Requirements Needed for Temporary Resident Visa Entry Holders Applying for a Super Visa

Before the Super Visa was introduced in December 2011, everyone who wished to stay temporarily in Canada in order to visit their relatives and friends was required to apply for a TRV (temporary resident visa). Examples of TRVs are Student Visas, Tourist Visas, Business Visas, Skilled Worker Visas, and Work Permits. On the other end of the spectrum is the Immigration Visa, which allows foreigners to stay permanently in Canada and apply for citizenship. Even though CIC (Citizenship and Immigration Canada) has temporarily stopped accepting sponsorships for parents and grandparents, those who already have valid TRVs are still permitted to enter Canada using those visas. The maximum duration of their stay is only six months though. If they wish to extend their stay in order to be with their children and grandchildren for up to two years at a time, they can apply to have the new Super Visa for parents. Requirements for this special visa include the following: 1.Evidence of relationship between the applicant and the child/grandchild. Identification cards won't be enough for this. Visa officers will look for documents with much more weight, like birth certificates, baptismal certificates and adoption papers, for example. 2.A clean bill of health from a certified physician or clinic (which may or may not be required by the visa officers. If required, they will provide details on where the applicant needs to have a physical check-up). Visa offices are most likely to grant Super Visas to parents and grandparents who are in excellent health. However, this doesn't mean that those who have pre-existing medical conditions have absolutely zero chance at being approved. In the event that they do catch an illness while staying in Canada, they will be covered by the next requirement. 3.A fully-paid Super Visa insurance policy for each applicant. This is the most important requirement. Visa requirements set out by the CIC further state that each policy should provide at least $100,000 in coverage and be valid for at least one year starting from the visitor's arrival in the country. Lastly, applicants should only apply for health insurance policies from certified Canadian insurance companies. The insurance cost may be as low as $1,200 or as high as $4,300. The price will depend on the insurance company. Pre-existing medical conditions can also increase the price. These next two requirements should be provided for by the children and grandchildren who will be serving as hosts for their visiting parents and grandparents. 4.Letters of invitation and support. The former should also include when the parents/grandparents are expected to arrive, how long they will be staying in Canada, and why they are requesting a visit. The latter is a declaration and acceptance of the financial responsibility that comes with having parents and grandparents staying in Canada for a long period of time. 5.Proof that the child/grandchild meets the minimum income range for his household size based on LICO (Low Income Cut-Off scheme). The rest of the procedure is more or less similar to that required by a TRV application.