In a move to facilitate the process for parents and grandparents visiting their families in Canada, Canada’s immigration department has broadened health insurance eligibility requirements for the Super Visa. This change is set to be effective from January 28, 2025, and allows parents and grandparents applying for a Canadian Super Visa to purchase health insurance plans from non-Canadian insurers to fulfill the proof of health insurance requirement. Prior to this reform, Super Visa applicants had to obtain health insurance exclusively from Canadian providers. This newly broadened eligibility aims to make it easier for families to reunite while ensuring adequate health coverage during their stay.
1. Verify That Your Insurer is Acknowledged by the OSFI
To be eligible for a Super Visa under the new regulations, applicants must ensure that their non-Canadian health insurance provider is recognized by the Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions (OSFI). Newcomers should check OSFI’s list of federally regulated financial institutions to confirm that their provider is listed. As of now, OSFI’s list includes 79 banks and 41 trust companies, providing a wide range of options for eligible insurance providers. This is a crucial first step because only those providers that are listed on OSFI’s roster will be able to offer valid health insurance coverage for Super Visa purposes.
It’s recommended that applicants visit the OSFI website to cross-check their provider’s name. Understanding that the updated eligibility list may vary, it’s essential for applicants to stay up-to-date with any changes and ensure their chosen insurance company maintains its status on the OSFI list. Furthermore, having this verification upfront can save time and help streamline the process for acquiring the Super Visa, avoiding any last-minute complications or rejections due to non-compliance. This ensures that health insurance requirements are met effectively, guaranteeing proper healthcare coverage during the duration of their stay in Canada.
2. Confirm If Your Health Insurance Provider Is Permitted Under the Insurance Companies Act to Offer Coverage
The next step involves confirming whether the foreign health insurance provider is authorized under Canada’s Insurance Companies Act to offer the necessary coverage for the Super Visa. This can be done by directly contacting the OSFI. When preparing to reach out, make sure to gather and provide detailed information about the insurance provider and the specific requirements you need to meet. This includes the provider’s name, contact information, and any relevant details that will substantiate your inquiry.
Use the official email address of the OSFI: [email protected]. In the email, specify that you are seeking confirmation regarding the authorization status of your chosen health insurance provider under the Insurance Companies Act. Ensure your inquiry is clear and precise to facilitate a timely and accurate response from the OSFI. Typically, the OSFI aims to provide answers within a maximum of 15 days, which is a reasonable timeframe to plan your next steps accordingly. This confirmation is vital to ensure your insurance provider is compliant with Canadian regulations, securing the validity of your Super Visa application.
Understanding the bureaucratic processes involved in such verifications, it’s prudent to start this step well in advance of your intended travel dates. Being proactive about verifying your insurer’s authorization can help mitigate any last-minute issues that could delay your travel plans or result in complications at the border when entering Canada. This step not only ensures compliance with Canadian laws but also provides peace of mind that the health insurance coverage you have is recognized and accepted by the authorities.
3. Ensure That Your Health Insurance Provider Is Issuing or Making the Policy in the Course of Its Insurance Business in Canada
After verifying that your insurer is recognized by the OSFI and is authorized under the Insurance Companies Act, you need to ensure that your health insurance provider is issuing or making the policy in the course of its insurance business in Canada. This means the policy itself must include a statement that it was issued or made during the provider’s business operations within Canada. This requirement is critical for the health insurance policy to be valid for Super Visa purposes, as it guarantees that the provider has a legitimate presence and operation within the Canadian insurance market.
When discussing this requirement with your insurance provider, clarify upfront that your purpose for buying the policy is to meet the Super Visa health insurance requirements. Inform them that it is essential for the policy document to explicitly state that it was issued or made in the course of their insurance business in Canada. This transparency will help avoid any misunderstandings and ensure that the policy you receive meets all necessary criteria. The statement should be clear and presented on the policy document to avoid any confusion during the visa application process or at border control checks.
It’s beneficial to request a sample or draft of the insurance policy from your provider before making any financial commitment. Reviewing this document can help you identify whether it contains the required statement and covers all stipulated terms, such as validity for at least one year, payment in full or in installments, healthcare, hospitalization, repatriation coverage, and a minimum healthcare coverage of $100,000. This due diligence helps ensure that all specifications are met and that there are no discrepancies that could invalidate the policy when presented to Canadian authorities.
Super Visa General Eligibility and Benefits
The Canadian Super Visa is a valuable option for parents and grandparents wishing to stay with their family members in Canada for extended periods. Unlike regular visitor visas, the Super Visa grants long-term temporary resident status, allowing the visa holders to stay in Canada for up to five years per visit, with the option to extend their stay for an additional two years. This makes it a favorable alternative to the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP), which, due to its limited intake and lengthy processing times, has become a less certain route for family reunification.
To be eligible for a Super Visa, several criteria must be met. The host must be a grandchild or child who is a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or registered Indian, must be at least 18 years old, and meet or exceed the minimum necessary income requirements based on family size. The host must also promise to support the applicant financially for the duration of their visit. These requirements ensure that the visiting parents or grandparents have adequate financial backing and are not solely dependent on public resources during their stay.
Additionally, the applicant must meet several criteria, including being outside of Canada when applying, undergoing an immigration medical exam, having health insurance for the entire duration of their stay, and being admissible to Canada. Moreover, the applicant’s visa must be printed by a visa office outside of Canada. Fulfilling these conditions ensures that the applicant is medically fit and financially secure, thereby upholding the integrity of the Canadian immigration system. If the intention is to visit for six months or less, a standard visitor visa suffices without the need for a Super Visa. However, for extended stays, the Super Visa offers a more viable solution.
Conclusion
In an effort to simplify the visit process for parents and grandparents, Canada’s immigration department has expanded the health insurance eligibility requirements for the Super Visa program. Scheduled to take effect on January 28, 2025, this update allows parent and grandparent applicants for the Canadian Super Visa to purchase health insurance from foreign insurers to meet the health insurance verification criteria. Previously, applicants were required to buy health insurance exclusively from Canadian providers. This change is designed to facilitate family reunification by providing more flexible insurance options while ensuring visitors have adequate health coverage during their stay in Canada. By opening up the range of acceptable insurance providers, this update aims to reduce barriers and make it easier for families to come together, offering peace of mind for those hosting their loved ones. The reform acknowledges the importance of family bonds and aims to support these connections without compromising on necessary health safeguards during their visit to Canada.
