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SUPER VISA - ALTERNATIVE TO PGP

Immigration law

13 Mar

In the years following the initial rollout of the Parent and Grandparent Program (PGP), new sponsors have been left on the sidelines, unable to join the candidate pool. This situation means that while some lucky folks who got in early have managed to help their parents or grandparents secure Canadian permanent residence, more recent hopeful sponsors have been left twiddling their thumbs. It's a bit like a club where the new members are still waiting for their invitation, while the old-timers are already planning their family reunions.

Given this situation, for those who missed out on sponsoring their parents or grandparents through the PGP, there’s a backup plan: the Super Visa. It’s like having a “Plan B” when the PGP club isn’t accepting new members. While the Super Visa is a different program, it still does a great job of letting Canadians bring their loved ones to Canada, making family reunions possible without having to wait for the next lottery draw.

The availability of the PGP and Super Visa programs differs significantly: The PGP is offered only once a year and has even more restricted availability due to IRCC’s decision to consider only sponsors from the intake. The program operates through a lottery system that opens for two weeks annually, where candidates from the eligible pool are randomly selected to receive invitations to apply (ITAs) for permanent residence.

In contrast, the Super Visa program is open year-round for eligible sponsors, meaning you don’t have to wait for a lottery draw to get in line. It’s like having a VIP pass to the application process - just apply whenever you’re ready, and you’re considered on a first-come, first-served basis. This straightforward approach results in a much higher success rate for Super Visa applications, making it a much more predictable path to family reunions compared to the lottery-style PGP.

Both programs are exclusively for the parents or grandparents of Canadian citizens or permanent residents. There’s no need to keep track of how long you’ve been a Canadian citizen or permanent resident—just as long as you’re one at the time of application. Think of it like showing up to a party, as long as you’re on the guest list when the doors open, you’re good to go…….

When it comes to the PGP, eligible sponsors are the ones who take charge of submitting both the candidate profiles and application forms for their parents or grandparents. It’s like being the designated driver for your family’s immigration paperwork. 

On the flip side, the Super Visa program hands the reins over to the parents or grandparents, who have to apply for themselves. So, if you’re hoping for a break from the paperwork, you might want to remind your family members to buckle up and fill out those forms.

To qualify for the PGP, candidates must have submitted an Interest to Sponsor form on the IRCC website, be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or registered Indian under the Canadian Indian Act, and be at least 18 years old. So, if you’ve ticked off these boxes and are old enough to vote, you’re on the right track. Just remember, it’s not about being an “adult” in the sense of paying bills - though that helps too,

They must also live in Canada and show proof of their status during the Interest to Sponsor phase, meet or exceed the minimum necessary income (MNI) level for the program (including both sponsor and spouse’s income if married or common-law), and provide proof of income to IRCC. 

Plus, they need to sign an undertaking to financially support the sponsored family members for 20 years (or 10 years in Quebec) and repay any social assistance benefits they might receive for 20 years. It’s a bit like committing to a long-term lease—except instead of a rent check, you’re promising to support your family and handle any social assistance bills that come up. So, if you’ve ever dreamt of a really extended family obligation, this is your chance.

For the Super Visa, applicants must be outside of Canada when they apply and provide proof of an eligible host (a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or registered Indian). This includes showing their relationship, the host’s status and age, residency, and that the host meets Canada’s low-income cut-offs (LICO) criteria.

And remember, under both programs, if you’re hoping to be sponsored, you’d better be in tip-top health and steer clear of any criminal issues. The PGP and Super Visa programs also offer different immigration outcomes for those with approved applications. 

With the PGP, successful applicants score permanent resident status, meaning they can live, work, and settle in Canada indefinitely—basically getting a lifetime pass with most of the perks of Canadian citizenship. It’s like winning the ultimate VIP membership to Canada.

On the other side, the Super Visa program grants temporary resident status, which is a bit like having a time-limited all-access pass. Super Visa holders can stay in Canada for up to five years at a time, with a chance to extend for an extra two years—so they can potentially enjoy Canadian life for up to seven years before needing to pack their bags. It’s not quite a permanent ticket, but it’s a pretty generous vacation plan.

Just to make it clear – Super Visa won’t allow you to become permanent Canadian residents. They’ll stay as temporary residents and will need to head back to their home country once their stay wraps up. Think of it like a Canadian vacation - great while it lasts, but you’ll need to pack up eventually. If you want them to make Canada their permanent home, you’ll need to have them apply for the Parents and Grandparents Sponsorship Program (PGP). Otherwise, it’s a bit like enjoying a long visit but never getting the keys to the house.

No need for any medical tests or exams to snag Super Visa insurance Just a click online or a quick call to a Canadian insurance company will do the trick. And as for age limits, there are none for applying for a Super Visa. So, whether you’re young enough to still have a full head of hair or old enough to remember when Canada was just a colony, you’re all set to apply.

Applying for a Super Visa isn't exactly a stroll through the park. To score one, applicants need to present an invitation and support letter from their Canadian family members. This letter needs to detail the visit's duration, purpose, and financial situation. Basically, it’s your family’s chance to show off how well they can juggle the details of your stay. It’s like a fancy RSVP with a side of financial planning.

Super Visas can also face rejection, even though the program is a great help for many families. Think of it as a bit of a Canadian lottery—sometimes the application doesn’t make the cut. One common reason for rejection is insufficient financial support; applicants need to have their child or grandchild in Canada backing them financially. So, if you’re hoping for a Super Visa, make sure your family’s wallet is as ready as their hearts.