My mother came to Canada on a Super Visa. It was not difficult - took about 4 weeks from the time of application in India. She had to pass a medical test though through a Canadian 'panel' doctor in India. Before applying we had to buy medical insurance for $100K and submit proof of insurance with the application. It is expensive and the insurance company takes payment in advance but guarantees a full refund if the visa is denied. Once here the medical insurance only covers 'emergency' situations. If the parent leaves the country before the year is up and there are no claims, then you are entitled to a partial refund. If your parent stays longer than 1 year, there is no check from CIC to ensure you buy the insurance for the second year - we took the insurance though to protect ourselves. On a Super Visa the parent can stay for 2 years at a time (passport is stamped at the airport though and it is left to border security to give you the full 2 years stay). One month before the 2 years are up, you can apply online for an extension; no guarantees though. The Super Visa is a multiple entry visa and is valid for 10 years or validity of the passport, whichever comes first. So if the passport is expiring soon, it would be worthwhile to get a new passport before applying for the Super Visa.