Over the past five years (2020–2024), Canada has admitted approximately 1.6 million immigrants, according to Statista.
This significant migration is due to several factors, including Canada’s family-friendly environment, its multicultural acceptance, low crime rate, stable political system, and others.
However, since 2023, Canada has been rejecting visa applications at a significantly higher rate. Reports indicate that more than 60% of study permits are now being refused, and visitor visas are also facing increased rejection rates.
The Canadian government has tightened its screening procedures, updated policies, and increased background checks – all of which have led to more refusals, especially for temporary residents like students and visitors.
This means that applicants for Super Visas and visitor visas are facing higher rejection rates than ever before. As a visa consultancy based in Qatar, we want to highlight the key differences between the Super Visa and the regular visitor visa, explain the application processes, and discuss how to avoid rejection.
Understanding Canada Visitor Visa and Super Visa
If you live in Qatar and plan to visit Canada, you can choose from two main visas:
- Visitor Visa (Temporary Resident Visa): This visa is for short trips such as tourism, visiting friends or family, or attending events.
- Super Visa: This visa is specially designed for parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens or permanent residents. It allows them to stay in Canada for longer periods without having to renew their visa often.
Both the Visitor Visa and Super Visa allow residents of Qatar to visit Canada. However, they differ slightly in terms of eligibility, application requirements, validity, and more. Our visa consultants in Qatar are here to explain everything to you.
Visitor Visa vs. Super Visa: Key Differences
| Feature | Visitor Visa (Temporary Resident Visa) | Super Visa |
| Purpose | For short visits like tourism, business trips, or seeing family and friends. | For parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens or permanent residents. |
| Duration of Stay | Stay up to 6 months per visit. To stay longer, you must apply for an extension. | Stay up to 5 years at a time (for entries on or after June 22, 2023). You can extend for 2 more years. |
| Validity | Can be valid for multiple entries up to 10 years or until your passport expires. | Multiple-entry visa, valid for up to 10 years. |
| Eligibility | Open to general visitors. You must show ties to your home country and proof of enough funds. | Only for parents or grandparents. Must include an invitation letter, proof of relationship, and financial support from the child or grandchild in Canada (who must meet income requirements). |
| Insurance | Not required, but travel insurance is recommended. | Required. Must have private Canadian medical insurance for at least 1 year, with coverage of at least $100,000. |
| Processing Time | Depends on your visa office and whether extra documents are needed. | Also, it depends on your visa office. It may take a few months, longer if medical exams or extra steps are needed. |
Visa Eligibility for Qatar Residents Visiting Canada
If you live in Qatar and want to visit Canada, you need to meet certain requirements. The rules depend on whether you apply for a Visitor Visa or a Super Visa.
Requirements of the Canada Visitor Visa
To qualify for a Visitor Visa, you must:
- Hold a valid passport for at least six months or for your entire stay in Canada.
- Show your purpose of travel clearly, such as tourism, visiting family or friends, or attending business meetings.
- Prove you have enough funds to cover your trip and expenses while in Canada.
- Show intent to return home by proving strong ties to Qatar, like a job, family, or property.
- Be in good health and, in some cases, take a medical exam.
Eligibility for Canada Super Visa
To qualify for a Super Visa, you must:
- Be a parent or grandparent of a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.
- Have a letter of invitation from your child or grandchild in Canada, confirming they will support you financially.
- Meet financial requirements, where your child or grandchild must show they earn enough income to support you.
- Buy private medical insurance from a Canadian insurance company for at least one year, with a minimum coverage of $100,000 for health care, hospitalization, and emergency return.
- Complete a medical exam as part of the process.
Documents Needed for a Canadian Visitor Visa and Super Visa
Applying for a Canada Visitor Visa or Super Visa requires specific documents, which vary between the two. It’s important to prepare these documents carefully. Here’s a brief overview:
Visitor Visa Documents
- Passport: A valid passport with enough time left before it expires and at least one blank page.
- Application Form (IMM 5257): Completed and signed form for a Temporary Resident Visa.
- Photos: Passport-size photos that meet Canadian requirements.
- Proof of Financial Support: Bank statements, salary slips, and employment letters showing you can cover your trip costs.
- Letter of Explanation: A short letter explaining why you are visiting Canada and confirming you will return home after your trip.
- Family Information Form (IMM 5707): A filled and signed form listing your family details.
- Background Checks: You may be asked for police certificates and a medical exam, depending on your case (Not a mandatory requirement-irrespective of short stay visa, all “C” category, except Immigration visa.)
- Other Documents: If you’re traveling with a child, you may need a letter of consent from the other parent or guardian.
Super Visa Documents
The Super Visa requires all the above Visitor Visa documents, plus some extra documents from your child or grandchild in Canada:
- Invitation Letter: A signed letter from your child or grandchild in Canada promising financial support for your visit.
- Proof of Financial Support: Evidence that your child or grandchild meets Canada’s income requirements. This can include:
- Their latest Notice of Assessment (NOA) from the Canadian tax authority.
- Job letter, pay slips, or bank statements.
- A list of all household members.
- Proof of Relationship: Documents like a birth certificate or baptism record to prove you are the parent or grandparent.
- Medical Insurance: Proof of private medical insurance from a Canadian company (or an approved provider) for at least one year, with coverage of at least $100,000.
Step-by-Step Application Process for a Canada Visitor Visa or Super Visa
Step 1: Choose your visa
Decide if you need a Visitor Visa for a short trip or a Super Visa if you are a parent or grandparent who wants to stay longer.
Step 2: Check the requirements
Read the official IRCC checklist to know which documents you need. This helps you avoid mistakes.
Step 3: Collect your documents
Prepare your passport, photos, proof of funds, travel plan, and required forms (IMM 5257 and IMM 5707). Add a letter of invitation if you apply for a Super Visa.
Step 4: Get host documents (Super Visa only)
Ask your child or grandchild in Canada for a signed invitation, proof of their income (like NOA, pay slips), and a list of their household members.
Step 5: Buy medical insurance (Super Visa only)
Purchase one-year private medical insurance from a Canadian or approved company with at least $100,000 coverage. Keep your policy and receipt.
Step 6: Apply online
Create an IRCC account, fill in your forms, upload your documents, and submit your application online.
Step 7: Pay fees
Pay the visa fee and the biometrics fee online. Keep your receipts for proof.
Step 8: Give biometrics
If required, book an appointment at the Visa Application Centre (VFS) in Doha or another nearby VAC like The Visa Guy. Go on time to give your fingerprints and photo.
Step 9: Take a medical exam (if asked)
Super Visa applicants must take a medical exam with an IRCC-approved doctor. Some Visitor Visa applicants may also need one.
Step 10: Track your application
Log in to your IRCC account to check for updates. If the visa office asks for more documents, send them quickly.
Step 11: Wait for a decision
If approved, Client will drop the physical passport at VFS in Qatar, and it will be forwarded to Abu Dhabi for stamping the visa. Processing time will take 7 working days.
Step 12: Prepare to travel
Carry your passport, visa or approval letter, invitation letter, proof of funds, and insurance (for Super Visa). Show them to the border officer when you arrive.
Step 13: Follow the rules after arrival
Respect the dates given by the border officer. Keep your insurance active while in Canada. If you want to stay longer, apply for an extension before your visa ends.
Conclusion
When you plan your trip to Canada, always make sure your documents are correct and up to date. Keep strong proof of your finances and apply early so you have enough time before your travel date. Double-check the rules and eligibility for the visa you need.
While applying for a Canada visa from Qatar, you might have questions about the key differences between a Canada Visit Visa and an eTA, their requirements, your eligibility, and more. Always seek reliable information to avoid visa rejections.
For the most reliable information, visit the official Canadian visa portal. If you want extra support, reach out to The Visa Guy, a trusted visa service in Qatar that can guide you through the process with ease.
Canada is ready to welcome you, prepare well with The Visa Guy, and your journey will be smooth and stress-free
