Canada is set to increase the length of time parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens and Permanent Residents can stay in the country under the super visa program.
In a recent news release, the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada said from July 4, holders of super visa will be able to stay in Canada for five years, with an option to extend for two more years while in Canada.
Prior to this development, parents and grandparents with a super visa were only permitted to visit family in Canada for not more than two years at a time. The super visa is valid for 10 years and allows multiple entries.
IRCC said international medical insurance companies will be able to offer coverage to super visa applicants. At present, applicants can only use Canadian providers.
While announcing the development, Immigration Minister Sean Fraser said: “Families are at the heart of Canadian society. The enhancements to the super visa program allow family members to reunite for longer in Canada, which helps everyday Canadian citizens and permanent residents succeed and contribute to society while affording their parents and grandparents invaluable opportunities to spend time with their family in Canada.”
The announcement came at a time when wait times for immigration applications to Canada are still a concern with a lot of people stuck and getting more impatient.
IRCC figures revealed that there were over two million immigration applications for citizenship, permanent residence and temporary residence in the inventory last month.
IRCC says while travel restrictions and other constraints triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic have caused long delays, the war in Ukraine has contributed to the inventory backlog.
The super visa program was introduced in 2011 to make Canadian families reunite with their parents and grandparents for a long period. The length of stay under a normal visitor visa is six months or less.
According to the IRCC, around 17,000 super visas are granted every year.
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