Parents visiting

Many families want grandparents to visit and help with the children while the parents work. The right visa depends on your status in Canada.

While you have a work permit

Your parents can apply for a visitor visa. IRCC looks at factors such as:

• the purpose of the visit;
• ties to Vietnam (family, work, property);
• funds for the trip;
• whether they will leave Canada at the end of the visit.

Visitor visa fee: CAD 100 per person, maximum CAD 500 for a family of 5 or more applying together. Biometrics may be needed (CAD 85).

Super visa: only once you are a citizen or permanent resident

According to IRCC, a super visa lets parents and grandparents stay up to 5 years at a time, with multiple entries for up to 10 years. The host (child or grandchild) must:

• be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident or registered Indian;
• be 18 or older and live in Canada;
• meet the minimum necessary income;
• write and sign a letter of invitation.

Applicants must have private health insurance valid for at least 1 year from entry and take an immigration medical exam.

So while you are on a work permit, your parents aren't eligible for a super visa. Once you have permanent residence, it becomes an option.

Preparing for the visit

• Buy travel health insurance for your parents: health care in Canada is very expensive without coverage.
• Your invitation letter, a copy of your work permit, proof of the family relationship.
• Respect the permitted length of stay; to stay longer, apply to extend before it expires.

Note Visitors can't work in Canada. Grandparents helping with their own grandchildren is normal family life, but they can't be paid to work for others.