By Attorney Henry Moyal
OBTAINING A SUPER VISA TO CANADA
The term “super visa” was recently introduced into our lexicon by the Federal Minister a few months ago after the Canadian Government made a unilateral decision to stop processing new parent/grandparent sponsorships. The super visa category is essentially a visitor visa that permits a parent or grandparent to enter Canada for up to two years. It is only for a parent or grandparent – no other applicant or dependant is eligible. It is not known how many individuals have been issued the super visa but many have already expressed dissatisfaction with the system revealing that many parents (who cannot be sponsored now) are being denied visitor visas which contradicts the entire super visa rationale. It should be noted that applying for a visitor visa under the super visa process comes with the same statutory requirements and criteria as a regular visa. Moreover, to be successful a visa officer still must be satisfied that the applicant is entering Canada as a genuine visitor and not for a permanent intention. The following is an overview of what is required to be granted a super visa:
1. Providing proof of the relationship between the parent/grandparent and the Canadian citizen or permanent resident;
2. Undergoing a medical examination and being admissible on health grounds;
3. Provided satisfactory evidence of private medical insurance from a Canadian insurance company, valid for a minimum period of one year from the date of entry which covers the applicant for health care, hospitalization and repatriation and provides a minimum of $100,000 coverage.
Many have asked however:
– What are the costs of such insurance policies in Canada?
– Are the costs refundable? In other words, if for example a daughter in Canada purchases the medical insurance for a parent and the parent does not enter Canada, does the daughter get a refund of the insurance she paid?
To answer these important questions, we asked insurance agent Garycesar De Guzman of World Financial Group. Mr. De Guzman advises that insurance fees are refundable as long as the purchaser provides a letter from the Canadian Embassy that a visa was not issued. As well, the average price to insure a parent is approximately $3000 per year. Parents who leave Canada within the year will be reimbursed the pro-rated amount. For more information contact Mr. De Guzman at 647 863 7664.
4. A notarized letter of invitation signed by the child in Canada
Your letter must include the following information about the person being invited:
• Complete name.
• Date of birth.
• The person’s address and telephone number.
• Your relationship to the person being invited.
• The purpose of the trip.
• How long the person you are inviting intends to stay in Canada.
• Details on accommodation and living expenses.
• The date the person you are inviting intends to leave Canada.
To have the proper letter of invitation draft and notarized under new Canada Immigration rules, contact Attorney Henry Moyal for an appointment.
Attorney Henry Moyal is a certified and licensed immigration lawyer in Toronto, Ontario. The above article is general advice only and is not intended to act as a legal document. Send questions to Attorney Moyal by email canada@moyal.com or call 416 733 3193
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