Friday, December 28, 2012

The Parent and Grandparent Super Visa and Why it Matters to You



The Parent and Grandparent Super Visa and Why it Matters to You

What is a “CanadianParent and Grandparent Super Visa”? How is it different from other types of visas? In this article, let’s spend a few minutes to discuss Citizenship and Immigration Canada’s (CIC) newest entry in its menu, what it is for and why it matters to you.
CIC introduced the Super Visa, or more formally called a Parent and Grandparent Super Visa, as a new option for future visitors to Canada. Offered since December 2011, applications for this new option are open to either the parents or grandparents of persons who live in Canada or those who have already achieved a Permanent Resident Status. With this, Canadian citizens and permanent residents can reunite with their parents and grandparents without having to deal with piles of paperwork and mind-numbing processing times.


But what exactly is “Super” in a Super Visa?

The answer can be summed up in three words: fewer, longer and faster.
1.       Fewer Renewals
Unlike other temporary visas which require status renewal every 6 months, the Super Visa enables its holders to stay for up to two years before renewing. This way, long-term visitors will not have to worry too much about expiration dates and such. Fewer visits to CIC mean more time to do the more important things in life.
2.       Longer Validity
Introduced in December 2011, these new multiple-entry visas are valid for up to ten years at a time – a much longer period compared to regular single entry and multiple entry visas, most of which are valid for less than a year. Considering the usual time it takes to process visas, this is a welcome relief for those who fear that they may not receive a new visa once their current one expires.
3.       Faster Processing
Super visas are processed about ten times faster than regular visas – you can get one in as short as eight weeks instead of waiting for years and years. The reasoning is simple: regardless of the distance, wanting to be with family members that you miss a lot is a perfectly legitimate cause for travelling to Canada. Moreover, senior citizens may not have the luxury of time, so CIC thought that common sense requires their office to process it at a drastically shorter time frame.

Canada’s booming immigrant population is a great addition to country’s rich cultural, historical, and economic heritage. Every year, thousands of talented and hardworking people enter Canada’s borders in search for a better life. Unfortunately, this new opportunity comes with a steep price: being separated from the loved ones they left behind.

However, with the new Super Visa, you can simply leave all those worries behind. 
Super Visa
One of the main requirements for the Super Visa, is proof of insurance for one year with a minimum coverage of $100,000 from a Canadian insurance company.

To get Super Visa insurance, visit http://www.arbetovinsurance.com/ or call our office at 1-877-211-4301

Wednesday, May 09, 2012

Super Visa is Good News for Many


Those of us with parents oversees can finally rejoice!
The new Super Visa was announced 5 months ago and many Canadians have jumped on the opportunity to invite their parents or grandparents to come visit them in Canada and stay for up to 2 years. The Government of Canada estimates that the time to process Super Visa is about 8 weeks, unlike the previous sponsorship applications, which took over 6 years. Also, unlike the regular visitor’s visa, parents of permanent residents and Canadian citizens receive a 10 year visa and can remain in Canada for up to 2 years at a time, without the need to renew.
In this article, we will try to shed some light and answer some of the common questions about the Super Visa process.


1. How to apply?
In order to apply for the parent and grandparent Super Visa you will need to submit the Application for a Temporary Resident Visa, which can be found online, to a visa office and provide documents to support your application.

2. What documents must be included with the application for the Super Visa?

• A valid travel document
• Two recent passport photographs of each family member. Make sure these photographs meet the requirements
• Application fee ($150 for multiple entry visa or $75 for a single entry visa)
• You must provide proof that your parents/grandparents have enough money for their visit to Canada
• Evidence of the parent or grandparent relationship to the Canadian citizen or permanent resident they wish to visit
• A letter of invitation from the child or grandchild that includes arrangements for care and support and indicates the number of people residing in their household in Canada
• Proof from you that you and your family meet the Low Income Cut-Off
• Proof of private medical insurance for the parents, valid for a minimum of one year from a Canadian insurance company.

5. Do my parents need to undergo a medical examination?
Yes, in order to apply for the Super Visa, they are required to undergo a medical examination. Your visa office will provide you with instructions and a form with your assigned number before you see a designated medical practitioner. Unfortunately, your family doctor cannot do the medical examination.

6. What kind of medical insurance are we required to get for the parents?
You are required to buy medical insurance, from a private Canadian insurance company that will cover health care, hospitalization and repatriation. The insurance has to be valid for one year and provide coverage of at least $100, 000.

7. What is the refund policy for insurance?

-In case the Super Visa gets refused, you can get a full refund from the insurance company.
-If your parents stay in Canada less than one year, you can ask for a refund for the remaining time, assuming there were no claims on file. Some insurance companies charge fees for cancelations, while others do not.

At Arbetov Insurance, we work with 6 different insurance companies and we would be more than happy to assist you by offering you the lowest quotes and provide you with crucial information. Please contact us by calling 604-875-8878 or by email arbetov.office@gmail.com and we will gladly  answer all your questions.