CIC Account Launches Super Visa for Faster Family Reunification

As of December 1st, 2011, Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) has launched a Super Visa for faster family reunification. This program is designed to enable parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens and permanent residents to visit Canada for up to two years at a time.

The Super Visa is intended for parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens and permanent residents who aim to visit their families in Canada on a regular basis. It offers a multi-entry visa that can remain valid for up to ten years. This means that eligible applicants will only need to apply once for the Super Visa, and then be able to use it for up to a decade for subsequent visits.

In order to qualify for the Super Visa, applicants will need to provide evidence of medical insurance from a Canadian insurance company for at least a year, as well as proof of financial support from their child or grandchild in Canada. The minimum income threshold for the sponsor is set at 30% more than the low-income cut-off, which is an income level determined by Statistics Canada based on family size and location.

The CIC website states that the Super Visa is a way for families to stay together longer, "Families shouldn't have to be separated by borders and distance. The super visa helps ensure families can be together for extended periods of time."

The launch of the Super Visa program was influenced by long wait times for family reunification visas. In the past, applicants for a family reunification visa had to wait up to eight years for their application to be processed. However, with the Super Visa program in place, eligible applicants can expect their applications to be processed in less than eight weeks.

Canada has a strong commitment to family reunification. The country has a long-standing policy of welcoming families from all around the world to join their loved ones in Canada. With the launch of the Super Visa, the Canadian government is reaffirming its commitment to family unity and making it easier for parents and grandparents to visit their loved ones in Canada.

It is important to note that the Super Visa program does not replace the existing family reunification program. Applicants can still apply for permanent residency under the family reunification program if they meet the eligibility requirements. The Super Visa program offers an additional option for families who want to visit Canada for shorter periods of time.

In conclusion, the Super Visa program is a significant step forward in streamlining the family reunification process for parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens and permanent residents. It offers a quicker and more convenient way for families to stay together for extended periods of time. The launch of this program demonstrates Canada's strong commitment to family reunification and immigration policies that promote family unity.