The Government of Canada has introduced a significant update to the Super Visa program, making it easier for parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens and permanent residents to visit their loved ones for extended periods.
What Has Changed?
Previously, Super Visa applicants were required to obtain medical insurance exclusively from Canadian insurers. This limitation often resulted in higher costs and fewer choices for applicants. With the recent policy change, applicants can now choose insurance coverage from foreign providers that are authorized by Canada’s Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions (OSFI). This ensures that visitors continue to meet the required healthcare coverage standards while enjoying more flexibility and potentially lower costs.
Benefits of the Policy Change
- Increased Accessibility: More insurance options mean greater affordability and ease of obtaining the required coverage.
- Financial Flexibility: Applicants may find more competitive rates from authorized foreign insurers, potentially lowering the financial burden.
- Maintained Protection Standards: Despite the expanded options, the insurance policies must still meet IRCC’s stringent requirements to ensure adequate healthcare coverage during the applicant’s stay in Canada.
Understanding the Super Visa Program
The Super Visa program allows parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens and permanent residents to stay in Canada for up to five years per visit. One of the key eligibility requirements is proof of private medical insurance, which ensures that visitors are covered for healthcare expenses while in Canada.
What Applicants Need to Know
- The insurance policy must provide at least $100,000 in coverage.
- It must be valid for at least one year from the applicant’s date of entry.
- The policy must cover healthcare, hospitalization, and repatriation costs.
How This Change Impacts Applicants
This update allows greater flexibility in selecting an insurance provider while ensuring that visitors continue to receive adequate medical protection during their stay. For many families, this change reduces financial constraints and makes the process of securing a Super Visa more straightforward and affordable.
As more details and a list of authorized foreign insurance providers become available, applicants should verify their chosen insurer’s compliance with OSFI regulations to avoid any complications in their Super Visa application process.
For further updates and assistance with your Super Visa application, feel free to reach out to us!
