First Entry for the Super Visa

Based on our experience, the vast majority of Super Visa holders are granted a two-year stay by CBSA (Canada Border Services Agency) officers upon entering Canada. However, in a few cases, CBSA officers only granted a six-month stay, which can be disappointing for families expecting their parents to stay long-term.

After investing significant effort in preparing application materials, having parents attend visa centers for submission and medical exams, and waiting an average of eight weeks for the PG-1 Super Visa approval, some families were surprised to find that CBSA only granted six months upon arrival—the same as a regular visitor visa.

Why does this happen?

According to an official spokesperson from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC):

• Generally, CBSA officers will grant Super Visa holders a two-year stay.

• In special circumstances, CBSA may adjust the stay based on individual situations, such as:

  • The visitor does not intend to stay for two years

  • The passport is close to expiry

  • A return flight with a fixed date is presented

IRCC provides guidance to CBSA officers before implementing regulations. If the visa holder can fully explain the reasons for a two-year stay and provide supporting documents, CBSA should have no reason to grant a shorter stay.

However, the final decision on the length of stay rests with the CBSA officer. The regulation for Super Visa clearly states: “up to two years”, meaning two years is the maximum, but there is no guarantee that the officer will automatically grant the full period.

How to maximize the chance of obtaining a two-year stay at CBSA:

1. Invitation Letter:

   • When writing the invitation letter, leave flexibility in the visiting period.

   • Avoid stating a short stay like six months. Instead, write:

     • “We hope they can stay in Canada for two years, but returning earlier is fine,”

     • Or simply: “We invite them to stay in Canada for two years.”

2. Prepare a Letter for CBSA Officers:

   • For parents with limited English proficiency, provide a short letter in English explaining:

     • Visit duration, location, and purpose

     • Mention that the intended stay is two years

   • This helps avoid misunderstandings during communication at the border.

3. Do Not Purchase Return Tickets:

   • A return ticket may imply a shorter intended stay.

   • Avoid presenting a return ticket valid within a year if parents plan to stay two years.

4. Present Documents at Entry:

   • Parents should bring:

     • The invitation letter

     • The CBSA explanation letter

     • Proof of medical insurance

   • These should be submitted to the CBSA officer along with the passport.

   • If asked about the duration, parents should confirm two years.

Note:

• If CBSA only stamps the passport without a specified stay, the Super Visa holder can assume a two-year stay.

• For more information, see CIC’s Length of Admissions.

Second Entry for the Super Visa

Some Super Visa holders are granted only a six-month stay on their second entry. Here’s an example:

• Parents stayed in Canada for two years, returned home for nine months, and upon re-entry, CBSA granted only six months.

• The airport CBSA staff explained that stay duration depends on:

  • Leaving Canada less than six months → two-year stay granted upon return

  • Leaving Canada more than six months → only six months granted

  • Leaving more than six months and completing a new medical exam → two-year stay granted

  • Leaving more than six months → six months granted, but after submitting medical results to CIC from within Canada, the stay can be extended to two years

For official medical exam requirements, see CIC Medical Exam for Temporary Residents.

In our experience, some clients received six months, others two years—CBSA officers’ discretion can vary significantly. Luck also plays a role.

We hope this guide helps parents entering Canada on a Super Visa, and that they are able to receive the full two-year stay upon entry.