Applying for super visas

Dear Ms Powell,

I have applied for parental sponsorship for my parents. They both have temporary resident visas and I was wondering if these can be converted to super visas. If not, do I have to wait until the temporary resident visas have expired before applying for super visas? Can I apply while my parents are visiting Canada? What are the requirements?

Thank you.

- B.

Dear B.,

Your parents cannot 'convert' their temporary resident visas to super visas, but they have the option of making new applications for super visas. They will not need to wait until their temporary resident visas have expired to do this.

A parent and grandparent super visa would allow your parents to visit you in Canada for up to two years. To be eligible for the super visa, your parents would need to have valid passports, and they must be in good health. They would also need to be able to satisfy a visa officer that they have social and economic ties to their home country that would motivate them to return home at the end of their stay. This would include evidence of a job, permanent residence or home, dependent or close family members. They must also demonstrate that they have enough money to support themselves while in Canada.

In addition, your parents will need to provide your birth certificate as evidence of their relationship with you, proof of your earnings, and a detailed letter of invitation from you. The invitation letter should outline the arrangements for their care and support, including information about the number of persons currently residing in your home.

Note that your parents will be required to do medical examinations and demonstrate that they have obtained private medical insurance, valid for at least one year, from a Canadian insurance company. This policy must cover health care and hospitalisation, with a minimum coverage of C$100,000. This information must be available for review when your parents enter Canada.

You will be required to submit the completed application, supporting documents, and pay the required fee. They cannot do this while they are visiting you in Canada. The application must be made through a visa office outside of Canada, that is, the closest Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) office to their permanent residence.

Your parents can expect that their application will take about 35 days to process.

Deidre S. Powell is a lawyer, mediator, and notary public who is a member of the Jamaican and Ontario, Canada bars, with main office located in Ottawa, Ontario. Her areas of practice are in immigration, real estate, commercial, personal injury, family and administration of estates. She is on the roster of Mediators for Ottawa, Toronto, and the Dispute Resolution Foundation of Jamaica. Email: info@deidrepowell.com. Subject: Immigration.