Super visa (for parents and grandparents): After you apply

After you apply

We process your super visa application

We’ll check your application to make sure you have all the documents you need.

If it’s incomplete, we’ll return your application without processing it.

We may also ask you to:

• go to an interview with our officials in your country
• to send more information
• get a medical exam
• get a police certificate

We’ll tell you what to do if you need to do any of these.

We process most applications in a few weeks or less. Processing times depend on the visa office and if you need to do any extra steps (listed above).

We’ll return your passport and other original documents to you after we process your application. We won’t return original bank statements or any documents we find to be fake.

If your application is approved, the visa will be stamped inside your passport. If you’re from a visa-exempt country, we will issue you a letter to give to a border services officer when you arrive in Canada.

If your application is refused, we’ll send you an explanation.

You arrive in Canada

Identity check

A valid super visa and travel document doesn’t guarantee that you can enter Canada.

When you arrive, we’ll check your identity to make sure that you’re the same person who was approved to travel to Canada.

• If you enter Canada at one of 10 major Canadian airports
  • Your fingerprints will be checked automatically at a primary inspection kiosk.
  • The system will check your identity against the information collected when your application was submitted.
• If you enter Canada at smaller airports and all land ports of entry
  • Your fingerprints may be checked if we refer you to a secondary inspection, where a border services officer will use a fingerprint verification device to check your fingerprints.

Have your documents ready

When you arrive, you’ll be greeted by an officer from the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA).

The officer will ask to see your passport and travel documents. You’ll also have other documents, such as a copy of your medical insurance. Make sure these documents aren’t packed in your luggage. This will speed up your entry into Canada.

A valid super visa and travel document (passport, titre de voyage or Certificate of Identity) does not guarantee that you can enter Canada.

Minor children

Children under 18 must travel with the right documents and meet the same entry requirements as adults. The border services officer may ask minor children to show other documents depending on whether the child is travelling alone or with someone. Find out about the specific requirements for minor children.

You enter Canada

If you pass the identity check and meet the entry requirements, the border services officer may stamp your passport or let you know how long you can stay in Canada. A super visa may allow you to stay in Canada for up to 5 years.

In some cases, the officer may limit or extend your time in Canada to cover the planned purpose of your visit. Ask questions if you are not sure about something.

You won’t be allowed into Canada if you give false or incomplete information. You must convince the officer that:

• you’re eligible for entry into Canada
• you’ll leave Canada at the end of your approved stay

Living in Canada

Canada may be very different from your home country, which means there’s a lot to learn about it before you arrive. Get to know Canada, including climate, people, government and the way of life.

Work or study in Canada

Most visitors to Canada need a permit to work or study in Canada.

If you’re visiting Canada, still have legal status in Canada, and you want to work or study, there are a few options.

For a work permit, you can apply:

• from your home country or another country where you’re lawfully admitted, or
• in person or by mail at the nearest visa application centre (VAC)

Apply for a work permit.

For a study permit, you can apply:

• from your home country or another country where you’re lawfully admitted, or
• in person or by mail at the nearest visa application centre (VAC)

Apply for a study permit.

In some cases, you’re allowed to work or study without a permit. For more information, see:

• Study in Canada – Exceptions
• Work in Canada – Jobs that don’t need a work permit