Super Visa Requirements in Canada: Complete Guide
Table of Contents
Key Takeaways
- A letter of invitation helps immigration officers understand an applicant and the host’s relationship and financial situation.
- The invitation letter must be written by the applicant’s child or grandchild.
- A Super Visa allows you to stay in Canada for up to 5 years.
- The host must provide a letter of invitation and proof of income.
- You must obtain health insurance and provide proof of relationship.
- Some documents may need to be commissioned by an authorized official.
If you have a parent or grandparent applying for a Canadian Super Visa, you will likely want to give them ample support. Writing a strong letter of invitation can strengthen their application and chances of being granted a Super Visa. This makes the invitation letter one of the most important documents in the application.
An invitation letter helps confirm your relationship and financial commitment to support your parent or grandparent’s stay in Canada. Moreover, having the invitation letter commissioned by an authorized official can further strengthen the credibility of your letter.
To begin your Super Visa application, start by creating your invitation letter. Then, get it commissioned and gather your supporting documents.
What is a Super Visa?
A Canadian Super Visa allows parents and grandparents to spend more time with their family in Canada. A visitor visa allows you to enter and stay in Canada for up to 6 months at a time. However, a Super Visa lets you stay in Canada for up to 5 years without needing to renew your status.
The visa can be valid for up to 10 years and allows for multiple entries during that period.
Parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens, permanent residents, or registered Indians are eligible to apply. Furthermore, you must prove the relationship by providing official documents like family records or birth certificates.
Dependants can’t be included in the application; each parent or grandparent must apply separately.
The Canadian government outlines specific entry requirements for the applicant to be eligible for a Super Visa.
These are:
- You must have a valid travel document, like a passport.
- You must be in good health.
- You must provide proof of health insurance valid for one year from the day you enter Canada.
- You cannot be inadmissible or not allowed to enter Canada because of:
- Criminal activity.
- Organized crime.
- Human rights violations.
- You must not have any criminal or immigration-related convictions.
- You must be able to convince an immigration officer that you have ties to and will return to your home country, for example:
- You have a job back home.
- You have financial assets such as property or family.
- You must also convince an immigration officer that you will leave Canada at the end of your visit.
- To apply, you should prepare all important documents, especially the invitation letter and have it commissioned by a notary public.
What is an Invitation Letter for a Super Visa in Canada?
An invitation letter is a formal document written by your host (child or grandchild) who you intend to visit in Canada. The letter endorses your Super Visa application.
The invitation letter is crucial to your application. A detailed and well-structured invitation letter can significantly improve your application. Your child or grandchild in Canada must write and sign a strong invitation letter that includes details such as:
- Their household information, i.e. their relationship to you and who lives with them (spouse or dependants and their dates of birth).
- A clear financial declaration to support you during your visit.
- Their full name.
- Date of birth.
- Canadian address and telephone number.
- Job title.
- Details of Canadian citizenship or permanent residency.
- A copy of the document that proves their status in Canada, such as:
- A Canadian citizenship card or birth certificate (if born in Canada).
- A copy of their PR card or IMM 1000 proof of landing.
- A Secure Certificate of Indian Status or Certificate of Indian Status (status card).
Additionally, there should be details included about you, the visitor, in the invitation letter, such as:
- Your name.
- Date of birth.
- Address and telephone number.
- The purpose of your visit.
- Your relationship to the host, i.e. the person inviting you.
- How long you intend to stay.
- Where you will stay and how your expenses will be covered (food, housing, etc.).
- When you plan to leave.
Immigration officers want to see a well-written invitation letter that reassures them you will be taken care of. Having your invitation letter commissioned can further strengthen its credibility
Commission Your Super Visa Documents
While IRCC does not explicitly require the invitation letter to be commissioned, it is strongly recommended for credibility.
During a commissioning appointment, an authorized official will:
- Verify your identity by checking your ID.
- Ensure you understand what you are signing.
- Ask you to sign and date the document.
- Sign the document.
- Apply their official stamp to complete the process.
Moreover, during the appointment, you may need to “affirm” or promise that you are being truthful.
Commissioning your invitation letter helps confirm your identity and adds credibility to your application. This can help reduce the risk of delays, additional document requests, or questions from immigration officers.
With NotaryPro, you can get this done online in a few short minutes, without leaving your home.
Purpose of a Super Visa
Super Visas for parents or grandparents are a great option for long-term stays in Canada. While temporary, a Super Visa allows you to remain in Canada as a visitor for up to 5 years.
It is a better option than a visitor visa if you intend to stay longer than 6 months. It is also an alternative to the Parents and Grandparents Program to sponsor them to become permanent residents.
A Super Visa allows you to leave and come back multiple times over a period of 10 years. However, each visit can last for up to 5 years before you must leave and re-enter.
You can apply for a Super Visa for long-term visits to Canada. For example, supporting your children during major life events. These events could include:
- The birth of a grandchild and childcare support.
- Weddings.
- Illness.
Who Can Apply for a Super Visa?
To be eligible for a Super Visa, you and your host must meet the requirements listed below:
Host Requirements
You must have a host who:
- Can prove is your biological or adopted child or grandchild.
- Is a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or registered Indian.
- Is at least 18 years old and lives in Canada.
- Meets the minimum income requirements
- Writes and signs a letter of invitation for you to come to Canada.
Applicant Requirements
To be eligible, you must:
- Be outside Canada when you apply.
- Have your visa printed by a visa office outside Canada.
- Be allowed to enter Canada.
- Show proof of private health insurance valid for 1 year from the date you enter Canada.
- From a Canadian insurance company or
- From a company outside Canada, but approved by the minister.
- Take a medical exam.
- Meet certain other criteria.
If you and your host meet these requirements, your next step is to prepare the invitation letter and have it commissioned. Your host (child or grandchild) must write and sign the invitation letter and send it to you to submit with your application.
Details to Include in Your Super Visa Application
When applying for a Super Visa, there are mandatory documents you must submit. All documents must be clear and easy to read. If your documents are hard to read, IRCC may:
- Return your application.
- Take longer to process your application.
The documents you must submit include:
- A letter of invitation from your child or grandchild.
- Proof of relationship to the host (i.e. your child or grandchild).
- Proof that the host is a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or registered Indian.
- Proof of completing a medical exam.
- Proof of health insurance.
Additionally, your local visa office may require additional documents. You can check that here.
If someone else is completing the application for you, you will need to fill out a ‘Use of representative form’.
Lastly, if your documents are not in English or French, you will need to:
- Get your documents translated into English or French by a certified translator and submit the translated versions.
- You will also need to submit an affidavit from the person who completed the translation (if they aren’t a certified translator).
To begin your application, your next step is to gather your documents, create an invitation letter and have it commissioned for credibility.
How to Apply for a Super Visa
To apply for a Super Visa, you should:
Step 1: Gather Your Documents
Gather your mandatory documents. Begin by downloading the document checklist IMM 5485, which includes a list of documents needed for your Super Visa application.
Some of the documents you will need to submit are:
- A copy of your passport.
- Two photos of yourself.
- The letter of invitation.
- Proof of medical insurance.
Step 2: Complete the Application Forms
Your next step is to complete the application forms, which are:
- IMM 5257 – Application for a Temporary Resident Visa.
- IMM 5645 or IMM 5707 – Family Information.
- IMM 5409 – Statutory Declaration of Common-Law Union (if applicable).
- IMM 5746 – Use of a Representative (if applicable).
- IMM 5475 – Authority to Release Personal Information to a Designated Individual (if applicable).
Step 3: Pay the Fees
Next, you must pay the application processing fee and may need to pay a biometrics fee:
- Super Visa fee per person – $100.
- Biometrics fee – $85 (check if you need to give biometrics here).
Step 4: Submit Your Application
If you are applying online, you should submit your application through the online portal. Otherwise, you should send your application to a Visa Application Center (VAC) near you.
Does a Super Visa Application Need to Be Commissioned?
IRCC does not mandate that your invitation letter or other documents have to be commissioned. However, a notary public can verify your identity and apply their official stamp to your invitation letter. This adds a layer of credibility that can help strengthen your application and reduce the likelihood of additional questions or delays.
A commissioner will:
- Verify your identity.
- Witness your signature.
- Conduct an affirmation or oath-taking.
- Apply their official seal to your invitation letter.
Common Reasons for Super Visa Refusal
When Super Visa requirements are not adequately met, it can result in a refusal. Common reasons for refusals include:
- Incomplete documentation: Submitting inaccurate, incomplete or insufficient documentation can lead to your Super Visa being refused. All forms and documents must be completed and submitted properly.
- The host does not meet the minimum income requirements: Your host must meet the minimum financial requirements and be able to prove that they can support you during your stay.
- Private medical insurance does not meet the minimum 1-year requirement: Your health insurance must be from either a Canadian Insurance company or approved by a minister. It must also cover hospitalization, repatriation, and healthcare.
- Weak ties to your home country: For example, you don’t own property or have no income (pension or financial investments) back home. This information is needed to prove you will leave Canada at the end of your authorized stay.
Having a notary public commission your documents can help reduce the risk of refusal and ensure your documents are properly completed.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should you apply for a Super Visa?
Apply for a Super Visa when you intend to visit Canada for an extended period of time, i.e. longer than 6 months.
How long can parents stay on a Super Visa?
You can usually stay for 5 years at a time.
Is medical insurance mandatory?
Yes, you must have private health insurance valid for a minimum of 1 year from the date you enter Canada.
Can Super Visa holders work in Canada?
No, a Super Visa does not authorize you to work in Canada. To work, you need a work permit.
What is the income requirement for a Super Visa?
When applying for a Super Visa, IRCC looks at the income of the host (the child or grandchild you are visiting). Income is based on the size of the family.
Minimum Income Requirements by Family Size:
- 1 family member: $30,526
- 2 family members: $38,002
- 3 family members: $46,720
- 4 family members: $56,724
- 5 family members: $64,336
- 6 family members: $72,560
- 7 family members: $80,784
- More than 7 family members: Add $8,224 for each additional family member
Do Super Visa documents need to be commissioned?
IRCC does not explicitly require your invitation letter to be commissioned. However, commissioning is often recommended because it helps verify your identity and adds credibility to your documents.
This added credibility can help reduce the risk of delays, additional document requests, or questions during the review process.
During a commissioning appointment, an authorized official will confirm your identity, witness your signature, and apply their official stamp or seal. While not always mandatory, this step can help strengthen your overall application.
If you want added peace of mind, you can have your invitation letter commissioned online in minutes with NotaryPro.
Next Step: Complete Your Super Visa Invitation Letter
Preparing your invitation letter is one of the most important steps in your Super Visa application. Even a small error or missing detail could result in delays, additional document requests, or refusal.
To complete your application successfully:
- Draft a clear and accurate invitation letter with all required details
- Ensure all supporting documents are complete and easy to read
- Have your invitation letter commissioned to strengthen credibility
- Submit your application with confidence
You can create your invitation letter and have it commissioned online in minutes with NotaryPro, without leaving your home.
Start your invitation letter now or book your online notary appointment today.