How Much Income Is Needed for a Super Visa?
Super Visa for parents and grandparents has specific income requirements based on the minimum income threshold set by IRCC, the total family size, and the financial documents used to demonstrate that the requirement is met. The required income must meet or exceed the official threshold for the applicable family size, and the assessment generally relies on income reported for 1 of the 2 most recent taxation years. Family size must be calculated accurately because it directly determines the required income, and all income must be supported by clear and consistent documentation. Meeting the income requirement is a mandatory part of the application and plays a central role in how the application is assessed.
Super Visa Income Requirement Overview
The Super Visa income requirement is the minimum level of income that must be demonstrated in Canada to support a parent or grandparent during their stay. It is a mandatory part of the application and is used to show that adequate financial support is available for the visitor while in Canada.
This requirement ensures that the visiting parent or grandparent will not need public financial assistance and that the stay will be fully supported by the host.
Why this requirement matters
The Super Visa allows parents and grandparents to stay in Canada for extended periods. Because of the length of stay, immigration authorities require clear evidence that financial support is in place.
Meeting the income requirement is one of the core conditions of the Super Visa. Even if all other parts of the application are complete, the application may be refused if the required income level is not demonstrated.
How the income is assessed
The income requirement is assessed using official income records. The required amount must be met based on income reported to the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA). However, under current rules, the visiting parent or grandparent’s own income may also be used in certain cases, provided it is properly documented and meets IRCC requirements.
Under the current rules, the income requirement can be met in two ways:
- the host (and co-signer, if applicable) meets the required income in one of the two most recent taxation years, or
- the host (and co-signer, if applicable) meets at least 75% of the required income in the most recent taxation year, and the visiting parent or grandparent’s own income can be used to meet the remaining amount, provided it is properly documented.
The assessment focuses on:
- whether the required income level is reached
- whether the income is supported by reliable and verifiable records
What counts as income
For this requirement, the key factor is that the income is officially declared and verifiable. Immigration authorities rely on documented income rather than informal or estimated earnings.
Income may include:
- employment income
- self-employment income
- other taxable income reported to the Canada Revenue Agency
The strength and consistency of the financial evidence play an important role in how the application is assessed.
How the required amount is determined
The required income is not the same for every application. It is based on the total number of people considered under the application, which affects the minimum income threshold that must be met.
As the number of people increases, the required income also increases. The Government of Canada publishes these thresholds annually.
What happens if the requirement is not met
If the required income is not clearly demonstrated, the Super Visa application may be refused.
In practice, refusals often occur when:
- the income shown is below the required threshold
- the financial documentation does not adequately support the amount claimed
- the information provided is incomplete or inconsistent
For this reason, the income requirement is treated as a central eligibility condition and must be clearly established in the application.
Super Visa Income Table
The minimum income required for a Super Visa application depends on the total number of family members counted under the application. IRCC publishes the required income amounts used to assess whether the financial requirement is met.
The figures below show the minimum income required based on family size. The amount must be met or exceeded for the application to satisfy the financial requirement.
| Number of Family Members | Funds You Need (CAD) |
|---|---|
| 1 Person | $30,526 |
| 2 People | $38,002 |
| 3 People | $46,720 |
| 4 People | $56,724 |
| 5 People | $64,336 |
| 6 People | $72,560 |
| 7 People | $82,259 |
| If more than 7 people, for each additional person, add: | $8,224 |
Number of family members
Funds you need (CAD)
1 person
$30,526
2 people
$38,002
3 people
$46,720
4 people
$56,724
5 people
$64,336
6 people
$72,560
7 people
$80,784
If more than 7 people, for each additional person, add:
$8,224
How to Calculate Family Size
Family size refers to the total number of people that must be counted when determining the minimum income required for a Super Visa application.
This number is used to identify the correct income threshold. A higher family size results in a higher required income.
Who must be included
Family size includes all individuals for whom there is financial responsibility under the Super Visa rules, not only those living in the same household.
The following must be counted:
- the host in Canada
- the host’s spouse or common-law partner
- dependent children of the host
- any person previously sponsored by the host or co-signer, if the sponsorship is still in effect
- any parent or grandparent currently being supported under a Super Visa
- the parent or grandparent applying for the new Super Visa
Each of these individuals must be included in the total count.
Counting parents and grandparents
The number of applicants directly affects the family size.
One parent or grandparent → count 1 person
Two parents or grandparents → count 2 people
Both applicants must be included if they are applying together.
Dependent children
Dependent children must be included in the calculation, even if they are not part of the Super Visa application.
This includes children who:
- are financially dependent on the host or their spouse/common-law partner
- must be counted even if they do not live full-time with the host (for example, in shared custody situations)
- must be included regardless of child support arrangements
If the host or co-signer has sponsored someone in the past, that person must still be included if the sponsorship undertaking is still active.
This applies even if:
- the sponsored person no longer lives with the host
- the sponsored person is financially independent
The obligation remains until the sponsorship period ends.
Existing Super Visa holders
If a parent or grandparent is already in Canada on a Super Visa and is still being financially supported, that person must be included in the family size.
Example of family size calculation
A Canadian permanent resident is inviting both parents to Canada.
The situation includes:
- the host
- the host’s spouse
- one dependent child
- both parents applying for the Super Visa
Family size is calculated as follows:
- host → 1
- spouse → 1
- child → 1
- parents → 2
Total family size = 5
The income requirement must therefore meet the threshold for a family of 5.
Proof of Income Documents
Proof of income refers to the official documents that demonstrate the required income has been met. It is not enough to state an income amount — it must be supported by verifiable records. Depending on the situation, this may include the host’s income alone or a combination of the host’s income and the visiting parent or grandparent’s income.
Immigration authorities rely on documented evidence to confirm that the financial requirement is satisfied. The strength and consistency of these documents play an important role in how the application is assessed.
Main documents used to prove income
The most important document for demonstrating income is the Notice of Assessment (NOA) issued by the Canada Revenue Agency.
This document shows:
- total income reported for the taxation year
- confirmation that the income was officially declared
In addition to the NOA, supporting documents may include:
- employment letters confirming position, salary, and duration of employment
- recent pay stubs
- T4 or T1 tax slips
- bank statements showing consistent income deposits
If the visiting parent or grandparent’s income is used, additional documents must show that the income will continue during their stay in Canada and clearly indicate the currency and source.
These documents help confirm that the income is ongoing and consistent.
Employment and income stability
Income is not assessed only based on a single document. The overall financial situation is considered, including whether the income appears stable and reliable.
For employed individuals:
- income should be consistent with employment records
- salary and position should align with the documents provided
For self-employed individuals:
- income must be supported through tax filings and financial records
- consistency over time is important
Combining income with a spouse or partner
If income is combined with a spouse or common-law partner, both individuals must provide proof of their income. In this case, only the host’s spouse or common-law partner can act as a co-signer. Other relatives cannot be used to meet the income requirement.
Each person’s income must be:
- officially declared
- supported with documentation
The combined income must meet or exceed the required threshold.
Common issues with proof of income
Applications may be refused when the financial evidence is not sufficient or does not clearly support the income claimed.
Common issues include:
- missing Notice of Assessment
- income that is below the required threshold
- documents that are inconsistent with each other
- reliance on informal or undocumented income
- incomplete financial records
Clear, consistent, and well-supported documentation is essential.
Important considerations
- Income must be based on official records submitted to the Canada Revenue Agency
- Documents should clearly support the amount being claimed
- Providing multiple supporting documents can strengthen the application
- All information should be consistent across documents
