Visitor visa vs. Super visa: What’s the difference?

Visitor visa vs. Super visa: What’s the difference?

Unlock the nuances of immigration with our comprehensive guide on the “Difference Between Visitor Visa and Super Visa.” Understand eligibility, application processes, financial conditions, and more. Make informed conclusions about whether you plan a short visit or an extended family reunion in Canada. While the Canadian Super Visa falls under the visitor visa type, it is designed for parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens and permanent residents. Get an understanding of the importance of facilitating your application process. Choose the correct visa for your needs with our expert guidance.

A visitor visa only permits a stay of up to 6 months. With a Super Visa, eligible parents and grandparents can visit Canada and visit family for five years at a time.

About Visitor Visa

A visitor visa (also called a temporary resident visa) is an official travel document that the Canadian government will set in your passport, indicating that you meet the requirements to travel to Canada. A Visitor Visa is issued by a country that allows individuals to enter for temporary stays, generally for tourism, business, or visiting family and friends. In the context of Canada, the Visitor Visa permits foreign nationals to stay in the country for a limited period. It is essential for those who do not qualify for visa-exempt entry.

The application process involves meeting specific requirements, including demonstrating ties to one’s home country and the ability to support the visit financially. If you don’t get a stamp on your passport, you can wait 6 months from the day you entered Canada or until your passport expires, whichever arrives first. You may require a visitor visa or an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA). The entry document you need counts on:

  • The type of travel document you plan to journey with
  • The country that issued your travel document
  • Your nationality
  • Your way of travel to Canada for this trip

About Super Visa

The Super Visa allows parents and grandparents of Canadian and permanent citizens to visit their family for up to five consecutive years without continuing their visitor status. Super Visa holders can enter Canada numerous times for up to 10 years. The Super Visa is an excellent option for the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) as there is no lottery for the Super Visa, so it delivers greater certainty to families expecting to sponsor their family members.

Eligibility Requirements Of Super Visa

Applicants must be parents or grandparents of Canadian citizens or permanent residents to qualify for a Super Visa in Canada. The eligibility criteria include a written invitation from the host, financial stability of the sponsor, compulsory private medical insurance for a minimum of one year, and a health examination. Meeting these requirements provides eligibility for the Super Visa, allowing extended stays with family in Canada. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) also ensures that the parents and grandparents will be appropriately supported during their time in Canada. To demonstrate this support, the applicant’s child or grandchild must show that they can complete the income requirements identified by the Low-Income Cut-Off (LICO).

The applicant must also provide a marked letter from their child or grandchild inviting them to Canada, which contains:

  • A promise of financial support for the length of your stay
  • The list and number of people in the home of this person
  • A copy of this person’s Canadian citizenship or permanent resident record
  • The applicant must also have medical insurance from a Canadian insurance business that is:
  • Valid for at least one year from the date of admission
  • At least $100,000 of emergency coverage
  • Have a document that the medical insurance has been paid

Once the applicant decides they are eligible and have all the needed documentation, the application should be processed at the Canadian visa office responsible for the applicant’s place of residency outside Canada. Your dream of becoming a Canadian permanent resident is within reach and Idea Immigration is always here to help you to make it a reality. Contact us, and together we will pave to your brighter future in Canada.