Can Parents Work on Super Visas in Canada?

Canada has many foreigners working here, and many have obtained permanent residence. The Canadian government believes in family unification, and thus, it has introduced a Super Visa for parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens and permanent residents.

This visa has facilitated the integration of many families under one roof, but since the Super Visa allows a 5-year stay at a stretch, the question often arises whether parents can work on their Super Visa in Canada.

If you are looking for an answer, you will find it here in this blog.

Super Visa Vs. Other Options

Here are some major differences between the Super Visa and other visas that you should know before moving forward.

Comparison With Regular Visitor Visas

A Super Visa grants the parents the right to stay in Canada for an extended period, and also allows multiple entries on the same visa. On the other hand, a visitor visa is only valid for six months.

Difference Between Super Visa and Permanent Residency Options

The permanent residency option allows residents to live, work, and study in Canada. However, the Super Visa is an extended version of the tourist visa that does not allow citizens to work or study in Canada. Also, it is designed especially for parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens and permanent residents.

Pros and Cons of Super Visa

Here are the pros and cons of Super Visa:

Pros

• It is a great option for family reunification.
• You enjoy multiple entry privileges, which are not available with visitor visas.
• It is a better option than permanent residency, considering the latter is time-consuming.

Cons

• It is only eligible for the parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens and permanent residents, not other family members.
• One cannot obtain public healthcare in Canada on a Super Visa. The visa holders must buy a Super Visa Insurance before applying.
• Not a way to obtain permanent residency in Canada.

Work Eligibility Under Super Visa

The primary purpose of the Super Visa is to reunite families, not to give them rights equal to those of Canadian citizens. It is only to allow parents and grandparents to spend time with their extended family and not obtain a work permit.

Also, the legal status of the Super Visa holders is temporary. Thus, they are not eligible for public healthcare coverage or the right to study or work in Canada unless they obtain the necessary permits.

The restriction on working is imposed because it would distort the visa’s purpose and increase competition in the Canadian labour market.

Activities Allowed for Super Visa Holders

• Wondering what the Super Visa Holders can and cannot do? Here is the answer.
  They can visit their families.
• They can explore the tourist sites in Canada and enjoy recreational activities.
• They can participate in short-term non-credit courses or personal development activities.

Alternatives for Parents Wanting to Work in Canada

Super Visa holders have certain options if they wish to work in Canada. Check these out:

Temporary Work Permit

A temporary work permit is for those who have applied for permanent residency and want to work while it is being processed. The question that often arises is whether a super visa holder can apply for a work permit.

The answer is- yes, Super Visa holders who have applied for PR can apply for a work permit.

Applying for Permanent Residency

To become eligible for working in Canada, one must apply for the PR through family sponsorship, allowing individuals to apply for permanent resident status and eventually enjoy employment opportunities in Canada.

Other Visa Categories to Work in Canada

If an individual has a work contract with a Canadian employer who has already obtained an LMIA, then the individual can work in Canada under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program.

Steps to Transition from Super Visa to Work Permit

Wondering how to convert a Super Visa to a work permit? Read on to get the answer.
The steps to make the transition from a Super Visa to a work permit are not as easy going as they may sound. One must be eligible for the same.

The first step is to identify the eligibility criteria as defined by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). IRCC has defined multiple criteria, including required educational qualification, work experience, language proficiency, and others. You can find the application for the same on Canada.ca.

If you need any help, Safe Insure is here for you.

Possible Pathways to Permanent Residency for Parents and Grandparents.

Not many options are available for parents and grandparents.

The most common way for parents and grandparents to obtain permanent residency is the Family Sponsorship Program where individuals can sponsor their family members. However, it is a difficult process, as the competition is very tough.

The Express Entry System is another way of obtaining permanent residency. It is a point-based immigration system. Parents and grandparents applying for it must qualify for the visa based on their skills, work experience, education, and other factors.

Stay Safe with Safe Insure

It is clear that parents and grandparents cannot work on a Super Visa in Canada. To make their stay more comfortable in the country, it is advised that you buy Super Visa Insurance, which is a prerequisite for the Super Visa. Since the temporary residents are not eligible for public healthcare, this insurance becomes even more necessary.

At Safe Insure, we believe in securing your and your elder one’s health. Thus, we are determined to assist you in investing in the best insurance policies.

For more information, contact us and get a free quote now!

Frequently Asked Questions