Over 50,000 of the popular Parent and Grandparent Super Visas have been issued since its December 2011 launch, the Canadian government has announced.
This multiple-entry visa is valid for up to ten years and provides parents and grandparents with the flexibility of being able to visit family in Canada for up to two years without needing to renew their status. Applications are processed quickly – with over 80 percent of all Super Visa applications processed in under three months.
“Canada has one of the most generous family reunification programs in the world,” said Canada’s Citizenship and Immigration Minister Chris Alexander upon announcing the visa’s 50,000 milestone at the Surrey-Delta Indo Canadian Seniors Centre, in Surrey, BC. “We admit more parents and family members than most other developed countries.”
He continued: “With the Parent and Grandparent Super Visa, eligible parents and grandparents pay fewer status renewal fees and have certainty that they will be able to enjoy the company of their families in Canada for a longer period of time. I’m proud to highlight today’s milestone in support of families.”
With close to 1,200 Super Visas being approved monthly, this remains one of Citizenship and Immigration Canada’s most popular programmes. The majority of Super Visa applicants come from India and China – with Philippine and Pakistan nationals also among the top users of the visa.