Canada prides itself on its multicultural fabric and strong family values, making family reunification a cornerstone of its immigration policy.¹ For Canadian citizens and permanent residents eager to spend extended periods with their loved ones, the Super Visa for parents and grandparents in Canada offers a unique and highly beneficial option.² This multi-entry temporary resident visa allows eligible parents and grandparents to visit Canada for extended durations.³ A key component of this application is the invitation letter from Canada, a crucial document that provides essential details and financial commitments.⁴ This article will delve into the intricacies of the Super Visa, its requirements, and explain in detail what is an invitation letter from Canada for this specific visa category.⁵

The Super Visa for Parents and Grandparents in Canada: An Overview

The Super Visa for parents and grandparents in Canada is a specialized, long-term multiple-entry visa designed specifically for the parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens and permanent residents.⁶ Unlike a regular visitor visa, which typically grants a stay of up to six months, the Super Visa allows approved applicants to stay in Canada for up to five consecutive years per entry, with the possibility of applying for an extension of up to two years.⁷ It can be valid for up to 10 years, aligning with the validity of the applicant's passport.⁸ This extended stay capability significantly enhances family reunification, allowing for more quality time together without the constant need for visa renewals.⁹

Key Eligibility Requirements for the Super Visa

To qualify for the Super Visa for parents and grandparents in Canada, both the applicant (the parent or grandparent) and the inviter (the child or grandchild in Canada) must meet specific criteria:

For the Applicant (Parent/Grandparent):

1. Relationship: Must be the parent or grandparent of a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident of Canada.¹⁰ Spouses or common-law partners of eligible parents/grandparents can also be included in the same application.¹¹

    

2. Admissibility: Must be admissible to Canada, meaning they are not inadmissible for criminal, security, or health reasons.¹² A mandatory immigration medical examination is required.¹³

    

3. Application from Outside Canada: The application must be submitted from outside Canada.¹⁴

    

4. Ties to Home Country: Must demonstrate strong ties to their home country (e.g., family, property, finances) to convince the visa officer that they will return after their visit.¹⁵

    

5. Canadian Medical Insurance: Must obtain private medical insurance from a Canadian insurance company that:

   • Is valid for at least one year from the date of entry.¹⁶

      

   • Provides a minimum of $100,000 in emergency medical coverage.¹⁷

      

   • Covers healthcare, hospitalization, and repatriation.¹⁸

      

   • Has been paid in full (proof of payment required).

For the Inviter (Child/Grandchild in Canada):

1. Status: Must be a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident of Canada.¹⁹

    

2. Age: Must be 18 years of age or older.²⁰

    

3. Residency: Must be residing in Canada.

4. Financial Capacity: Must meet or exceed the Low Income Cut-Off (LICO) for their family unit size.²¹ This is a critical financial requirement, demonstrating the ability to financially support the visiting parent(s) or grandparent(s) for the duration of their stay.²² Proof of income (e.g., Notice of Assessment, T4/T1, employment letter, pay stubs, bank statements) is required.²³

    

5. Written Financial Support: Must provide a written and signed promise of financial support for the entire duration of the parents' or grandparents' stay.²⁴

    

6. Invitation Letter: Provide a detailed invitation letter from Canada.²⁵

    

What is an Invitation Letter from Canada for a Super Visa?

The invitation letter from Canada is a cornerstone document for any Super Visa application.²⁶ It's not just a polite note; it's a formal declaration to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) that outlines the purpose of the visit, the relationship between the parties, and, crucially for the Super Visa, the financial and accommodation commitments of the inviter.²⁷

For a Super Visa for parents and grandparents in Canada, the invitation letter must be comprehensive and include specific details about both the inviter and the applicant.²⁸ Here’s a breakdown of what an invitation letter from Canada should contain:

Information about the Inviter (Child or Grandchild in Canada):

• Full Name, Date of Birth, Address, and Telephone Number in Canada.²⁹

   

• Proof of Status: State whether they are a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident, and include a photocopy of their proof of status (e.g., Canadian birth certificate, citizenship card, Permanent Resident (PR) card).³⁰

   

• Job Title/Occupation.

• Family Details: Names and dates of birth of their spouse and dependants.³¹

   

• Household Size: The total number of people living in their household, including themselves, their dependants, the Super Visa applicants, and any other individuals they have previously sponsored whose sponsorship undertaking is still in effect.³² This is vital for the LICO calculation.

   

• Financial Commitment: A clear, written, and signed promise of financial support for the parent(s) or grandparent(s) for the entire duration of their visit to Canada.³³ This is where the LICO requirement is demonstrated.

   

• Supporting Financial Documents: A list of attached financial documents (e.g., NOA, T4s, employment letter, bank statements) proving they meet the LICO.³⁴

   

Information about the Applicant (Parent or Grandparent):

• Full Name, Date of Birth, Address, and Telephone Number.³⁵

   

• Relationship to the Inviter: Clearly state "my mother," "my father," "my grandmother," etc.³⁶

   

• Purpose of the Trip: State that the purpose is to visit family under the Super Visa program.³⁷

   

• Intended Length of Stay: Specify the planned duration of each visit (e.g., "for up to 5 years at a time").³⁸

   

• Accommodation in Canada: Where the applicant will stay (e.g., "they will stay with me at my residence located at [inviter's address]").³⁹

   

• Intent to Depart: A statement confirming that the parent(s) or grandparent(s) will return to their home country at the end of their authorized stay.⁴⁰ (While the inviter writes this, it reflects the applicant's intent).

   

General Formatting and Submission Tips:

• Formal Tone: The letter should be formally addressed to "To the Visa Officer, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC)."⁴¹

   

• Date and Signature: Include the date and the inviter's wet signature.

• Notarization: While not always mandatory, getting the letter notarized can add an extra layer of authenticity and is highly recommended.

• Send to Applicant: The inviter must send the original or a clear scanned copy of the signed letter to the parent or grandparent, who will then include it with their Super Visa application package.

Conclusion

The Super Visa for parents and grandparents in Canada is an invaluable tool for Canadian citizens and permanent residents seeking to strengthen family bonds over extended periods. A thorough understanding of its requirements, particularly the critical role of the invitation letter from Canada with its detailed financial and personal commitments, is essential for a successful application. By ensuring all eligibility criteria are met and providing a comprehensive and accurate invitation letter, families can look forward to cherished reunions in Canada. Always consult the official IRCC website for the most current guidelines and processing times.