News Release First Parent and Grandparent Super Visa issued two weeks after launch
Ottawa, December 19, 2011 The first Parent and Grandparent Super Visa has already been issued, Jason Kenney, Minister of Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism announced today.
"We pledged to process the Parent and Grandparent Super Visa in less than eight weeks," the Minister noted. "We've issued the first of the Super Visas in just two weeks and we remain committed to reuniting families through the Super Visa in a timely manner."
The Parent and Grandparent Super Visa was launched as an option for parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens and permanent residents looking to visit their families in Canada for an extended period of time. The process for getting a Super Visa is simple and straightforward. Super Visa seekers use the same application form as applicants for the standard six-month visitor visa. Applicants for the Super Visa must also submit proof that the host child or grandchild meets a minimum income, demonstrate that they have purchased comprehensive Canadian medical insurance and undergo the Immigration Medical Examination.
The first Super Visa was issued at the Canadian mission in Manila on December 14, 2011, only two weeks after CIC began accepting applications.
"With the Super Visa, we have taken a common sense approach that allows parents and grandparents to spend extended periods of time with their loved ones in Canada, while at the same time, acting responsibly in protecting Canadian taxpayers," Minister Kenney added. "I'm pleased that the response to this program has been so positive."
Until the Super Visa was launched on December 1, 2011, visitors to Canada usually could only visit for six months at a time and visitors who wished to stay longer had to apply for extensions and pay a new fee every six months. With the Parent and Grandparent Super Visa, eligible parents and grandparents will pay fewer fees and have greater certainty that they will be able to enjoy the company of their families in Canada for a longer period of time.
Photo of Minister Kenney available at:
http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/department/media/photos/high-res/index.asp?p=10.
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For further information (media only), please contact:
Candice Malcolm
Minister's Office
Citizenship and Immigration Canada
613-954-1064
Media Relations
Communications Branch
Citizenship and Immigration Canada
613-952-1650
CIC-Media-Relations @ cic.gc.ca
Building a stronger Canada: Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) strengthens Canada's economic, social and cultural prosperity, helping ensure Canadian safety and security while managing one of the largest and most generous immigration programs in the world.
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