Canada Eases Super Visa Insurance Rules for Family Reunification

Families across Canada are celebrating news of relaxed super visa rules. This significant change allows parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens and permanent residents to utilize health insurance policies from reputable foreign insurers, a welcome shift from the previous requirement of exclusively using Canadian providers.

The super visa, a multiple-entry visa, facilitates extended family visits of up to five years per visit. This program strengthens family bonds by enabling closer connections between generations.

What is the Super Visa?

The Super Visa is a multiple-entry visa designed for parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens and permanent residents. It allows them to stay in Canada for up to five years per visit, with the option to extend their stay. This long-term visa provides a more convenient alternative to regular visitor visas, which have shorter validity periods.

New Super Visa Health Insurance Rules

Previously, Super Visa applicants were required to purchase health insurance from a Canadian provider. However, under the latest update by the IRCC, they can now obtain health insurance from foreign insurance companies, provided the policy meets specific eligibility criteria.

Eligibility for Foreign Health Insurance Providers

To qualify, a health insurance policy from an international provider must:

• Be issued by a company authorized by the Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions (OSFI) to provide accident and sickness insurance.
• Appear on OSFI’s list of federally regulated financial institutions.
• Be issued under the company’s insurance business in Canada.

Applicants can verify if a foreign insurance company meets these criteria by visiting the OSFI website. More details on the changes are available on the IRCC website.

Health Insurance Requirements for Super Visa

Super Visa holders must maintain valid private health insurance throughout their stay in Canada. If their coverage expires before departure, they may need to renew it to remain compliant. The policy must be valid for each entry into Canada.

To meet the Super Visa requirements, applicants must have private medical insurance with a minimum coverage of CAD 100,000. The insurance policy must be valid for at least one year from the date of entry and can now be obtained from an eligible foreign insurer that meets specific criteria.

Other Requirements

In addition to meeting health insurance requirements, applicants interested in the Super Visa must also fulfil the following basic criteria:

• Financial Support: Your child or grandchild in Canada must demonstrate they can financially support your visit. This usually involves meeting minimum income requirements.
• Letter of Invitation: You’ll need a letter of invitation from your child or grandchild in Canada, stating their commitment to financially support you during your stay.
• Medical Exam: You may be required to undergo a medical examination.

Notably, Canadian immigration authorities will also consider factors such as your ties to your home country, the purpose of your visit, and your overall travel history.

How These Changes Benefit Families

These new rules make it easier for families to reunite under the Super Visa program. By allowing foreign health insurance providers, Canada offers applicants more options and potentially lower costs. At the same time, the requirement ensures that visiting parents and grandparents have adequate health coverage during their stay.

Final Words

Canada’s latest Super Visa update provides more flexibility for families while maintaining essential health coverage requirements. This change strengthens family ties by making long-term visits easier and more affordable, ensuring parents and grandparents can stay connected with their loved ones in Canada.

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