Canadian Citizenship and Immigration Minister, Chris Alexander, has announced that the 50,000thParent and Grandparent Super Visa has recently been issued, a major milestone for the popular program.

The Super Visa is a 10-year multiple entry visa that allows parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens and permanent residents to visit their family in Canada for up to two consecutive years without renewing their status. After two years, the bearer of the visa may re-enter Canada under the same status.

It is ideal for those living in countries requiring a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) in order to be granted entry to Canada, because the visa allows these applicants to travel freely and easily between Canada and their country of residence.

Since its launch on December 1, 2011, as part of Phase I of the Action Plan for Faster Family Reunification, the majority of applicants have come from India and China, with a significant amount coming from the Philippines and Pakistan as well.

In order to be eligible, applicants must have children or grandchildren who are Canadian citizens or permanent residents and must not be inadmissible to Canada on a health or security basis. Spouses and common-law partners are included on the Super Visa, along with the principal applicant. However, dependent children are not. Depending on the visa office through which parents and grandparents apply, there may be other specific conditions necessary to meet in order to be eligible.

“Canada has one of the most generous family reunification programs in the world. We admit more parents and family members than most other developed countries. With the Parent and Grandparent Super Visa, eligible parents and grandparents pay fewer status renewal fees and have certainty that they will be able to enjoy the company of their families in Canada for a longer period of time,” stated Minister Chris Alexander.

Because of its quick processing time, typically within three months, and approximately 1,200 approvals each month, the Parent and Grandparent Super Visa is consistently one of Citizenship and Immigration Canada’s most popular programs, with an overall approval rate of 82 percent.

The application process is similar to that of a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV). However, additional documents are required in order to guarantee that the applicant will be sufficiently supported throughout his or her stay in Canada. This additional documentation includes:

• A letter of invitation from the child or grandchild living in Canada;
• Documents proving that the child or grandchild meets the Low Income Cut-Off (LICO) minimum;
• Proof of parental relationship with the child or grandchild (such as a birth certificate that names the applicant as a parent); and
• Proof of medical insurance coverage for at least one year with a Canadian insurance company.

There are a number of factors that influence the assessment of the application. These include the applicant’s purpose for visiting Canada, the likelihood of maintaining ties with their country of residence, and the results of a medical examination.