Canada Eases Health Insurance Rules for Super Visa Applicants

Canada is making it easier for parents and grandparents of citizens and permanent residents to visit their loved ones. Starting January 28, 2025, applicants for the Super Visa can now purchase health insurance from non-Canadian providers, removing a significant barrier that previously required insurance to be bought from a Canadian company.

This change aims to increase flexibility and affordability for families seeking long-term visits, allowing them to select from a broader range of insurance providers worldwide.

In this in-depth article, we’ll explore:

• The new eligibility criteria for foreign health insurance providers.
• How to verify whether a non-Canadian insurer qualifies.
• Super Visa requirements and benefits.

Let’s take a closer look at what this update means for applicants and their families.

Expanded Health Insurance Options for Super Visa Applicants

Before this policy change, all Super Visa applicants had to purchase private health insurance from a Canadian provider. While this ensured compliance with Canadian health standards, it also limited options for families seeking more affordable and tailored coverage.

Now, with the inclusion of non-Canadian insurers, families can:

• Compare international health insurance plans.
• Choose from a broader range of coverage options.
• Potentially find more cost-effective policies.

However, not all international insurers automatically qualify. Let’s break down the criteria an insurer must meet.

Eligibility Criteria for Non-Canadian Health Insurance Providers

For a foreign health insurance provider to be accepted under the new rules, it must:

1. Be Recognized by OSFI
   
   • The insurer must be authorized under Canada’s Insurance Companies Act to provide accident and sickness insurance.
   • The provider should be listed under the Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions (OSFI), which regulates financial institutions in Canada.

1. Appear on the OSFI List of Regulated Financial Institutions

1. • This list consists of banks, trust companies, and approved insurance providers operating in Canada.
   • You can verify whether your insurer is on this list by checking OSFI’s official database.

1. Issue or Make the Policy in Canada

1. • The insurance policy must explicitly state that it was issued or made in the course of the company’s insurance business in Canada.
   • This ensures that the policy meets Canada’s regulatory standards and provides adequate coverage for medical emergencies.

📌 Note: Insurance brokers and claims administrators do NOT qualify under this rule. The actual underwriter or insurer must be listed.

Key Requirements for Super Visa Health Insurance

Regardless of whether a health insurance policy is from a Canadian or non-Canadian provider, it must meet the following criteria:

✅ Be valid for at least one year from the date of entry.
✅ Be fully paid or have at least a deposit in place before travel.
✅ Cover healthcare, hospitalization, and repatriation.
✅ Provide a minimum of $100,000 in healthcare coverage.

🔎 Proof of insurance payment is required upon entry to Canada. Border officers may ask to see confirmation that the policy is active.

How to Verify If a Non-Canadian Insurance Provider Qualifies

If you’re considering an international insurance provider for your Super Visa, follow these steps to ensure compliance.

Step 1: Check OSFI’s List of Regulated Financial Institutions

• Visit the OSFI website and look for the latest federally regulated insurance companies list.
• At the time of writing, this includes 79 banks and 41 trust companies, with a growing list of insurers.

Step 2: Confirm Authorization Under the Insurance Companies Act

• If your provider is on OSFI’s list, email OSFI at information@osfi-bsif.gc.ca to confirm their eligibility.
• Provide details about the insurer and ask whether they meet Super Visa requirements.
• OSFI typically responds within 15 business days.

Step 3: Ensure the Policy Meets the “Issued in Canada” Requirement

• Ask the insurer to explicitly state in the policy document that it was issued as part of its business in Canada.
• Without this statement, your policy may be rejected.

Taking these steps can help you avoid complications at the border or during your application process.

Why the Super Visa is a Game-Changer for Family Reunification

The Super Visa is a long-term multiple-entry visa designed for parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens and permanent residents. Unlike regular visitor visas, it offers:

📅 Stays of up to five years per visit—longer than standard visas.
🔄 An extension option of up to two additional years without leaving Canada.
💡 A more predictable process compared to the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP), which relies on a lottery system.

For families looking for a faster and more reliable way to reunite, the Super Visa remains a strong alternative to permanent residency programs.

Who Can Apply for a Super Visa?

To qualify, you must have a host who meets these criteria:

• Must be your child or grandchild.
• Must be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or registered Indian under the Canadian Indian Act.
• Must be at least 18 years old.
• Must meet the minimum income threshold based on family size.
• Must provide a written financial support promise for the duration of your stay.

In addition, you must:

✅ Apply from outside Canada.
✅ Obtain your visa from a visa office outside Canada.
✅ Pass an immigration medical exam.
✅ Be admissible to Canada (i.e., have no criminal record or health risks).
✅ Show proof of health insurance coverage for the duration of your visit.

If you only plan to stay for six months or less, you do not need a Super Visa and can apply for a regular visitor visa instead.

What This Change Means for Future Applicants

This policy update makes the Super Visa even more accessible to families by:

✔️ Expanding insurance options beyond Canadian providers.
✔️ Reducing costs by allowing families to shop for affordable international coverage.
✔️ Providing more flexibility for families with global insurance connections.

With the potential to reduce financial barriers and simplify the application process, this move is expected to increase family reunifications under the Super Visa program.

we explored the recent policy changes that allow Super Visa applicants to purchase health insurance from non-Canadian providers. We also covered how to verify insurer eligibility and the core Super Visa requirements.

We’ll take a deeper look at:

✔️ The full cost breakdown of the Super Visa
✔️ Common mistakes that lead to application rejections
✔️ How to appeal a denied Super Visa
✔️ Top strategies to get approved faster

If you’re planning to bring your parents or grandparents to Canada, this section will help you avoid costly errors and ensure a smooth application process.

How Much Does a Super Visa Cost?

Applying for a Super Visa involves multiple expenses. Below is a breakdown of the costs to help families budget accordingly.

1. Government Fees

• Super Visa Application Fee: $100 CAD per person
• Biometrics Fee: $85 CAD per person ($170 for families)

2. Medical Examination

• Required for all Super Visa applicants.
• Costs range from $200 – $500 CAD, depending on the country and clinic.
• Must be done by a panel physician approved by IRCC.

3. Health Insurance

• Must be valid for at least one year.
• Minimum $100,000 coverage for medical care, hospitalization, and repatriation.
• Costs vary based on:
  
  • Age of the applicant
  • Health condition
  • Duration of stay
  • Insurance provider (Canadian or foreign)
• Estimated annual premiums:
  
  • Ages 45-54: $800 – $1,500 CAD
  • Ages 55-64: $1,200 – $2,000 CAD
  • Ages 65-74: $1,800 – $3,500 CAD
  • Ages 75+: $3,000 – $6,000 CAD

📌 Tip: Compare multiple insurance providers to find the most cost-effective plan that meets Super Visa requirements.

4. Proof of Funds (Minimum Income Requirement)

The host child or grandchild must meet a minimum necessary income (MNI) threshold based on their family size. This ensures they can financially support the visitor.

2025 Super Visa Minimum Income Threshold

🔹 Proof of income can be shown through:

• Notice of Assessment (NOA) from the CRA
• Recent pay stubs
• Employment letter with salary details

Common Mistakes That Can Lead to Super Visa Rejection

Even with strong financial backing and insurance coverage, many applications get rejected due to avoidable mistakes. Here are the most common ones:

1. Incomplete or Incorrect Forms

• Missing or incorrect information on IMM 5257 (Temporary Resident Visa Application).
• Failing to complete the Family Information Form (IMM 5645 or IMM 5707).
• Not signing forms where required.

📌 Fix: Carefully review and double-check all forms before submitting.

2. Insufficient Proof of Financial Support

• Failing to meet the Minimum Necessary Income (MNI).
• Providing outdated or unclear financial documents.
• Not submitting the required Notice of Assessment (NOA) from the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA).

📌 Fix: Submit the latest NOA, pay stubs, and an employment letter to prove income stability.

3. Health Insurance Policy Not Meeting Requirements

• Insurance not valid for a full year.
• Coverage less than $100,000.
• The policy does not clearly state that it covers healthcare, hospitalization, and repatriation.
• Buying insurance from an unapproved provider.

📌 Fix: Ensure the policy meets all requirements and is from an OSFI-approved provider.

4. Weak Travel History or Lack of Ties to Home Country

• Applicants must prove they will return to their home country after the visit.
• Weak ties to home (e.g., no job, property, or family left behind) may raise red flags.

📌 Fix: Show strong ties, such as:
✔️ Proof of employment or business ownership.
✔️ Property ownership documents.
✔️ Family relationships (spouse, children).

5. Criminal or Medical Inadmissibility

• Past criminal records or serious medical conditions may lead to rejection.
• Some medical conditions may make an applicant inadmissible if they pose a health risk or financial burden on Canada’s healthcare system.

📌 Fix:

• Get legal help for criminal records.
• Complete the immigration medical exam with an approved panel physician.

How to Appeal a Super Visa Rejection

If your Super Visa application is denied, you have two options:

1. Submit a New Application

• If the reason for rejection was incomplete documents or missing information, you can fix the mistakes and reapply immediately.

2. Request a Reconsideration or Appeal

• If you believe the decision was unfair, you can request a reconsideration from Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
• If necessary, you can appeal to the Federal Court of Canada for a judicial review.

📌 Tip: If appealing, seek legal advice from an immigration lawyer.

Top Tips to Get Approved Faster

To improve your chances of approval, follow these expert strategies:

✅ Apply Online: Online applications process faster than paper submissions.

✅ Submit a Strong Cover Letter:

• Explain why the visit is important.
• Highlight ties to the home country to reassure IRCC that the applicant will return after their stay.

✅ Provide Additional Proof of Financial Stability:

• Show extra income sources (investments, rental income, etc.).
• Submit a letter of financial support from the host.

✅ Get a High-Quality Insurance Plan:

• Ensure it is from an approved provider and meets all requirements.

✅ Avoid Last-Minute Applications:

• Apply at least 6 months in advance to account for processing delays.

Final Thoughts

The Super Visa is one of the best options for parents and grandparents who want to spend extended time with their families in Canada. With new relaxed health insurance rules, applicants now have more choices when selecting coverage.

By avoiding common mistakes, meeting financial requirements, and submitting complete documentation, families can increase their chances of a fast and successful approval.

If your application is denied, don’t lose hope—there are ways to reapply or appeal the decision.

Need more help? Stay informed with the latest updates on immigration policies to make your Super Visa journey as smooth as possible.