The Super Visa for Canada is a wonderful opportunity for parents and grandparents to reunite with their children and grandchildren living in the country. However, completing the application and meeting immigration requirements can be challenging.
In this guide, Phan Immigration will walk you through each step of the Super Visa application process, helping you prepare accurate documentation and increase your chances of success!
What is a Super Visa for Canada?
The Super Visa (PG-1) is a special type of visitor visa that allows parents or grandparents of Canadian citizens or permanent residents to visit their children or grandchildren in Canada. The Super Visa allows a stay of up to 5 years per entry.
If you do not meet the eligibility for the Super Visa or only plan to stay for up to 6 months per visit, you may consider applying for a regular visitor visa when invited by a family member in Canada.
Comparison Between Super Visa and Visitor Visa
Similarities:
- Both visa types allow foreign nationals to enter Canada to visit family members.
- Both visas can be valid for up to 10 years.
- Both can be extended if necessary.
Differences:
| Criteria | Super Visa | Visitor Visa |
| Eligible Applicants | Parents or grandparents of Canadian citizens or permanent residents | Tourists or relatives of Canadian citizens/permanent residents |
| Length of Stay | Up to 5 years per entry, with a possible extension of 2 additional years | Up to 6 months per entry, renewable multiple times |
| Number of Entries | Multiple entries | Single or multiple entries, depending on visa issued |
| Sponsorship Required | Yes | Not required |
| Application Process | More detailed, requires more documentation | Simpler process with fewer document requirements |
| Cost | Higher fees | Lower fees |
Who Is Eligible to Apply for a Super Visa to Canada?
The Super Visa for Canada is specifically designed for the following individuals:
- Parents or grandparents of a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.
- Individuals currently living outside of Canada who intend to visit their children or grandchildren for more than 6 months.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Have a legally verified family relationship with a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.
- Purchase valid travel health insurance that covers the duration of your stay in Canada.
- Have a financial sponsorship commitment from your child or grandchild in Canada for the entire visit.
- Have a clean background, with no history of criminal offenses in Canada or any other country.
- Meet the health and medical requirements set by the Government of Canada.
- Provide proof of a reasonable travel plan and demonstrate your intention to return to your home country after the visit.
Mandatory Requirements to Qualify for a Super Visa to Canada
To be granted a Super Visa for Canada, both the applicant and their sponsor in Canada must meet the following requirements:
Requirements for the Applicant
- Clearly state the purpose of the visit in line with the visa type and demonstrate the intent to leave Canada once the visa expires.
- Provide an invitation letter from the sponsor, which must include:
- Detailed information about both the sponsor and the applicant
- A list of family members
- A copy of the sponsor’s Canadian citizenship or permanent resident document
- A written commitment to provide financial support
- Provide proof of sufficient financial resources to cover expenses during the stay and return to Vietnam.
- Demonstrate ties to Vietnam, such as family, assets, or stable employment.
- Hold valid health insurance with a minimum coverage of CAD 100,000, valid for at least one year from the date of entry into Canada, issued by an approved insurance provider.
- Ensure that the sponsoring child or grandchild meets the Minimum Necessary Income (LICO) requirement as set by the Government of Canada.
Requirements for the Sponsor in Canada
The sponsor in Canada must meet the following requirements:
- Write a letter of invitation that clearly states the purpose of the visit and includes detailed information. Notarizing the letter is recommended to increase its credibility.
- Be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, and fulfill the following conditions:
- Have a clean personal record with no criminal history.
- Be in good standing with tax obligations, having filed taxes properly.
- Have no history of sponsoring individuals who overstayed their visas or violated Canadian laws.
- Meet the Minimum Necessary Income (LICO) level, as updated annually by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
Minimum Income Requirement (LICO):
The sponsor must prove that their household income meets the latest LICO threshold, ensuring they can financially support the visiting parent or grandparent throughout the stay.
| Family Size | Minimum Income (CAD/year) | Minimum Income (VND/year) |
| 1 person (your child/grandchild) | 29,380 | 516,535,362 |
| 2 people | 36,576 | 643,049,605 |
| 3 people | 44,966 | 790,555,789 |
| 4 people | 54,594 | 959,827,486 |
| 5 people | 61,920 | 1,088,627,284 |
| 6 people | 69,834 | 1,227,764,822 |
| 7 people | 77,750 | 1,366,937,522 |
| For each additional person | +7,916 | +139,172,700 |
| Exchange rate as of January 22, 2025. | ||
Latest Process & Documentation for Applying for a Canadian Super Visa
To apply for a Canadian Super Visa effectively, follow these steps:
Step 1: Determine the appropriate visa type
Visit the official website of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to verify which visa matches your travel purpose.
Step 2: Complete the application form
Fill out the IMM5257 application form and related documents online. IRCC requires most applications to be submitted electronically, except in special cases (e.g., applicants with refugee travel documents or without internet access).
Step 3: Prepare all required documents
The Super Visa application consists of the following main categories:
Personal Documents
- Valid passport (with at least 6 months validity) and all stamped pages (if applicable)
- Completed IMM5257 and IMM5645 (Family Information) forms
- One passport-sized photo (3.5 x 4.5 cm, white background, taken within the last 6 months)
- Other documents: National ID, household registration, birth certificate, marriage certificate or proof of marital status (if applicable)
Proof of Financial Resources
- Bank savings account balance confirmation
- Ownership documents for assets (property, vehicles, stock investments, etc.)
Employment Proof
- For employees: Employment contract, leave approval letter, last 3 months’ payslips
- For business owners: Business registration certificate, tax declaration, and business account statements
- For retirees: Pension statements and retirement decision letter
Sponsor’s Documents in Canada
- Invitation letter including financial commitment and detailed information of both sponsor and invitee
- Sponsor’s proof of income: pay stubs, bank statements, tax documents (e.g., T4)
- Proof of travel health insurance with minimum coverage of CAD 100,000, valid for 1 year
Notes:
- All documents must be translated and notarized into English or French
- Color scan all documents and save them as separate files if applying online
- Organize your documents neatly and in the correct order to avoid confusion
Step 4: Book an appointment online
Schedule an appointment for document submission and biometrics at the Canada Visa Application Centre (CVAC). Appointment instructions can be found on the official CVAC website.
Step 5: Submit your application at CVAC
Submit your application and complete your biometrics at one of the following CVAC offices in Vietnam:
- Ho Chi Minh City: 180 Nguyen Thi Minh Khai Street, Ward 6, District 3, HCMC
- Hanoi: Floor 2, Hong Kong Tower, 243A La Thanh Street, Lang Thuong, Dong Da District, Hanoi
Step 6: Track your application and receive your result
Track your application status through your GCKey account on the official IRCC website. Once you receive your visa result, make sure to verify all details on the visa to avoid any errors.
Processing Time for a Super Visa Application to Canada
The processing time for a Canadian Super Visa application typically ranges from 8 weeks to 2 months, depending on several factors:
- Application volume: Processing times may be longer during peak periods, such as back-to-school seasons.
- Completeness of the application: Complete applications are processed faster than those with missing or incomplete documents.
Thorough preparation and submitting all required documents will help minimize delays and shorten the waiting period.
How Much Does It Cost to Apply for a Super Visa to Canada?
The cost of applying for a Super Visa to Canada includes:
- Application processing fee: CAD 100 (approximately VND 1,855,000)
- Biometrics fee: CAD 85 (approximately VND 1,576,000), applicable in certain cases
Notes:
- For paper applications, fees can be paid in USD at the current exchange rate, or online by credit/debit card, which may incur foreign transaction fees.
- All fees paid to the Government of Canada are non-refundable, even if the application is refused.
- Fee amounts are subject to change based on the latest updates from IRCC.
Important Notes When Applying for a Super Visa to Canada
When applying for a Super Visa to Canada, it’s important to avoid mistakes that could affect the outcome of your application. Key points to keep in mind include:
- Ensure all information in your application is complete, accurate, and truthful. Avoid misrepresentation or submitting fraudulent documents.
- Comply with the authorized length of stay and do not remain in Canada beyond the visa expiry date.
- Carefully research the requirements or consider working with a reputable immigration service provider to increase your chances of approval.
We hope this article has helped you understand the process and requirements for applying for a Super Visa to Canada. If you need more detailed assistance, don’t hesitate to contact Phan Immigration for personalized guidance and support throughout your application journey!
