If you have parents or grandparents living abroad and you want them to visit for an extended stay, Canada’s Super Visa program is likely on your radar. It is a great option, but the application process requires more documentation than a standard visitor visa, and getting those documents right matters.
One area where many families get tripped up is the financial support letter and supporting documents. Here is what you need to know about notarization and why it can strengthen your loved one’s application.
What Is the Super Visa?
The Super Visa is a multi entry visa that allows parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens or permanent residents to stay in Canada for up to five years at a time, with the ability to re enter multiple times over a ten year validity period.
To qualify, the Canadian sponsor (that is you) must show that you meet a minimum income threshold and that you are able to financially support the visitor during their stay.
What Documents Are Typically Required?
While Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) sets out the official requirements, a strong Super Visa application typically includes:
- A written invitation and financial support letter from the Canadian sponsor
- Proof of income such as a Notice of Assessment or employment letter
- Proof of Canadian citizenship or permanent residence
- Private medical insurance for the visitor
- Evidence of the family relationship
The financial support letter is the document most commonly brought to us for notarization, and for good reason.
Why Notarize the Support Letter?
IRCC does not always require notarization, but having your support letter notarized by an Ontario notary adds a layer of credibility to the application. It shows immigration officers that:
- Your identity as the sponsor has been formally verified
- You signed the document voluntarily and understand its contents
- The statements in the letter are made formally, not casually
For families in Pickering, Ajax, and the surrounding GTA, this extra step can make a meaningful difference, especially if the applicant has previously been refused a visa or if there is any complexity in the relationship being demonstrated.
How Is This Different from a Standard Visitor Visa Letter?
A regular visitor visa invitation letter tends to be shorter and less formal. A Super Visa support letter needs to be more detailed. It should clearly state:
- Your full legal name and status in Canada
- Your relationship to the applicant
- Your address and contact information
- A commitment to financially support the visitor
- Confirmation that they will return home after their visit
Because the stakes are higher with a Super Visa (longer stays, more scrutiny), a notarized letter simply carries more weight with immigration authorities.
What to Bring to Your Appointment
Getting your support letter notarized is simple. Bring:
- The completed but unsigned letter
- Valid government issued photo ID
- Any relevant supporting documents your immigration consultant or lawyer recommends
If you are short on time or prefer not to travel to an office, Notable Notary offers remote online notarization for eligible documents. Our mobile notary service is also available across Ajax, Pickering, Whitby, and the broader GTA.
Other Documents That May Need Notarization
Depending on your family’s situation, you may also want to notarize certified copies of documents like your proof of citizenship, income verification, or any affidavits supporting the application. Our general notary services cover all of these.
Ready to Support Your Family’s Visit?
Do not let paperwork stand between you and the people you love. A properly notarized Super Visa support letter is a small but meaningful step toward a successful application.
📞 Call us at (289) 312-6678
💻 Book online at notablenotary.ca/book-now
📧 Email info@notablenotary.ca
Notable Notary is here to guide Ontario families through the Canadian notarization process clearly, efficiently, and without the stress.
