Super visa for parents and grandparents becomes one of the most popular in Canada
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More than 20,000 parent and grandparent super visas have been issued in Canada since the program was launched in December 2011, it has been announced. Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism Minister Jason Kenney said that it has proved to be one of Canada’s most popular visa programs.
‘The government is committed to family reunification and the super visa provides families with the flexibility to spend longer periods of time with loved ones,’ he said. ‘It’s an innovative way of giving parents and grandparents the freedom to travel back and forth between Canada and their home country, helping them stay connected with families and friends both in Canada and at home, without the hassle of having to reapply every time,’ he added.
Over 1,000 super visas are being issued every month and the approval rate remains high at 85%. It is a multiple entry visa that is valid for up to 10 years, while offering holders the option of staying in Canada for up to two years at a time. This reduces the need for frequent visitors to renew their status during an extended family visit. The process for getting a parent and grandparent super visa is simple and straightforward. Applicants must provide proof that the host child or grandchild meets a minimum income level. The ability to support visiting parents or grandparents is based on a minimum necessary income.
Applicants must also demonstrate that they have purchased comprehensive Canadian medical insurance that is valid for a minimum period of one year from the date of entry to Canada, provides a minimum of $100,000 in coverage and covers the applicant for health care, hospitalization and repatriation. They must also undergo the immigration medical examination. In addition the applicant must provide proof of the parent or grandparent relationship to the Canadian citizen or permanent resident and a signed letter from their child or grandchild pledging financial support to the parent or grandparent for the duration of their visit to Canada.
Applicants who meet all the criteria will be issued a letter by the visa office which they will present to a Canada Border Services Agency officer at the port of entry upon their arrival in Canada. The officer may authorize a visit to Canada for up to two years. To date, almost 99% of super visa applicants who met these requirements were approved. ‘We understand that what families want most is to spend more time with their loved ones. The parent and grandparent super visa is yet another way the government is bringing families together,’ Kenney pointed out.
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