After you apply
How we process your application and what to do to prepare to arrive in Canada.
On this page
- Processing your super visa application
- If your application is approved
- When you arrive in Canada
- When you enter Canada
- Living in Canada
- If you change your name
Find out what happens after you apply for a super visa.
Processing your super visa application
We’ll check your application to make sure you have all the documents you need and that you paid the fees.
If your application is incomplete, it may be refused.
We may also ask you to
- go to an interview with one of our officials
- send more information
- get a medical exam
- valid medical exams are required for all applicants
- get a police certificate
We’ll tell you what to do if you need to do any of these.
Processing times depend on the visa office and on whether you need to take any extra steps (listed above).
Application status
Use the application status tracker to get updates about your application. To create an account, you’ll need your
If your application is approved
You’ll receive a letter with instructions to submit your passport to a visa application centre (VAC) to receive a visa. You cannot have your visa printed in Canada. If you’re from a visa-exempt country, we’ll 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.
When you arrive in Canada
Identity check
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 1 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 or travel documents. You should also bring the documents you used for your super visa application (opens in a new tab) . Make sure these documents aren’t packed in your luggage.
A valid super visa and travel document (passport, titre de voyage or Certificate of Identity) does not guarantee that you can enter Canada.
Be prepared to show your proof of paid health insurance to a border services officer when you enter Canada.
Accompanying 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.
When you enter Canada
If you pass the identity check and meet the entry requirements, the border services officer will stamp your passport, allowing you to stay in Canada for 5 years.
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
Make sure that your passport and health insurance are valid during your stay in Canada.
Entry requirements
To visit Canada, you’ll need to meet the following basic requirements:
- have a valid travel document, such as a passport
- be in good health
- provide proof of adequate health insurance for a minimum of one year from entry to Canada
- continue to meet the requirements of the super visa
- continue to meet the admissibility requirements
- have no criminal or immigration-related convictions
- convince an immigration officer that you have ties to your home country that will take you back
- examples include: a job, home, financial assets or family
- convince an immigration officer that you’ll leave Canada at the end of your visit
Inadmissibility
Some people are inadmissible. This means they’re not allowed to enter Canada. Some reasons you may be inadmissible to Canada include involvement in:
- criminal activity
- human rights violations
- organized crime
You can also be inadmissible for security, health or financial reasons.
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 its climate, people, government and way of life.
Work or study in Canada
A super visa doesn’t authorize you to work or study in Canada. Most visitors to Canada need a permit to work or study in Canada.
While you’re in Canada and when re-entering
As a super visa holder, you need to
- maintain your health insurance while in Canada
- proof of valid health insurance will be required on re-entry
- make sure your passport is valid while you’re in Canada
If you change your name
If you legally changed your name after you applied for a super visa, you must submit a request to change your name. What you need depends on whether you’re applying to change your name from inside or outside Canada.