing 10-year multiple-entry visas.

“Parents or grandparents eligible under the Super Visa category are panicking, apprehensive that Canada may stop offering this facility in the future due to recent changes,” said one expert.

How Super Visa differs from PR

According to immigration experts, unlike PR for parents and grandparents, the Super Visa is significantly different in terms of stay duration and benefits.

“A Super Visa allows parents and grandparents to stay in Canada for up to five years at a time, with an option to extend their stay by an additional two years. In contrast, PR provides an indefinite stay, enabling parents and grandparents to live permanently in Canada,” said Canada immigration expert Gurpreet Singh.

He said that only PR and citizens can invite their parents or grandparents under the Super Visa category.

Singh added that Super Visa holders are not entitled to the benefits enjoyed by PR holders, such as public healthcare or pensions. Instead, they must purchase private health insurance costing around Canadian Dollar 1000–2,000 per person annually to cover medical expenses during their stay, and undergo a medical examination.

PR holders, however, are fully covered under Canada’s public healthcare system, he explained.

Why is Medical Insurance important for Super Visa?

Private medical insurance from a Canadian provider is crucial to ensuring access to essential medical services during the applicant’s stay. The insurance provides financial protection against unexpected medical expenses and typically includes minimum coverage levels stipulated by Canadian authorities, covering applicants for up to one year.

Coverage is valid for at least one year, with a minimum of $100,000) for medical care, hospitalization, and repatriation.

The insurance policy document must be included in the application package.

Some insurance providers offer monthly payments, making it more manageable for applicants with budget constraints.

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