Canada is reinforcing its commitment to family reunification by introducing significant changes to the super visa program, making it more accessible to parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens and permanent residents.
What is the Super Visa?
The super visa is a multiple-entry visa designed for parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens and permanent residents. This visa allows eligible family members to visit Canada for extended periods—up to five years per visit—with the option to extend their stay while in Canada. Unlike a regular visitor visa, the super visa provides families the opportunity to stay connected for longer periods without the need for frequent renewals.
Who is Eligible for a Super Visa?
To qualify for a super visa, applicants must:
Be the parent or grandparent of a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.
Provide a letter of invitation from their child or grandchild in Canada, including details about their family size and a promise of financial support for the applicant’s stay.
Prove that their child or grandchild meets the minimum income requirements.
Undergo a medical examination to demonstrate they are admissible on health grounds.
Have valid private health insurance for at least one year, covering health care, hospitalization, and repatriation.
Previous Health Insurance Requirements
To be eligible for a super visa, applicants must provide proof of private health insurance, as they are not covered under Canada’s provincial or territorial health care plans. Until recently, this private health insurance was required to be purchased exclusively from Canadian providers.
New Health Insurance Options
Effective January 28, 2025, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has expanded the health insurance options for super visa applicants. They can now purchase private health insurance policies from international companies, provided these policies meet specific criteria:
Authorization by OSFI: The insurance company must be authorized by the Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions (OSFI) to provide accident and sickness insurance.
Inclusion in OSFI’s List: The company must appear on OSFI’s list of federally regulated financial institutions.
Canadian Operations: The policy must be issued under the insurance company’s business operations in Canada.
To verify whether a foreign insurance company meets these requirements, applicants can consult OSFI’s website.
Importance of Health Insurance Coverage
Super visa holders must maintain valid health insurance for the entire duration of their stay in Canada. If the insurance coverage expires before their departure, they will need to renew it to remain compliant with the conditions of their stay. Health insurance policies must be valid for each entry to Canada.
Impact of the Changes
These changes are expected to make the super visa more accessible, especially for families who may find international health insurance options more affordable or better suited to their needs. This adjustment ensures that parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens and permanent residents can reunite with their families without compromising on essential health insurance coverage.
A Step Forward for Family Reunification
Canada’s immigration programs aim to strengthen family bonds, and the updated super visa health insurance requirements align with this goal. By broadening insurance options, the government is reducing barriers for families to spend quality time together while upholding the requirement for adequate health coverage.
Navigating the super visa application process can be complex, especially with evolving requirements. Our experienced team specializes in helping families reunite through immigration programs like the super visa. From preparing your application to ensuring compliance with insurance requirements, we provide personalized support every step of the way.
Contact us today at +1-306-585-6565 or email ask@infoplacecanada.ca to book a consultation and let us help you bring your loved ones closer. Together, we can make family reunification a reality.