Super Visa insurance: everything you need to know

If you have children and grandchildren living abroad, you want to visit them occasionally. However, the sheer amount of paperwork and approvals forces you to restrict it to just one visit or, at most, two.

In December 2011, the Canadian government introduced a new insurance plan called Super Visa Insurance. Covers unexpected medical expenses while you reside in Canada. It also pays if you get sick on an additional trip, if the majority of the period is spent in Canada. With a validity of 10 years, there are fewer problems when planning a trip to Canada. You can visit the country for up to 2 years per visit without having to renew your status during these 10 years. Allows multiple entries into the country. Super Visa insurance covers you for a minimum amount of $100,000. Insurance benefits include hospitalization, medical care, and repatriation. This is an individual visa application; does not include your dependents.

Now each visa and insurance plan has its own terms and conditions; so if you want to apply for the same, here is more information on the eligibility criteria and procedures.

Are you eligible?

The first important criteria for Super Visa Insurance is that you must be a parent or grandparent of a Canadian citizen or permanent resident of Canada. The second important requirement for the Visa is insurance. The applicant must have private health insurance from a Canadian company for a period of at least one year. The applicant must present proof of the same for the application to be approved.

When applying, you will also need to provide a copy of the invitation letter from the family member inviting you to Canada. This letter specifies the number of people in the home and outlines the details of the care plan while you are there. To add, the applicant must provide documents proving that their children or grandchildren meet the minimum income threshold and that they will provide all financial support during their stay in Canada.

What after applying?

If you meet all the criteria listed above, you must submit your application attached with the required document. Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) processes the documents after examining them.

Once your application has been approved by the CIC, it is submitted to the visa officer. He decides if he would like to have an interview with you and schedules it. Accordingly, you will be notified of the time, place and date.

The visa office may require you to undergo a medical examination before entering Canada. The visa officer will provide all instructions and directives, including how and where the medical examination will take place. The medical exam usually delays the approval process, as the visa office awaits the results before proceeding with the procedure. Another document that you may be asked to provide is a police certificate.

Once Super Visa insurance is approved, your passport will be stamped and all your original documents will be returned to you. If your application is not approved, it will be returned to you with a letter of explanation.