[gtranslate]
July 20, 2022

How To Extend Super Visa In Canada

Parents and grandparents of children or grandchildren who are either Canadian citizens or permanent residents can visit their family in Canada for an extended period with a Super Visa. But what if that time is not long enough? What happens if you want to stay in Canada longer to visit your child or grandchild, but your visa expires?

This blog explains how you can extend your Super Visa to spend more time with your family in Canada.

What is a Super Visa?

A Super Visa is a type of visa offered to eligible parents and grandparents of children or grandchildren who live in Canada. The Super Visa is a multi-entry visa that allows visa holders to enter Canada several times throughout the extent of their visa, which typically lasts ten years. Each stay in Canada can last up to two years before Super Visa holders must return to their home country.

How Is The Super Visa Different From The Visitor Visa?

While the Super Visa may seem like any ordinary Visitor Visa, it has some key differences. We explain these differences below to help you understand:

1. Who Is Eligible

You can apply for this visa if you have a child or grandchild in Canada. However, there are other requirements that the Canadian citizens and foreign nationals need to meet, including:

  • Proving their income is above the low-income cut-off (for Canadian citizens or permanent residents)
  • A copy of the permanent resident status or Canadian citizenship of one’s child or grandchild who lives in Canada
  • Taking a medical exam to prove they are in good health
  • Proof of private health insurance from a Canadian insurance company
  • And more

In contrast, a Visitor Visa is open to everyone around the world. Applicants need to meet certain criteria to visit Canada, including:

  • A valid passport
  • Sometimes they will be required to provide proof of good health through a medical exam
  • Proof of funds and tie to their home country
  • No criminal record in either Canada or their home country

2. Length Of Stay In Canada

Super Visas allow visa-holders multiple entries to Canada over a period of time. Each visit can last up to two years before they will need to return home. 

On the other hand, a Visitor Visa allows visa holders to stay in Canada for up to six months at a time. Typically, after the initial entry, the visa will expire. This means the visa holder will need to reapply to visit Canada once they return home.

3. Expiry

The maximum amount of time that Super Visas are valid is ten years, or one month before the applicant’s passport’s expiry date, whichever is earlier. Not only can you stay longer with a Super Visa, but you can also avoid going through the application process as often.

In some cases, a typical Visitor Visa lasts far less time, only up to six months after initial entry.

How To Extend Your Stay In Canada With A Super Visa

If your Super Visa is close to expiry but you would like to stay longer to visit your child or grandchild, you will need to apply for a visitor record to extend your visa.

What is a Visitor Record?

A visitor record is a document that allows you to extend your stay in Canada as a visitor. It is not a visa but a document allowing you to remain in Canada longer. It does provide a new expiry date, modified to provide you with more time in Canada.

It is important to note that Super Visa applicants need to apply for a visitor record and not another Super Visa to extend their stay in Canada.

When Should I Apply?

The application process can be time-consuming. We recommend you apply for your visitor records at least 30 days before your current status expires to give the government enough time to process your application. However, government services are known to take much longer than 30 days.

Where Can I Apply?

You can apply for your visitor record on the Government of Canada site. The application must be submitted online.

Learn How You Can Apply To Visit Canada

Oro Immigration is committed to helping parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens and permanent residents apply for their Super Visas. Reach out to us today to learn more about our immigration services.

 

Leave a Reply