The Canadian Super Visa is a good choice to parents and grandparents of the Canadian citizens and permanent residents who want to spend more time with their family. The Super Visa enables a visitor to spend up to five years in Canada every visit as opposed to six months in Canada as indicated in a regular visitor visa, and the maximum duration of the visa is ten years. However, what about the time when you are on your authorized stay and the end of it approaches? That is when you have to extend or renew your Super Visa to be able to remain legally in Canada.

In order to extend or renew your Super Visa, it might be tempting to think that it is a complicated process, however, with the right information, it becomes fairly manageable. This is a full-fledged guide to make you be compliant and not to experience any form of stress that is not necessary.

Extension vs. Renewal: The Difference between the two.

It is important to understand what is meant by extending and renewing your Super Visa before making any application.

In the situation that you are already in Canada and wish to continue staying out of the approved duration of your Super Visa, there is an extension. This can be applied within the country.

Instead, a renewal is applicable in cases where your Super Visa has expired or is about to expire and its validity goes beyond ten years. In that scenario, you need to make another new application of a Super Visa outside of Canada, just like the initial one.

This is because knowing what one best suits your situation will help you not process in the wrong order and will save you time on delays in processing.

When it Becomes Time to Extension.

You are expected to apply within 30 days of your approved period of stay to have your Super Visa extended. Early application will provide Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) with sufficient time to process your application and will leave you in a good position.

When you apply before your visa runs out, you will be given implied status which will enable you to legally stay in Canada as your application is processed. But in case you expire before you apply, you will have to request a restoration of status which is more complex and may lead to delay or refusal.

Documents You’ll Need

In re-applying to the Super Visa you have to demonstrate that you still satisfy all qualifying requirements. Key documents include:

• It would be your proper passport that must not have expired to continue your long stay.

• A letter of invitation by your Canadian child/grandchild, who has updated that he/she will still support you with finances and accommodation.

• Evidence of your host of financial stability, including their most recent Notice of Assessment (NOA), offer of employment, or pay slips, indicating that they satisfy the Low Income Cut-Off (LICO) requirement.

• Evidence of valid medical insurance in Canada, at least to cover 100,000 Canadian dollars in healthcare, hospitalization and repatriation, and must last as long as your extended stay.

One of the most typical causes of application delays or rejections is missing or outdated documents, and therefore, make sure that everything is current.

How to Apply for an Extension

You can apply fastest and easily using your IRCC account. You will have to fill out a form IMM 5708 Application to Change Conditions, Extend My Stay or Remain in Canada as a Visitor, and attach the necessary documents, as well as the processing fee.

After submitting it, you will get an acknowledgment and you can also check the status of your application through internet. Average processing is between 60 and 120 days, according to the work and the location.

Even though paper applications are also welcome, it is slower and there is a high probability of delays. Online application is highly encouraged in order to get timely updates and communication.

Remaining Legal In Processing.

In case your current Super Visa lapses and your extension is under consideration, you have an implied status provided that you had applied before the date when your current visa expired. It means that you are free to remain legally in Canada until a decision is reached. But, within this time, you should not quit Canada; when you do that, the implication you have had will cease.

After the approval, you will be issued with a visitor record which shows your new expiry date of stay authorisation. Store this document securely- it is evidence of your legality in Canada.

The application made in a foreign country to renew your Super Visa.

In case your Super Visa multiple-entry validity is over, you will need to renew it abroad. The renewal process will be like the initial application, you will be required to submit an invitation letter, relationship evidence, financial evidence, and legitimate medical insurance.

Renewals take an average of six to twelve weeks to be processed depending on the country. By coming early, you will not encounter loopholes in your travelling capabilities.

Tips for a Smooth Process

To ensure the application process is smooth, ensure that all your forms are duly duly filled and verify that all your documents are complete and consistent. Make sure that your medical insurance satisfy the requirements of IRCC and that your financial evidence of your host is not old. To save yourself unwarranted delays, it is always possible to apply online, maintain copies of all documents and answer any requests by IRCC immediately.

Conclusion

This is because it is easy to extend or renew your Super Visa in Canada as long as you are planning and remain organized. Submit the application early, have a valid health insurance and ensure that all the documents are up to date and accurate. These steps will help you to spend quality time with your loved ones in Canada without being interrupted. You can be extending your stay or you can be planning to renew, you should have peace of mind and therefore you should be well prepared to guarantee more time to spend with your family.