Since the introduction of the Super Visa program in December 2011, we have helped thousands of Canadian families secure travel insurance to bring their parents and grandparents to Canada. Unfortunately, some of our clients have had their super visa applications rejected, and over the years, we have come to understand common reasons why.

If you’re considering applying for the Parent and Grandparent Super Visa, we have seven reasons why people may have their Super Visa denied and tips to ensure this doesn’t happen to you.

Reason 1: Lack of Host Financial Support in Canada

To be eligible for a Super Visa, applicants must have a host in Canada who can meet the minimum necessary income requirements. The minimum income requirements are based on family size, increasing with each additional family member. 

However, the Super Visa income requirements specifically state that applicants must have a host who “meets or exceeds the minimum necessary income.” If you plan to live in an expensive city like Vancouver, the immigration officer processing your application may want to see an income above the minimum required to show that the host can support you during your stay in Canada.  

If your host anticipates more income in the next year, wait until they have their income tax notice of assessment (NOA) before applying for the Super Visa. 

Reason 2: Lack of Ties to Home Country

The Super Visa is a temporary resident visa, so Super Visa applicants are expected to maintain ties to their home country while in Canada. Maintaining ties to the home country can include keeping the family home, business, employment, close relatives or memberships in religious or cultural organizations. 

If there is no evidence of connection to the home country, it may result in a Super Visa denial. Super Visa applicants should maintain ties with their home country.

Reason 3: Lack of Financial Resources 

In some cases, a Super Visa applicant with no financial resources could be viewed less favourably, for example, if they have no employment, income source, or assets in their home country. Immigration officials may assume that, with no source of income, Super Visa policyholders will find “unofficial work” in Canada during their stay. 

In addition, some Super Visa applicants may choose a high deductible on their Super Visa insurance policy. A high deductible lowers the initial cost of the insurance policy. However, with any deductible amount, the policyholder will have to pay the deductible amount for any medical expenses before the insurance company will pay the rest. In some cases, if a Super Visa applicant purchases a Super Visa insurance policy with a very high deductible, e.g., CAD 10,000, and lacks an income source from their home country, their visa application has been denied.

If you do not have significant financial resources, it may be better to purchase an insurance policy with a lower deductible amount. 

Reason 4: Previous Immigration Violations

If you have previously visited Canada and have any unresolved immigration issues from previous visits to Canada, you may have your visa denied. You should ensure that you do not have any outstanding immigration issues before applying for the visa. 

In addition, the host of the Super Visa applicant should ensure they have a clean record with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). 

Reason 5: Lack of Credibility

In some cases, Super Visa applicants may be required to attend an interview before they receive their Super Visa. 

If the applicant does not present well during the interview, the immigration officer may believe they are not answering questions truthfully. You should prepare for the possibility of an interview and have answers ready for commonly asked questions.  

Reason 6: Lack of Documentation

The Super Visa application is extensive, and supporting documents are required. Submitting an incomplete or incorrect application will, at a minimum, delay your application and, in most cases, cause the application to be rejected.

You should read the instructions carefully to ensure you provide all documentation requested. If necessary, speak to an immigration consultant or lawyer. 

In some cases, it may be better to delay your application until you are fully prepared or consider applying for a different visa.

Reason 7: Insurance Does Not Meet the Minimum Requirements

Super Visa applicants need to apply for the Super Visa with proof of insurance. Insurance for the Super Visa has minimum requirements, such as: 

• Bought from a Canadian insurer (in some cases, the insurance policy can be from a non-Canadian insurance company if it meets multiple conditions), 
• Valid for a minimum of one year from the date of entry to Canada,
• Provide a minimum coverage of CAD 100,000,
• Cover health care, hospitalization and repatriation,
• Be paid in full or in monthly instalments with a paid deposit.

If just one of these insurance requirements is not met, you can expect to have your Super Visa application declined. 

The good news is that here at BestQuote Travel Insurance, all of our Super Visa insurance policy options meet the requirements set by IRCC. Click on the following link to get a Super Visa insurance quote.