Visitor Visa for Parents of International Students in Canada
Canada is a popular destination for international students due to its high-quality education system, diverse culture, and welcoming environment.
Many international students studying in Canada often wish to have their parents visit them or want to show them the beauty of the Great White North. Thankfully, Canada offers a visitor visa to the parents of international students, allowing them to stay for up to six months and apply for an extension to stay beyond 6 months. This article will guide you through the process of obtaining a visitor visa for the parents of international students, ensuring they can join you in Canada.
Eligibility Requirements for a Visitor Visa
For parents to be eligible for a Canadian visitor visa (also known as a Temporary Resident Visa or TRV), they must satisfy an immigration officer that they:
- Are genuine visitors who will leave Canada at the end of their authorized stay.
- Have sufficient financial resources to support themselves and any family members during their stay in Canada. This includes covering expenses like airfare, accommodation, and daily living costs.
- Obey the law and have no criminal record. They may be asked to provide a police certificate.
- Are in good health and may be required to complete a medical examination.
- Will not work or study in Canada. A visitor visa does not permit them to engage in these activities. If they wish to study, they must apply for their own study permit.
The most critical requirement is proving “strong ties” to their home country. This demonstrates their intention to return. Strong ties can include:
· Stable employment or a business.
· Property ownership or significant assets.
· Family members (like a spouse or other children) who will remain in the home country.
· A history of complying with the immigration laws of other countries.
Essential Supporting Documents
A successful application is built on strong, verifiable documentation. Your parents should prepare:
· Application Forms: IMM 5257 (Application for Visitor Visa) and IMM 5645 (Family Information Form).
· Valid Passport: Must be valid for the duration of their intended stay.
· Passport-Sized Photographs: As per Canada’s specifications.
· Proof of Financial Support:
· Bank statements from the last 4-6 months.
· Proof of employment or business ownership.
· Property deeds or other asset documentation.
· Travel Itinerary: A rough plan of their trip (optional but recommended).
· Purpose of Visit: A detailed letter of invitation from you, the international student.
Additional Supporting Documents: The Letter of Invitation
As the international student, your role is crucial. A well-crafted letter of invitation can significantly strengthen your parents’ application. Your letter should include:
· Your Full Information: Your full name, address, telephone number in Canada, and your status (a copy of your study permit, passport, and student ID).
· Your Parents’ Information: Their full names, addresses, and dates of birth.
· Details of the Visit: The purpose of the visit (e.g., tourism, family reunion), the planned duration of their stay, and where they will be living.
· Financial Undertaking (if applicable): A clear statement if you will be financially supporting them during their stay. Provide evidence of your ability to do so (e.g., your bank statements, scholarship award letters, or a letter from your employer if you have a work permit).
How to Apply for a Visitor Visa
The application process involves several key steps:
- Determine the Application Method: Most applicants will apply online through the IRCC website. This is faster and allows for easy tracking.
- Create an Online Account: Your parents will need to create an account on the IRCC portal.
- Complete the Forms & Upload Documents: Fill out all required forms digitally and scan all supporting documents.
- Pay the Fees: The current processing fee is $100 CAD per person.
- Submit and Wait for Biometrics Request: After submission, they will receive a instruction letter requesting their biometrics (fingerprints and photo).
- Provide Biometrics: They must visit a Visa Application Centre (VAC) in their home country to provide biometrics.
- Wait for Processing: Processing times vary by country. They can check current times on the IRCC website.
Visitor Visa Stay Extension Beyond 6-Month Period
If your parents wish to stay longer than 6 months, they must apply for an extension at least 30 days before their initial 6-month status expires. This is done by applying for a “Visitor Record.”
· Application: Submit an application to Extend their stay as a visitor (using form IMM 5708) online.
· Fee: The fee to extend is also $100 per person.
· Key Point: They should apply before their current status expires to maintain legal status in Canada.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can my parents get a Super Visa instead of a regular Visitor Visa? A: Yes, the Parent and Grandparent Super Visa is an excellent option as it allows for a single stay of up to 5 years at a time. It requires you (the child) to meet a minimum income threshold and for your parents to have private medical insurance. It is often more suitable for longer visits.
Q: How long does the visitor visa process take? A: Processing times vary significantly depending on the applicant’s country of residence and application volume. Always check the official IRCC website for the most current processing times.
Q: What if my parents’ visa application is refused? A: The refusal letter will cite the specific reasons (e.g., purpose of visit, insufficient funds). You can address these concerns and reapply with a stronger application.
Q: Can my parents travel in and out of Canada with this visa? A: A visitor visa is typically multiple-entry, allowing them to travel in and out of Canada during its validity period.
Let Us Help Reunite Your Family in Canada
Navigating the visitor visa process can be complex, and a refusal can be emotionally difficult. Getting it right the first time is essential.
At Extreme Performance Travel Consult, we specialize in helping international students successfully bring their families to Canada. Our services include:
· Personalized Document Checklist: Tailored to your and your parents’ specific situation.
· Letter of Invitation Review: Ensuring your letter is compelling and meets all IRCC requirements.
· Complete Application Review: We meticulously check every form and document to minimize errors and build a strong case.
· Expert Guidance: Advising you on the best strategy to demonstrate your parents’ strong ties to their home country.
Don’t leave your family reunion to chance. Contact us today to ensure your parents’ visit is filled with joy, not paperwork stress.
📞 Phone: Contact 📧 Email: Info@extremeptravelgh.com 🌐 Website: https://extremeptravelgh.com
📅 Book a consultation today and take the first step toward welcoming your parents to Canada!
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