Indians will be the prime beneficiaries of the changes introduced by Canada to its super visa programme for parents and grandparents.
Under the changes announced by Immigration Minister Sean Fraser on June 7, parents and grandparents coming to Canada can stay for five years per entry.
“Families are at the heart of Canadian society,” said Minister Fraser. “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 super visa has remained a popular and accessible option for Canadian citizens and permanent residents to reunite with their parents and grandparents in Canada for over a decade. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada issues approximately 17,000 super visas each year.
The changes will be effective from July 4.
Canada would also allow international medical insurance companies to provide coverage to super visa applicants as part of the changes. At present, only Canadian insurance providers are allowed to issue the necessary medical coverage that super visa applicants are required to have.
Those applying for a super visa must have a medical examination and provide proof of private health insurance from an approved insurance provider.
The super visa programme started in 2011, allowing Canadian citizens and permanent residents to sponsor their parents and grandparents to come and live with them for extended periods of time.
Until now, the multiple-entry visa, which is valid for up to 10 years, has allowed parents and grandparents to remain in Canada for only two years at a time.
