What is Canada's Super Visa?
A Super Visa in Canada allows parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens or permanent residents to visit their family for extended periods, typically up to five years per stay, with multiple entries permitted within a 10-year span.
Understanding Super Visa Processing Time in Canada
The typical processing time in 2025 for Super Visa applications ranges from 8 to 12 weeks, though this can vary depending on several factors. Processing durations depend on the visa office and whether additional steps are required, making it crucial to understand what occurs after your medical examination is completed.
The processing time for the Super Visa in Canada has improved in recent years, as Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has worked to streamline the process. Applicants should still be prepared for possible delays depending on their specific circumstances and the volume of applications at their designated visa office.
The Medical Examination
Medical examinations are a necessary requirement for Super Visa applicants and serve as an important health screening step. Typically, you can check the status of your medical exam results within 30 days of booking your exam when applying as a temporary resident, including Super Visa applicants.
The medical exam must be conducted by an IRCC-approved panel physician in your country of residence. This examination includes various health assessments designed to ensure that applicants do not pose a risk to the health or safety of the Canadian public.
Super Visa Processing Time After Medical Examination
After completing your medical examination, the test reports may take up to a few months to process for Super Visa applications.
The typical processing timeline is as follows:
Immediate Post-Medical Phase (1 - 4 weeks): After your medical examination, the panel physician submits your results electronically to IRCC. During this period, your application status may show 'medical exam completed' or similar language.
Review & Assessment Phase (2 - 8 weeks): IRCC reviews your medical results alongside your complete application. If additional medical documentation is required or if concerns arise, this phase may be extended.
Final Decision Phase (1 - 4 weeks): Once medical clearance is obtained and all other requirements are satisfied, IRCC makes the final decision on your Super Visa application.
Factors Affecting the Super Visa Processing Time
Several aspects can influence the Super Visa processing time after you've completed your medical examination, including:
Application Volume
High seasonal application volumes, particularly before summer months when family visits are most common, can extend processing times. IRCC processes applications in the order they are received, so the timing of submission matters.
Medical Complexity
If your medical examination reveals conditions requiring additional review or specialist opinions, this can add weeks or even months to the processing time. Common issues that may cause delays include abnormal chest X-rays, elevated blood pressure readings, or a history of certain medical conditions.
Completeness of Application
Missing documents or information can cause significant delays. Even after medical completion, IRCC may request additional documentation, which restarts certain aspects of the processing clock.
Country of Application
Different visa offices have varying processing capacities and timelines. Some regions may experience faster processing due to lower application volumes or enhanced processing capabilities.
Tips to Minimize Delays in the Application Process
To avoid extending your super visa processing time after your medical examination, consider these strategies:
- Once requested, schedule and complete your medical examination as quickly as possible. Delays in this step directly impact your overall timeline.
- Ensure your medical examination is conducted by an IRCC-approved panel physician. Results from non-approved physicians will not be accepted and will require you to repeat the process.
- Regularly check your online account for application updates and respond promptly to any requests for additional information or documentation.
- Ensure your mandatory health insurance policy remains valid throughout the processing period and meets all requirements set by the IRCC.
What to Expect During the Waiting Period
While waiting for your Super Visa approval after the medical examination, it is important to keep realistic expectations. The Canadian government usually processes most Super Visa applications within six months. However, in some cases, processing might be longer or shorter depending on various factors.
Communication from IRCC usually happens through your online account rather than direct contact. Avoid making travel plans until you receive final approval, as processing times can vary unexpectedly.
Considerations
IRCC has taken several steps to boost processing efficiency. The temporary public policy for immigration medical exams (IMEs) has been extended until October 5, 2029, offering more flexibility for applicants who may have already completed previous medical examinations.
Additionally, if you completed an IME within five years of submitting your new application, include the IME number (or the unique medical identifier number) from your previous IME in your current application. This can potentially speed up your processing time.
