For many Chinese in Canada, one of the most important things to do is to be reunited with their parents or grandparents in Canada.
In May, a new bill was introduced to Parliament requiring the Canadian government to reform the existing "super visa" to extend the length of time "super visa" holders can stay in Canada.
Unexpectedly, this bill was officially introduced in less than a month!
CIC News : Ircc has just announced major reforms to the Parent and Grandparent Super Visa, effective July 4, 2022.
The length of stay of super visa holders per entry into Canada will be increased to five years.
People currently holding a Super Visa can also choose to request an extension of their stay for up to two years while in Canada.
This means that current super visa holders can now stay in Canada for up to seven consecutive years.
The Minister of Immigration Canada will have the authority to designate international health insurance companies to provide coverage for super visa applicants in the future.
Currently, super visa holders can stay in Canada for up to two years per entry. A super visa is a multiple-entry visa that is valid for up to 10 years.
Starting July 4, this period will be extended to 5 years, with an additional 2 years if necessary.
Super visas are more convenient than regular visas, which typically stay for 6 months or less.
According to IRCC, Canada issues approximately 17,000 super visas each year.
For more than a decade, the Super Visa has been used as an alternative to the Parent and Grandparent Reunion Immigration Program (PGP).
The PGP Parent Reunification Program provides permanent residency, and the elderly's medical care will be more secure, but because it is very popular, the demand for annual sponsored parent immigration far exceeds the available quota.
Currently, only Canadian insurance providers can provide the medical insurance that super visa applicants must have. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) said it would release more details later.
In recent years, the Immigration Department IRCC has also temporarily opened up the opportunity for letters of intent for PGP, saying there are no updates on the 2022 Parent Reunification Immigration Plan.
Therefore, the Super Visa is for applicants who have passed a medical examination and have proof of private insurance. This way, super visa holders can access emergency health care in Canada without having to pay the Canadian taxpayer.
In addition, children or grandchildren applying for a super visa for their parents or grandparents must meet the minimum income requirements.
Canadian Immigration Minister Sean Fraser once said: "The family is the core of Canadian society. Improvements to the Super Visa Program allow family members to be reunited in Canada for longer periods of time, which helps Canadian citizens and permanent residents succeed and contribute to society, while providing valuable opportunities for their parents and grandparents to spend time with their families in Canada. ”
(The picture in the text is from the Internet)