Long Term Stay
Long Term Stay
Visitors to Canada are usually granted a stay of up to 6 months in the country. However, in some cases, visitors may wish to stay for a longer period of time. To do so, they must apply for an extension of their stay before their authorized period of stay expires. The application for extension must be made to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) and there are certain eligibility criteria that must be met.
In addition to extensions, there is also the Super Visa program which allows parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens and permanent residents to visit and stay in Canada for up to 2 years at a time without the need for renewal of their status. The Super Visa is a multiple-entry visa that is valid for up to 10 years and allows parents and grandparents to come and go from Canada as many times as they want during the validity period of the visa.
To be eligible for a Super Visa, the applicant must:
- Be the parent or grandparent of a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.
- Be admissible to Canada.
- Provide a written statement from the child or grandchild who is inviting them to Canada that they will provide financial support for the applicant during their stay in Canada.
- Show that they have purchased private medical insurance coverage for at least one year.
The Super Visa program is a popular option for parents and grandparents who wish to spend an extended period of time with their loved ones in Canada. It is important to note that the Super Visa is not an option for those who wish to work or study in Canada, as it is a temporary resident visa and not a work or study permit.