Canada Visitor Visa and Super Visa: What’s the Difference?

While the Super Visa falls under the Canada Visitor Visa category - it is entirely designed for Parents and Grandparents of Canadian Citizens or Permanent Residents (PRs). 

The primary difference between the Canada Visitor Visa and Super Visa is the duration of the authorized stay. While a Visitor Visa only allows applicants to stay in Canada for up to 6 months at a time, a Super Visa allows applicants to move to Canada for 5 years at a time. 

Canada Visitor Visa

Most travellers visiting Canada need to apply for a Visitor Visa. A Visitor Visa, also known as a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) is an official document issued by the Canadian government - that shows that the applicant has met the requirements to travel to Canada. 

The following types of applicants are required to apply for a Canada Visitor Visa:

• To visit as a Tourist 
• To visit for a Business
• To visit Spouse  
• To visit Family 
• For compassionate reasons 

The application process, eligibility criteria, and requirements for each of these categories are different. Canada Visitor Visa applications are processed within 3-4 weeks. 

Canada Super Visa

The Canada Super Visa is a fantastic option for parents and grandparents looking to spend quality time with their loved ones in Canada. It is a special visa designed for parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens or permanent residents. It is a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) that allows you multiple entries to Canada - and has a maximum validity of 10 years. Each entry permits an authorized stay of up to 5 years.

To be eligible for a Super Visa, the applicant must have a host who:

• Is their child or grandchild
• Is a Canadian Citizen or Permanent Resident 
• Is at least 18 years old
• Meets the Minimum Necessary Income (MNI)

• Signs a letter inviting the applicant to Canada which includes a promise of financial support for the duration of their visit.

Applicants must be outside Canada when applying for a Super Visa. They will also be required to have proof of a health insurance policy from either a Canadian insurance company or a company outside Canada approved by IRCC. The health insurance should:

• Be valid for at least 1 year from the date of entry
• Provide a minimum of $100,000 of emergency coverage
• Cover healthcare, hospitalization, and Repatriation  
• Be paid in full instalments with a deposit

Canada Super Visa applications are processed within 20-24 months. 

Which One Should You Pick?

While the Visitor Visa comes with a processing time of just a few weeks, the Super Visa offers a longer duration of stay. If you're looking for a quick way to move to Canada - Visitor Visa is the best option. You can also apply for an extension. But if you're solely looking to bring your Parents and Grandparents to Canada – for a much longer time - Super Visa is your way. 

The process to apply under any of these visa options can sometimes get a bit challenging - especially for first-timers. Considering the complexity, endless documentation, immigration laws, and much more - many Canada Visa applications are rejected. Seek guidance from immigration and visa consultants in Delhi if you're having trouble.