Canada: Improvements to Super Visa Program for Parents and Grandparents Forthcoming

The Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship announced improvements to Canada’s super visa program, which allows parents and grandparents to visit their Canadian or permanent resident children or grandchildren in Canada for an extended period of time. Starting July 4, 2022, the allowable length of stay for super visa holders will increase to five years per entry, up from the current allowable stay of two years per entry. Visa holders will also have the option to extend their stay by up to two years at a time while in Canada, whereas this option is not currently available, and they must depart and re-enter Canada. Additionally, applicants will be able to hold private medical insurance from an international insurance provider approved by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada. Currently, applicants are required to obtain medical insurance from a Canadian insurance provider.