Family Sponsorship vs. Super Visa: Which Option is Right for You?

Canadian Immigration policies show how much they value familial relationships. To do this, they have devised several plans for immigrants to bring or have their families come to Canada. This has transformed the Canadian community’s identity as inclusive and supportive. Many immigrants have benefitted from these plans, as they can make a living in Canada while spending quality time with their families.

These programs help families make a smooth transition and experience Canada. However, making a choice can be challenging. Several factors must be considered before deciding whether they will benefit from a Super Visa or Family Sponsorship.

This blog post covers the pros and cons of both these family-supporting programs, who can benefit from them and how to make a suitable decision.

Family Sponsorship

The Family Sponsorship program allows immigrants already staying in Canada to sponsor a family member. If the sponsorship is approved, the sponsored member receives a PR, which makes them capable of attaining Canadian citizenship.

Eligibility Criteria

For the Sponsor

• The sponsor must have attained citizenship or at least have a PR status.
• They must be an adult of a minimum of 18 years or above.
• They must have enough finances to incur their and their family’s expenses.
• They must sign an official document ensuring they will provide for the sponsored family member’s needs and that they will not seek any social assistance.

For the Sponsored Person

• The sponsored member must be the sponsor’s spouse, children, parent or grandparent.

Family Sponsorship Process

Several factors must be evaluated when sponsoring a family member, which include:

• Checking Eligibility

Specific requirements must be met to confirm the eligibility of the sponsor and sponsored members’ eligibility.

• Filling out and Submitting the Application

The form must be completed carefully, and no particulars must be left empty. Supporting documents must be provided. The sponsor must double-check the information before submitting it. Pay the fees to ensure a successful submission.

• Waiting for a Decision

The wait time for different family sponsorship applications can vary. If the sponsored member is a spouse, processing typically takes less time.

• Approval and PR Status

If the application is approved, the sponsored member is granted PR status, which allows them to live and look for work opportunities in Canada.

Why Consider this Program?

Getting sponsorship can benefit the sponsored member in multiple ways. Understanding the benefits can help you determine your priorities:

• Permanent Residency: The sponsored member is granted a PR, which can help them attain citizenship.
• Full Benefits: Sponsored relatives avail services like healthcare and other benefits available to Canadian residents.
• Long-Term Security: Gaining a PR is a safe option for staying in Canada without the stress of repeatedly going through the visa application process.

Super Visa

The Super Visa is a suitable option for Canadians who want their parents or grandparents to stay with them for an extended period without needing a PR. The visa is valid for 10 years and allows the family member to stay up to two years per visit. 

Eligibility Criteria

For the Applicant

• The applicant must be a parent or grandparent of the host.
• The applicant must get a health checkup to ensure they are generally fit.
• They must have valid health insurance issued by a Canadian firm.

For the Canadian Host

• The host must have a stable income, showing they are financially sound enough to care for their parents or grandparents during their visit.

Super Visa Process

There are several essential steps involved in obtaining a Super Visa, which includes:

• Meeting Income Requirements

The host must have sufficient funds to incur their and their parent’s/grandparent’s expenses.

• Purchasing Medical Insurance

A significant expense must be made in purchasing the applicant’s health insurance from a Canadian insurer.

• Submitting Application

The applicant must provide supporting documents like proof of income and health insurance with the application.

• Approval and Entry

The applicant can make multiple visits to Canada over 10 years without applying for a visitor’s visa. They can stay for a maximum of two years with the host per entry.

Why Consider this Program?

Applicants can plan better whether getting a Super Visa will benefit them if they understand the perks associated with it:

• Long Stay Periods: Parents and grandparents can travel to Canada multiple times and stay for at least two years per visit.
• Renewable Option: The visa can be renewed or reapplied.
• Quick Processing Times: The processing time for a Super Visa is much faster.

Comparing Family Sponsorship and Super Visa

To make an appropriate choice, understanding the key differences between Family Sponsorship and Super Visa is essential:

	Family Sponsorship	Super Visa
Residency Status	Grants PR to the sponsored person, allowing them to attain citizenship in the future.	Does not grant a PR, but allows the family member to enjoy a longer stay with their family.
Length of Stay	After gaining a PR, the sponsored person can stay indefinitely in Canada.	Although temporary, the applicant can stay for up to two years per visit and renew the visa after it expires.
Financial Requirements	The sponsor must prove financial stability but does not have to provide an income margin.	The host must maintain an income margin and prove financial stability. They must also purchase health insurance for the applicant.
Processing Times	The waiting period is much longer, especially for parental sponsorship.	Takes less waiting time, allowing parents to reunite with their families faster.

Drawbacks of Each Option

Family Sponsorship

While there are numerous benefits, the disadvantages must also be considered:

• The processing time can be strenuous.
• Each type of sponsorship has a different waiting period.
• Parental sponsorships take longer to process.
• Only specific family members can be sponsored.
• The sponsorship regulations are strict, and the sponsor must abide by them.

Super Visa

While a super visa benefits families from enjoying quality time with their parents or grandparents, there are several disadvantages of this program:

• The applicant will not be granted a PR.
• They cannot attain Canadian citizenship.
• The health insurance purchase can be costly.
• Compared to other options, a Super Visa may be an expensive choice.

Which Program is Appropriate for You?

Your family’s needs and future goals are essential to determine which program suits you. Ensure evaluating the following factors to determine the right choice for you:

• Permanent vs. Temporary Stay

Your choice may depend on whether your family wants a temporary visit or a permanent settlement in Canada.

• Financial Considerations

You must be able to estimate the expenses involved in both programs. Knowing you have enough funds to meet these expenses can help you make a clear choice.

• Eligibility

Understand who can be sponsored. You can choose depending on which family member you want to be with in Canada.

Common Scenarios and Recommendations

Check these common situations and appropriate recommendations to make a clear decision:

1. For Parents Seeking Extended Visits

Suppose your parents have settled elsewhere and only want to visit Canada temporarily. In that case, the Super Visa can help them enjoy a longer stay without the stress of applying or reapplying for a visitor visa. 

2. For Spouses Seeking Permanent Residency

Only family sponsorship can make this possible for a spouse or common-law partner looking to permanently settle with you in Canada.

3. For Immediate Reunification with Parental Residency Goals

If you are looking for the fastest way to reunite with your parents or grandparents, you can opt for a Super Visa first and later apply for Family Sponsorship to gain a PR.

Conclusion

With the Canadian Immigration system offering attractive pathways for families to reunite, people often can get confused between the options available. This blog extensively explains the Super Visa and Family Sponsorship programs. Both options are designed to serve specific requirements and may suit different situations. Individuals looking to sponsor family members or invite them to stay with you in Canada must understand these programs in detail to make an appropriate decision.

Even after extensive research, immigration procedures in Canada can be tiring. Getting the help of immigration lawyers from Kurzfeld Law Firm is often advisable to avoid delays in application approvals or facing rejections.