On January 28, 2025, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) announced significant changes to the Super Visa program, aimed at making it more accessible for parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens and permanent residents. One of the key modifications is the expansion of acceptable health insurance providers to include certain international companies.
Overview of the Super Visa Program
The Super Visa is a multiple-entry visa that allows parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens and permanent residents to visit Canada for extended periods. Holders can stay for up to five years per visit, with the option to extend their stay while in Canada. This program facilitates family reunification by providing a long-term solution for extended visits without the need to renew status frequently.
Previous Health Insurance Requirements
Prior to the recent changes, Super Visa applicants were required to obtain private health insurance exclusively from Canadian insurance providers. This insurance had to cover healthcare, hospitalization, and repatriation, be valid for at least one year, and provide a minimum coverage of $100,000. These stringent requirements ensured that visitors had adequate coverage during their stay but limited applicants to Canadian insurance options, which could be costly or less familiar to some families.
New Health Insurance Flexibility
Effective January 28, 2025, IRCC now permits Super Visa applicants to purchase health insurance from authorized foreign insurance companies. To qualify, the foreign insurance provider must:
- Be authorized by the Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions (OSFI) to offer accident and sickness insurance in Canada.
- Appear on OSFI’s list of federally regulated financial institutions.
- Issue the policy under the company’s insurance business in Canada.
Applicants can verify the eligibility of a foreign insurance company by consulting the OSFI website.
Implications of the Changes
This policy adjustment aims to:
- Increase Accessibility: By allowing international insurance options, applicants may find more affordable or suitable coverage, reducing financial barriers and making the Super Visa more attainable.
- Enhance Flexibility: Families can choose insurance plans that better align with their specific needs and preferences, potentially securing more comprehensive or culturally familiar coverage.
- Maintain Adequate Coverage: Despite the expanded options, the requirement for valid health insurance remains stringent, ensuring that all Super Visa holders have sufficient coverage during their stay in Canada.
Super Visa holders must ensure their health insurance policy is valid for the duration of their stay in Canada. If the coverage expires before their departure, they are required to renew their health insurance while in Canada. Additionally, private health insurance must be valid for each entry into Canada.
Conclusion
The expansion of acceptable health insurance providers for Super Visa applicants reflects Canada’s commitment to facilitating family reunification while ensuring visitors have adequate health coverage. By permitting policies from authorized international insurers, Canada has made the Super Visa program more accessible and flexible for families wishing to spend extended periods together.
