This is one of the key questions that needs to be addressed, when planning for your parents and grand parents to visit you in Canada. It is hence important to understand the major differences between the two and their requirements to be able to make your decision. 

Let us begin by discussing the nature of these visas and their eligibility requirements.

Visitor Visa

A visitor visa, also called the temporary entry visa is a document that allows foreign nationals to enter Canada. You can invite your parents and grandparents to visit you in Canada on a temporary resident visa if you are a permanent resident or a citizen of Canada. With this type of visa, you must typically include an invitation letter that lists how you would take financial and other responsibility for your visiting family members. This can be a critical document that can help an immigration officer decide on your visitor visa application. A visitor visa can allow your family members to visit and stay with you for up to 6 months. You can also apply for an extension in some cases, if required.

Super Visa

A super visa on the other hand is a multiple entry visa for 10 years, that allows your parents and grandparents to visit and stay with you for up to 2 years without having to leave Canada. This works well if you need your parents support with your young kids at home or simply want to have them close to be able to take care of them. Dependents of parents and grandparents are not eligible for Super Visa. Here the applicant must be invited by a Canadian citizen or a Permanent Resident, who is a child or grandchild and who meets income requirements.

Deciding Questions

While deciding which route you should take, one must consider these questions.

• How long are your parents looking to stay?
• What is the purpose of their visit?
• Do you meet the Minimum Necessary Income for Super Visa?
• Do you have the relevant documents for a super Visa Application?

Answering these questions can help you decide whether a  Super or a visitor visa would be an ideal option for you.  The visitor visa on one hand can be simpler to apply and faster to get, the Super Visa on the other hand requires comprehensive documentation and complex requirements to be met. The purpose of visit, time and money can be the deciding factors.