Reuniting with your parents in Canada is one of the most emotional milestones for international students, workers, and new permanent residents. Whether you’ve gone to Canada on a study permit or as a skilled worker, having your parents visit can make your transition smoother and more comforting. But a common dilemma many people face is when to apply for the parents’ visitor visa—before leaving India or after settling in Canada. As one of the best immigration services in Panipat, we at Globexa Immigration receive this question almost daily, and this blog is your complete guide to making the right choice for your family.
1. What Is a Parents’ Visitor Visa?
A Parents’ Visitor Visa falls under Canada’s Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) category and is intended for short visits. It typically allows parents or grandparents of Canadian residents or temporary permit holders to visit and stay for up to 6 months at a time. It’s perfect for occasions like graduations, family gatherings, or simply to have loved ones nearby while adjusting to a new life. It is not the same as a Super Visa, which is designed for longer, multiple-year stays. Knowing which visa to apply for can help avoid unnecessary delays and expenses. Our visa counselors in Panipat can guide you in selecting the right option based on your current status in Canada and your family’s travel goals.
2. Applying Before You Land
Applying for your parents’ visitor visa before you even board the plane to Canada may seem like a proactive choice—and in some cases, it is. If you have a confirmed admission to a Canadian institution or a job offer with a valid work permit, you can include those documents in the application. This approach may be suitable if you want your parents to travel with you or shortly after you settle. However, one of the drawbacks is the lack of real-time proof that you are financially and logistically ready to host them. Without a Canadian bank account, pay stubs, or a rental lease, the application may appear weak to immigration officers. That’s why many prefer to wait until they are officially settled in Canada before applying.
3. Applying After You Land
In most cases, applying for a parent’s visitor visa after you’ve arrived in Canada is a safer, more effective option. Once you’re settled, you can provide much stronger supporting documents, such as your lease agreement, job letter, utility bills, and Canadian ID. These significantly improve the credibility of your invitation letter. When immigration officers see proof that you are financially stable, legally present in Canada, and capable of supporting your parents, it increases the chance of visa approval. Also, you’ll be able to help your parents more easily with their application, especially with online submission, biometrics scheduling, and document uploads. That’s why we at Globexa Immigration, often advise our clients to wait and apply from Canada unless there’s an urgent need.
4. The Super Visa Option
If your parents wish to stay for longer periods or visit frequently without applying every time, the Canada Super Visa is the perfect solution. Unlike the regular TRV, the Super Visa allows them to stay up to 5 years at a stretch, with a validity of up to 10 years. However, it has strict requirements such as:
You must be a PR or Canadian citizen.
Your parents need to complete a medical exam.
You must prove that your annual income meets the minimum threshold.
Your parents must have Canadian health insurance that covers at least $100,000 for one year.
This visa is ideal for families planning long-term stays. At Globexa Immigration, we help clients determine which visa type is most suitable, based on income, immigration status, and parental travel history.
5. Required Documents
Regardless of when you apply, your parents will need to submit a standard set of documents. These include:
A valid passport
A well-written letter of invitation from you
Proof of your relationship (like a birth certificate)
Your Canadian status documents (study/work permit, PR card, etc.)
Proof of financial support, such as bank statements or pay stubs
Travel insurance for medical emergencies (mandatory for Super Visa)
Their employment or pension documents to show ties to India
Recent passport-size photos
We also help with document reviews and writing customized letters of invitation that meet IRCC standards. As the best visa counselor in Panipat, we know what details make a difference.
6. The Importance of Showing Strong Ties to India
A major reason for rejection in visitor visa cases is the perceived lack of motivation to return home. Your parents must demonstrate that they have reasons to return to India after their visit. This could be in the form of:
Job or business commitments
Property ownership
Dependent family members living in India
Ongoing financial responsibilities or social ties
The visa officer must be convinced that the visit is temporary and genuine. If this isn’t clear, the application might be refused—even if all other documents are perfect. We help our clients frame these points carefully so they are clearly understood and appreciated by IRCC
7. Visa Processing Times
Visitor visa processing times vary based on the volume of applications, time of year, and your parents’ location. On average, applications submitted from India are processed within 4 to 8 weeks, while Super Visa applications may take 2 to 3 months due to medical checks and insurance verification. That said, delays do happen. That’s why it’s crucial to apply well ahead of any planned travel. At Globexa Immigration, we track your application and stay updated with IRCC so you don’t have to worry about missing important updates.
8. Financial Support Requirements
You can sponsor your parents’ visit as a student, worker, or PR holder—but the requirements differ. Students may need to show GICs, scholarship letters, or part-time job income, while workers and PRs can provide job letters, bank statements, and tax slips. For Super Visa, you’ll need to meet the Low Income Cut-Off (LICO), which changes based on family size. Not sure if you qualify? Our team will do the math for you and help gather the right documents.
9. Why Work With a Consultant?
Even though the visitor visa process may seem simple, many applicants face rejections due to minor errors or incomplete applications. Immigration laws are updated regularly, and online forms can be tricky. Working with a registered immigration consultant, like those at Globexa Immigration, reduces stress, saves time, and increases your chances of success. We ensure everything is properly filled, all documents are aligned, and your case is presented clearly. Our team offers visa services for families, Canada study visa help, and even full application packages for PR and work permits. Whatever your immigration goal, we’re here to guide you.
10. Final Thoughts
So—should you apply for your parents’ visitor visa before or after landing in Canada? If time is on your side, the better choice is usually after you arrive, as it leads to stronger documents, greater credibility, and smoother processing. However, if your parents have strong documentation on their own or there is an urgent reason for travel, applying from India is also a valid route. Either way, preparation is the key to success. With Globexa Immigration by your side, you can trust that every detail will be handled with care and expertise.
