Ultimate Guide on Canada Visitor Visa for Parents

In the diverse world of Canadian immigration, the idea of bringing your parents to join you holds great importance. Whether you are an international student, a temporary worker, a permanent resident, or a Canadian citizen, there are different ways for you to make this happen. 

It’s essential to understand the specific options and requirements based on your immigration status to ensure a successful reunion with your parents. 

How to Get a Visitor Visa for Your Parents as an International Student

For international students in Canada wishing to bring their parents for a visit, the key lies in obtaining a regular Canada Visitor Visa. This involves a step-by-step process:

• Familiarize yourself with the necessary documentation, including a valid passport, proof of financial support, a detailed letter of invitation, and information about enrollment in a Canadian institution. 
• Crafting a sincere letter of invitation is crucial, clearly outlining the purpose and duration of the visit, along with a commitment to providing support. 
• Financial proof, such as bank statements or scholarship details, is essential to demonstrate your parents have enough funds during their stay. 

The application process, conducted online, involves careful scanning and uploading of documents, timely payment of fees, and submission well in advance of the planned visit to allow for processing time. 

After approval, the parents receive a visa on their passport, permitting them to travel to Canada for the specified period. Upon arrival, a brief interview with immigration officials may occur, remind your parents of the importance of having all necessary documents readily available for a smooth entry process.

Can I Bring My Parents as a Temporary Worker?

Before embarking on the journey to bring your parents as temporary workers, it’s crucial to ascertain eligibility. Generally, temporary workers in Canada need to have a valid work permit. 

To bring your parents, you must explore additional requirements, such as the duration of the work permit and the ability to demonstrate financial stability to support the visiting parents during their stay. Understanding these criteria ensures a smoother application process.

To initiate the process, gather the necessary documentation. This typically includes a letter of invitation detailing the purpose and duration of the visit, proof of the temporary worker’s employment status, financial documents demonstrating the ability to support the parents, and details about the worker’s residence in Canada. Ensuring that all documents are accurate and up-to-date is essential for a successful application.

A Super Visa: An Opportunity for Permanent Residents and Canadian Citizens’ Parents.

The Super Visa is a special kind of Canadian visitor visa meant specifically for parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens or permanent residents. What sets it apart from regular visitor visas is the extended stay it offers, allowing visitors to remain in Canada for up to two years without needing to apply for extensions. 

To apply for a Super Visa, you need to show proof of your relationship, including a letter of invitation from your sponsoring child or grandchild, explaining your care plans and details about their household. Additionally, you must demonstrate that you have health insurance from a Canadian provider, valid for at least one year, while your sponsoring family member needs to meet a minimum income requirement based on their family size.

For those who are visa-exempt, meaning they don’t need a regular visitor visa based on their nationality, getting a Super Visa is still advantageous. While visa-exempt visitors usually can stay for up to six months without renewal, the Super Visa allows parents and grandparents to stay in Canada for up to two years at a time. 

The application process is similar for visa-exempt individuals, but successful Super Visa applicants receive a letter authorizing their stay instead of a traditional visa. It’s important to note that even visa-exempt visitors with a Super Visa need to apply for an electronic travel authorization (eTA) when travelling to Canada by air.

For permanent residents or citizens wishing to bring their parents to Canada indefinitely, the Sponsorship Program becomes the avenue to explore. Through sponsorship, individuals can initiate the process of making their parents permanent residents. This route offers the prospect of long-term family reunification, allowing parents to reside in Canada on a more permanent basis. While the Super Visa provides an excellent solution for extended visits, the sponsorship program caters to those desiring a more enduring and stable arrangement for their parents within the Canadian community.

Content Source: Canadim