Canada Improves the Super Visa Program for Better and Longer Family Reunifications

Post by : Admin on Jun 21,2022

The Canadian government has always prioritized family reunifications. The recent changes in the super visa program also intend to bring families closer for a longer time. The new changes in the super visa program let parents and grandparents visit you in Canada easily and stay for a longer period of time.

What are the new changes in Super Visa Program?

The Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship,  Sean Fraser, revealed the improvements in this super visa program. The changes will come into effect from 4th July 2022.

Here’s what the new changes are about:

  • Super visa holders stay for a longer time

Parents and grandparents can stay for five years longer in Canada through this improved super visa program.

  • Super visa holders can get medical insurance

The new changes in this program will allow the Minister of IRCC to provide medical insurance coverage to the super visa candidates. For now, super visa applicants can receive the essential medical coverage only from the Canadian insurance providers,

Canadian citizens and permanent residents can reunite with their parents and grandparents through this super visa program. Initially, the reunification lasted for two years. But, this new improvement added 5 years more.

Three Major Changes as Proposed in Bill C-242

Seeback, a member of the Conservative Party, sits on the Standing Committee under Immigration and Citizenship. He proposed three changes to the super visa program.

  • Parents and grandparents can stay for five consecutive years without renewing their visas.
  • The super visa candidates can purchase medical insurance from other countries besides Canada. According to Seeback, this step would help families save thousands of dollars in insurance.
  • The Canadian government is expected to reduce the low-income cut-off for Canadians planning to host their families. 

Seeback said, “The view of bringing a parent or a grandparent to stay with you is an economic burden is wrong. What I actually found… is that when a parent or grandparent comes, it enhances the economic well-being of that family… It can be that they’re providing some reduction of daycare costs because the parent or grandparent is there to help with the family.”

Some Background Details on Super Visa

The super visa program began in 2011. It lets Canadian citizens and permanent residents host their parents and grandparents in Canada for extended periods of time. You must meet certain minimum income requirements to qualify for this program. And your parents and grandparents need to get through a medical exam and present proof of private health insurance.

Previously, your parents and grandparents could stay up to two years at a time. The new announcement is the result of the discussion of the Parliament’s citizenship and immigration committee on private member’s bill C-242. The latter was introduced in February and sponsored by MP Kyle Seeback.

Onkar Immigration is always a step ahead when it comes to keeping track of changes in immigration norms and laws. Whether you have queries regarding the super visa or you want guidance to get through the program, we are here at your disposal. Connect with us today.


Back