Canada Opens Doors Wider to Families with Relaxed Super Visa Insurance Rules

Canada has made it easier for parents and grandparents to visit by expanding the health insurance options for Super Visa applicants. Starting January 28, 2025, applicants can use health insurance from non-Canadian providers, as long as those providers meet specific criteria.

Also read- Eligibility criteria to apply for Parents and Grandparents super visa

Key Changes

• Non-Canadian Insurers Allowed: Super Visa applicants can now purchase health insurance from non-Canadian companies. Previously, only Canadian providers were accepted.
• Specific Requirements for Non-Canadian Insurers: The non-Canadian insurer must:
  • Be authorized by the Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions (OSFI) under the Insurance Companies Act to provide accident and sickness insurance.
  • Appear on the OSFI list of federally regulated financial institutions.
  • Issue or make the policy during the course of its insurance business in Canada (the policy must include a statement confirming this).
• Existing Requirements Still Apply: All insurance plans (Canadian or non-Canadian) must:
  • Be valid for at least one year from the entry date.
  • Be paid in full or in installments with a deposit.
  • Cover healthcare, hospitalization, and repatriation.
  • Provide a minimum healthcare coverage of $100,000.
• Proof of Insurance: Super Visa holders must show proof of insurance payment to border services officers upon each entry to Canada.

Also read- Canada Parents and Grandparents program (PGP)

How to Verify a Non-Canadian Provider

• Check the OSFI List: Verify the insurer is on the OSFI's list of federally regulated financial institutions.
• Contact OSFI: Email the OSFI (information@osfi-bsif.gc.ca) to confirm if the provider is authorized under the Insurance Companies Act. Include detailed information about the insurer and your needs. OSFI aims to respond within 15 days.
• Ensure Policy Wording: Confirm with the provider that the policy states it was issued in the course of their business in Canada.

Super Visa Overview

• Purpose: Allows parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens and permanent residents to visit for extended periods (up to 5 years at a time, with a possible 2-year extension).
• Benefits: Faster and more certain than the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) for extended visits.
• Eligibility:
  • The applicant must be outside Canada when applying and have the visa printed outside Canada.
  • The applicant must be admissible to Canada, undergo a medical exam, and have health insurance.
  • The host (child or grandchild) must be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or registered Indian, be at least 18 years old, meet minimum income requirements, and promise financial support.
• Alternatives: Visitors can stay for up to six months without a Super Visa. The PGP is a pathway to permanent residency, but has a lottery system and longer processing times.

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For the latest immigration updates and to apply for a relevant Canadian visa in 2025, contact our Canada migration experts at Toll-Free No. 78-18-000-777 or you can drop us an e-mail at info@visasavenue.com.

- Rajneesh Kumar