Parent and Grandparent Super Visa Begins Today: Parm Gill. M.P.

StarBuzz Weekly, Toronto-Brampton-Sprigndale, Ontario – Today, the Harper Government is excited to announce that the first applications for the Parent and Grandparent Super Visa will be accepted. This initiative is one element of the Phase I of the Action Plan for Faster Family Reunification, which was announced in November.

“The Super Visa will allow applicants to remain in Canada for up to 24 months at a time without having to renew their status,” said Parm Gill, Member of Parliament for Brampton-Springdale. “Our Government is focused on achieving the ambitious goals that we set out last month. We want to reduce the backlog and lengthy wait times for parent and grandparent sponsorship.”

Currently, the processing times through the Family Class indicate that many parents and grandparents could wait for eight years or more to be accepted to Canada. With the introduction of the Super Visa, applicants can enjoy being united with their loved-ones in about eight weeks. This significant reduction in wait time means everything for these families.

Previously, those who wanted to remain in Canada longer than six months would have to pay a fee and apply for an extension. This was clearly not the most suitable method for parents and grandparents – individuals who are a low-risk group. That is why the Harper Government delivered on its promise to reduce wait times – making the process quicker and more efficient.

“The Parent and Grandparent Super Visa will significantly change the process that certain applicants currently go through to come to Canada,” said Parm Gill. “Our Government has worked hard to implement a program that identifies key areas of efficiencies – an initiative that has directly contributed to a massive reduction in wait times.”