super visa application form pdf

The Super Visa application form, officially known as IMM 5257, is a key document required for parents and grandparents seeking to visit their Canadian citizen or permanent resident children or grandchildren for extended periods․ This form is available for download from the official Government of Canada website․ The application form must be filled out completely and accurately, ensuring all required information is provided․ It is important to refer to the official website for the latest version of the form as it is subject to change․

Introduction

The Super Visa, a unique temporary resident visa program offered by the Canadian government, provides a pathway for parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens and permanent residents to visit their families in Canada for extended periods․ This visa program is designed to facilitate long-term visits, allowing families to strengthen their bonds and enjoy quality time together․ The Super Visa is a multiple-entry visa, granting the holder the ability to enter Canada for up to 10 years, with each visit authorized for a maximum stay of five years․ The Super Visa is distinct from a standard visitor visa, offering a longer duration of stay and multiple entries․ The Super Visa program aims to facilitate family reunification and provide a convenient and secure way for parents and grandparents to visit their loved ones in Canada․ It is a popular choice for families seeking to maintain close connections across generations and foster stronger family ties․

Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible for a Super Visa, applicants must meet specific criteria, including⁚

• Relationship⁚ The applicant must be the parent or grandparent of a Canadian citizen or permanent resident of Canada․ This relationship must be legally documented and verifiable․
• Financial Support⁚ The applicant’s child or grandchild in Canada must demonstrate the ability to financially support the applicant during their stay․ This can be evidenced through income tax returns, employment contracts, or other financial documents․ The applicant’s child or grandchild must meet a minimum income threshold, which is determined by the Low-Income Cut-off (LICO) for the size of their household․
• Medical Examination⁚ The applicant must undergo a medical examination by a designated physician and provide the results to the visa office․ This examination is intended to ensure the applicant’s health is satisfactory and that they do not pose any health risks to Canada․
• Medical Insurance⁚ Applicants must have valid medical insurance coverage that meets Canadian requirements․ This insurance must be purchased from a Canadian insurance company and provide coverage for at least one year from the date of entry into Canada․ The insurance must cover medical expenses, including hospitalization and emergency medical care․

Applicants must meet all of these eligibility requirements to be considered for a Super Visa․ Failure to meet any of these requirements may result in the application being rejected․

Required Documents

When applying for a Super Visa, applicants are required to provide a comprehensive set of supporting documents to demonstrate their eligibility and intent to visit Canada․ These documents typically include⁚

• Completed Application for a Temporary Resident Visa (IMM 5257)⁚ This form is the core application document and must be completed accurately and in full․ Each applicant, including accompanying family members aged 18 or older, must submit their own separate application form․
• Passport⁚ A valid passport with at least six months of validity remaining from the date of application is required․ The passport must have blank pages for visa stamping․
• Invitation Letter⁚ A letter of invitation from the applicant’s child or grandchild in Canada, confirming their intention to host the applicant and outlining details of the visit․ This letter should include contact information, details of the relationship, and a commitment to provide financial support․
• Proof of Relationship⁚ Documents that establish the applicant’s relationship to their child or grandchild in Canada․ Examples include birth certificates, marriage certificates, or adoption papers․
• Financial Documents⁚ Evidence of financial support for the applicant during their stay in Canada․ This may include income tax returns, employment contracts, bank statements, or other financial documentation․
• Medical Examination Report⁚ Results from a medical examination conducted by a designated physician, demonstrating the applicant’s health status and fitness for travel to Canada․
• Proof of Medical Insurance⁚ A valid medical insurance policy meeting Canadian requirements, including coverage for medical expenses, hospitalization, and emergency care․
• Photographs⁚ Two recent passport-sized photographs of the applicant, meeting specific requirements for size and format․
• Other Supporting Documents⁚ Additional documents may be requested depending on individual circumstances, such as proof of travel arrangements, employment history, or previous travel to Canada․

Applicants should carefully review the specific requirements outlined on the official Government of Canada website, as these may change․

Medical Insurance

Medical insurance is a crucial requirement for Super Visa applications, ensuring that applicants have adequate financial coverage for potential medical expenses during their stay in Canada․ Here are the key aspects of the medical insurance requirement⁚

• Canadian Insurance Company⁚ The medical insurance policy must be purchased from a Canadian insurance company, licensed to operate in Canada․ This ensures the policy meets Canadian standards and is accepted by Canadian healthcare providers․
• Minimum Coverage⁚ The medical insurance policy must provide coverage for at least one year from the date of entry to Canada․ This ensures that the applicant is covered for the entire duration of their initial visit․
• Minimum Coverage Amount⁚ The policy must provide a minimum coverage amount of $100,000 CAD per person for medical expenses, hospitalization, and emergency care․ This amount may vary depending on the insurance provider, so it’s essential to review the policy details carefully․
• Coverage Scope⁚ The medical insurance policy should cover all medical expenses incurred during the stay, including doctor’s visits, hospital stays, emergency medical transportation, and prescription medications․ It’s recommended to check the policy for specific exclusions or limitations․
• Proof of Insurance⁚ Applicants must provide proof of medical insurance with their Super Visa application․ This typically includes a copy of the insurance policy, including details of coverage, policy number, and expiry date․

Applicants should contact Canadian insurance companies to obtain quotes and compare policies to find the most suitable option․ It’s essential to verify that the chosen policy meets all the Super Visa requirements before submitting the application․

Application Process

Applying for a Super Visa involves a structured process that requires careful attention to detail and adherence to specific guidelines․ Here’s a step-by-step guide to the Super Visa application process⁚

1. Gather Required Documents⁚ Assemble all necessary documents, including the completed application form (IMM 5257), passport, proof of relationship, invitation letter, medical insurance policy, financial documents, and any other supporting documentation as per the checklist․
2. Complete Application Form⁚ Carefully fill out the application form, providing accurate and complete information․ Ensure all sections are filled in, and all required signatures are obtained․
3. Submit Application⁚ Submit the completed application package to the designated visa office․ Applications can be submitted online or through paper-based methods, depending on the chosen visa office and application type․
4. Biometrics⁚ Depending on your country of residence, you may be required to provide biometrics (fingerprints and photograph)․ Biometrics are collected at designated visa application centers (VACs)․
5. Processing Time⁚ Allow sufficient time for the visa office to process your application․ Processing times can vary based on the volume of applications and individual circumstances․ It’s advisable to apply well in advance of the intended travel date․
6. Decision⁚ The visa office will review your application and notify you of the decision․ If approved, you will receive your Super Visa and can travel to Canada for the authorized period․

It’s highly recommended to familiarize yourself with the complete Super Visa application process, including specific requirements for your country of residence․ The official Government of Canada website provides comprehensive information and resources to guide applicants through the entire process․

Online Application

The online application process for a Super Visa offers convenience and efficiency, allowing applicants to submit their applications electronically․ Here’s a breakdown of the online application process⁚

1. Create an Account⁚ Begin by creating an account on the Immigration, Refugee and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website․ This account will serve as your portal for managing your application and accessing relevant information․
2. Download Application Form⁚ Download the Super Visa application form (IMM 5257) from the IRCC website․ Carefully review the instructions and complete the form accurately․
3. Gather Required Documents⁚ Ensure you have all necessary documents ready for upload․ This includes your passport, proof of relationship, invitation letter, medical insurance policy, financial documents, and any other supporting documentation․
4. Upload Documents⁚ Upload the completed application form and supporting documents to your online application account․ Follow the instructions for uploading each document type and ensure the files are in the correct format․
5. Pay Fees⁚ Pay the applicable application fees online․ The IRCC website will provide detailed instructions and payment options․
6. Submit Application⁚ Once you have completed all sections and uploaded all required documents, submit your application online․ You will receive a confirmation email with a unique application number for tracking purposes․

The online application process streamlines the application process by providing a centralized platform for completing and submitting applications․ However, it’s crucial to thoroughly review the instructions and requirements for online applications to ensure a successful submission․

Paper Application

While online applications are encouraged, the option to submit a Super Visa application on paper remains available․ This approach involves a more traditional method of completing and sending forms and documents physically․ Here’s a breakdown of the paper application process⁚

1. Download Forms⁚ Obtain the required application forms, including the Super Visa application form (IMM 5257), from the IRCC website․ Print these forms out for completion․
2. Complete Forms⁚ Carefully read and complete all sections of the application forms, providing accurate and complete information․ Ensure that all required fields are filled in and any applicable questions are answered truthfully․
3. Gather Documents⁚ Compile all necessary supporting documents, such as your passport, proof of relationship, invitation letter, medical insurance policy, financial documents, and any other supporting documentation․ Ensure these documents are properly organized and securely attached to the application forms․
4. Submit Application⁚ Mail your completed application package, including the forms and supporting documents, to the designated IRCC visa office․ The IRCC website provides specific addresses for each visa office․
5. Pay Fees⁚ Pay the applicable application fees through a designated payment method, such as a bank draft or money order․ The IRCC website will provide detailed instructions and payment options․

Submitting a paper application requires more time and effort compared to an online application, but it remains a viable option for individuals who prefer this method․ Ensure you carefully review the instructions and requirements for paper applications to ensure a successful submission․

Processing Time

The processing time for a Super Visa application can vary significantly depending on a number of factors, including the applicant’s country of origin, the time of year, and the volume of applications being processed․ IRCC provides estimated processing times on its website, but it is important to remember that these are just estimates and actual processing times may be longer or shorter․

Generally, Super Visa applications are processed within a few months․ However, in some cases, processing times can extend beyond six months․ It is recommended to apply for the Super Visa well in advance of your planned travel date, allowing ample time for the application to be processed․

Keep in mind that processing times can fluctuate, and there may be delays due to unforeseen circumstances, such as holidays, staffing shortages, or increased application volume․ IRCC advises checking its website for the most up-to-date processing time estimates for your specific region․

To track the progress of your application, you can use the IRCC’s online application status tool․ This tool allows you to check the current status of your application and receive updates on its progress․

While IRCC endeavors to process applications as efficiently as possible, it is important to be prepared for potential processing delays․ Applying early and monitoring the status of your application can help you plan your travel accordingly․

Fees

Applying for a Super Visa involves certain fees that need to be paid to IRCC․ These fees cover the cost of processing your application and are non-refundable, even if your application is refused․ The fees are subject to change, so it is important to consult the official IRCC website for the most current information․

There are two main fees associated with a Super Visa application⁚ the processing fee and the biometrics fee․ The processing fee is charged for the assessment of your application, while the biometrics fee covers the cost of collecting your fingerprints and photograph;

The processing fee for a Super Visa application is currently CAD $100․ The biometrics fee is CAD $85 per person․ If you are applying for a Super Visa for multiple family members, you will need to pay the biometrics fee for each individual․

You can pay the fees online using a credit card, debit card, or through a bank transfer․ You can also pay the fees in person at a designated bank or at a visa application center․

It is crucial to ensure that you pay the correct fees and submit them along with your application․ Failure to do so may result in the delay or refusal of your application․ Refer to the IRCC website for the most up-to-date information on fees and payment methods․

Super Visa Checklist

To ensure a smooth and efficient Super Visa application process, it’s essential to have a complete and organized application package․ A Super Visa checklist can help you gather all the necessary documents and forms, minimizing the risk of delays or missing information․

Here’s a comprehensive Super Visa checklist that you can use as a guide⁚

1. Completed Application for a Temporary Resident Visa (IMM 5257)⁚ This form is the core document for your Super Visa application․ It must be filled out accurately and completely․
2. Valid Passport⁚ Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay in Canada․
3. Invitation Letter⁚ A letter of invitation from your Canadian citizen or permanent resident child or grandchild, outlining the purpose of your visit, your intended length of stay, and details about your accommodation and financial support․
4. Proof of Financial Support⁚ Evidence that your child or grandchild can financially support your visit, such as recent tax returns (T4 or T1), bank statements, or employment letters․
5. Medical Insurance Coverage⁚ A valid medical insurance policy from a Canadian insurance company, covering at least one year from your date of entry, with minimum coverage of CAD $100,000․
6. Digital Photos⁚ Two identical photographs of yourself, meeting the specified requirements․
7. Proof of Relationship⁚ Documents proving your relationship to your child or grandchild, such as birth certificates, marriage certificates, or adoption papers․
8. Medical Examination Results⁚ You may be required to undergo a medical examination by a designated physician, depending on your age and health history․
9. Biometrics Fee Payment⁚ Proof of payment for the biometrics fee, which covers the cost of collecting your fingerprints and photograph․
10. Application Fee Payment⁚ Proof of payment for the Super Visa application processing fee․

It’s advisable to keep copies of all submitted documents for your records․ This checklist serves as a starting point; refer to the official IRCC website for the latest information and requirements․ A thorough and organized application package will greatly increase your chances of a successful Super Visa application․

Additional Information

While the Super Visa application form (IMM 5257) and the accompanying documents are crucial, there’s additional information you should be aware of to ensure a successful application․

Here are some key points to consider⁚

1. Application Submission⁚ Super Visa applications are typically submitted to a Canadian visa office outside of Canada․ You can locate the nearest visa office to you on the IRCC website․
2. Processing Times⁚ The processing time for Super Visa applications can vary depending on the visa office and the volume of applications․ It’s advisable to check the estimated processing times on the IRCC website for your specific country․
3. Medical Examination⁚ While not always required, you may be asked to undergo a medical examination by a designated physician․ This is typically determined by your age and health history․
4. Biometrics⁚ Depending on your nationality, you may be required to provide biometrics (fingerprints and photograph)․
5. Language Proficiency⁚ While English or French proficiency is not a mandatory requirement, it can be beneficial, especially if you need to communicate with IRCC officials․
6. Financial Support⁚ Ensure your child or grandchild provides sufficient proof of financial support to demonstrate that they can cover your living expenses while you are in Canada․
7. Travel Insurance⁚ It’s strongly recommended to have travel insurance in addition to your medical insurance, to cover unexpected events such as lost luggage, flight delays, or medical emergencies beyond the scope of your medical insurance․

For the most up-to-date information, refer to the official IRCC website․ It’s recommended to carefully review all the information and requirements before submitting your Super Visa application․ A well-prepared and complete application will increase your chances of a positive outcome․