Canada reverses decision on medical insurance for Super Visa

Canada Super Visa is a temporary visa which allows the parents and grandparents of a Canadian citizen or permanent resident to stay with them in Canada for up to five years at a time. It’s a multiple entry visa with a validity of 10 years. Launched in 2011, the Canada Super Visa program in fact proved to be a viable alternative to the Parents and Grandparents Program, which always has high demand.
However, in August 2022, Canada introduced a slew of changes to the Canada Super Visa program. One among them was the condition that the applicants were required to pay for medical insurance up-front annually. The price for insurance coverage varies depending on age. But on an average, the price would be around $1500 for a 65-year-old and higher if the applicant is older.

Earlier, the applicants were allowed to pay the insurance amount as installments on a monthly basis, which was less burdensome. So the new change invited a backlash from various fronts. An online petition was submitted to the Canada government saying that the new payment system was punitive towards families seeking to be reunited. The petition also pointed out that the change also resulted in less number of applications for Canada Super Visa.

In the wake of this, Canada government reversed its decision and families can now pay the insurance as monthly instalments. Immigrant families, insurance experts as well as immigration experts have welcomed this move, as it would enable more families to reunite in Canada. It is estimated that Canada is issuing around 17000 Super Visas in 2022.

Eligibility requirements

Eligibility requirements for the sponsors

• Be at least 18 years old
• Be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident
• Reside in Canada at the time of application and at the time of arrival of parents/grandparents
• Sound financial standing

Eligibility requirements for sponsored individuals

• Be the parent/ grandparent of a Canadian citizen or PR
• Submit the application for Super Visa from outside Canada
• Have a letter of invitation from the sponsoring child/grandchild residing in Canada
• Prove that the child/grandchild meets the Low-Income Cut-Off (LICO) minimum
• Prove the relationship with child/grandchild, with documents such as a birth certificate with the sponsored individual as the parent
• Have their visa printed outside Canada
• Be admissible to Canada
• Clear an immigration medical test
• Have medical insurance from a Canadian insurance company. It should be valid for at least 1 year from the date of entry, have at least $100,000 in emergency coverage. It should also be proved that the medical insurance is paid in full.
• Have a signed letter the sponsoring child/grandchild, inviting them to Canada. It should include the following:
• A promise to support the parent/grandparent financially for the length of their visit
• A list of persons in the household of the sponsor
• A copy of the sponsor’s Canadian citizenship or permanent resident document

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