Sean Fraser, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, announced changes to the Super Visa Program. These enhancements will extend the stay of parents and grandparents in the country and allow them to use international insurance while they are in Canada. It will come into effect on July 4 These changes make it easier for Canadians to reunite with their family members. According to 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”

What is The Super Visa?

It is a visitor visa for parents and grandparents of Canadian permanent residents and citizens valid for 10 years. It is a multi-entry visa that allows staying in Canada for up to two years. But now, the Government will extend it up to five years. Another change is health insurance. To obtain a Super Visa, the applicant needed Canadian health insurance. This cost may range between $1,800 and $5,000 per year. Depending on the age, coverage and health conditions of the person. However, the new changes will authorize the immigration minister to enable international medical insurance companies to deliver coverage to Super Visa applicants. For over a decade, Canadians have been reunited with their parents and grandparents through the Super Visa program. This visa is valid for 10 years and allows holders to stay up to 2 years. Certainly, it has made it more accessible for Canadians to join their families during these years. Indeed, families are an important part of Canadian society. Therefore, these changes show the Canadian commitment to helping families stay together. According to the IRCC website, ¨ Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada issues approximately 17,000 super visas¨. Click here to read the official newsletter.