New Super Visa insurance rules for parents and grandparents
Credit to Author: Canadian Immigrant| Date: Tue, 25 Feb 2025 12:39:15 +0000
Canada’s Super Visa just got more flexible! As of January 28, 2025, parents and grandparents applying for a Canadian Super Visa can now purchase health insurance from non-Canadian providers. This change makes it easier for families to reunite while meeting the Super Visa’s proof of health insurance requirement. Here’s everything you need to know about the updated Super Visa insurance requirements and how they compare to the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP).
What is the Super Visa and who is eligible?
The Super Visa allows parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens and permanent residents to visit their families in Canada for extended periods. With a Super Visa, visitors can stay in Canada for up to five years at a time, with the option to extend their stay by an additional two years. It’s an excellent alternative to the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP), which provides permanent residence but involves a lengthy and uncertain lottery-based application process.
To be eligible for a Super Visa, applicants must have a host who:
- Is their child or grandchild;
- Is a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or registered Indian;
- Is at least 18 years old;
- Meets the minimum income requirements;
- Promises to financially support them during their visit.
Applicants must also:
- Apply from outside Canada;
- Be admissible to Canada;
- Take an immigration medical exam;
- Have health insurance for their entire stay in Canada.
New Super Visa insurance rules for 2025
The updated rules allow applicants to purchase health insurance from non-Canadian providers, expanding their options. Previously, Super Visa applicants could only buy health insurance from Canadian companies. Now, non-Canadian insurers are also eligible if they:
- Are authorized by the Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions (OSFI) under the Insurance Companies Act;
- Appear on the OSFI list of federally regulated financial institutions;
- Issue policies in the course of their business in Canada.
All health insurance plans (Canadian or non-Canadian) must:
- Be valid for at least one year from the date of entry;
- Be fully paid or include a deposit with installment payments;
- Cover healthcare, hospitalization, and repatriation;
- Provide a minimum of $100,000 in healthcare coverage.
How to verify your Super Visa insurance provider
- Check the OSFI List: Make sure the provider is on the OSFI’s list of federally regulated financial institutions.
- Confirm Authorization: Email OSFI to check if the insurer is authorized under Canada’s Insurance Companies Act. Provide as much information about the insurer and your Super Visa requirements as possible.
- Policy Issuance Requirement: Confirm that the insurance policy is issued or made during the course of the provider’s business in Canada. This must be clearly stated on the insurance document.
Super Visa vs. parents and grandparents program (PGP)
Unlike the Super Visa, the PGP offers permanent residence for parents and grandparents but has a limited number of spots and uses a lottery system. This makes the PGP application process competitive and lengthy. In contrast, the Super Visa provides a quicker and more predictable way to bring parents and grandparents to Canada for extended stays.
Frequently Asked Questions about Super Visa health insurance
- Can I buy Super Visa insurance from any foreign company? No, the provider must be authorized by OSFI and meet other eligibility requirements.
- What if my health insurance provider isn’t on the OSFI list? You’ll need to choose another provider that meets the Super Visa requirements.
- Can Super Visa holders apply for permanent residence? No, the Super Visa grants temporary residency. To seek permanent residence, you’ll need to apply through the PGP or other immigration pathways.
Check IRCC’s official website for more details.
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