Overview
Super Visa financial eligibility is mostly about the host’s minimum necessary income, not a tourist-style bank balance alone. Count family size correctly, then match IRCC’s published table and proof options.
Common situations
One parent invited by a single adult child
Family size is often 2 (host + parent). Check the table row for 2 people.
Both parents invited by a couple with children
Family size grows quickly: parents + host + spouse + dependent children. Undercounting is a frequent error.
Income just below the threshold
Review co-signer options and, for applications assessed under the March 31, 2026 rules, Option 2 (75% + applicant income).
Strong recent year, weaker prior year
Under the updated rules, either of the two preceding tax years may be used for Option 1.
Step 1: Calculate family size
Include:
- you and any other Super Visa applicants the host will support (for example a spouse)
- the host child or grandchild
- the host’s spouse or common-law partner (IRCC notes this might include a separated spouse)
- dependent children of the host and of their spouse or common-law partner (include dependents regardless of custody/support arrangements)
- previously approved Super Visa applicants still covered by an applicable invitation signed by the host or the host’s spouse/partner
- previously sponsored individuals whose undertaking is still in effect
Your invitation letter must list the people included in this calculation.
Step 2: Minimum income table (IRCC, updated July 29, 2025)
| Number of family members | Minimum income the host needs (CAN$) |
|---|---|
| 1 | 30,526 |
| 2 | 38,002 |
| 3 | 46,720 |
| 4 | 56,724 |
| 5 | 64,336 |
| 6 | 72,560 |
| 7 | 80,784 |
| Each additional person | +8,224 |
Confirm the live table on IRCC before you apply—amounts can change.
Step 3: Two ways to prove income (IRCC)
Option 1
Show total income (including co-signer, if any) meets or exceeds the minimum in either of the 2 tax years before the application is submitted. Include CRA notice of assessment.
Option 2
Show host/co-signer income in the year before filing was at least 75% of the minimum. Add the applicant’s own income to cover the remaining amount so the combined total meets or exceeds the minimum. IRCC lists acceptable documents for both host and applicant income.
IRCC’s March 20, 2026 notice states applications already in processing or submitted on or after March 31, 2026 are assessed against these updated income criteria.
Tamara can review family size, co-signer income, and which IRCC income option fits your Super Visa file.
Documents commonly used
- CRA notice of assessment (preferred)
- T4 or T1 for the last tax year
- pay stubs for the most recent 12-month period
- employer letter with job title, description, and salary
- Employment Insurance statements
- accountant letter if self-employed
- pension or other income proof
- bank statements where relevant to show income deposits
When to get help
Seek review when family size includes prior sponsorships or active Super Visa invites, when using Option 2 with foreign income, or when co-signer documents are incomplete.
Common mistakes
- Forgetting dependent children or prior Super Visa invitees in the count
- Using visitor-visa bank statements instead of host income proof
- Submitting NOAs that do not meet the table for the true family size
- Promising support in the invitation letter without matching income evidence
- Assuming outdated income rules still apply after March 31, 2026
Related guides
This guide summarizes official IRCC sources listed above. Requirements change. Confirm current rules on Canada.ca before you apply.
Before you apply
- Counted everyone IRCC includes in family size
- Looked up the matching minimum income on IRCC’s table
- Chose Option 1 or Option 2 income proof method
- Gathered CRA notice of assessment and other income docs
- Added co-signer documents if needed
- Matched invitation letter family-size list to the calculation
Frequently asked questions
- What income table does IRCC use?
- IRCC publishes a minimum necessary income table by family size. The amounts shown on the financial-support page were updated July 29, 2025. Always confirm the live table before applying.
- Who is counted in family size?
- Applicants the host will support, the host, the host’s spouse or common-law partner, dependent children, previously approved Super Visa applicants still covered by an applicable invitation, and previously sponsored people whose undertaking is still in effect.
- Can a spouse co-sign for income?
- Yes. IRCC allows the host’s spouse or common-law partner to co-sign the invitation and provide income proof if needed to meet the minimum.
- What changed on March 31, 2026?
- Hosts may meet or exceed the requirement in either of the two tax years before filing, or show at least 75% of the minimum in the prior year and add the visiting parent/grandparent’s income to cover the rest.
- Is Super Visa income the same as visitor visa proof of funds?
- No. Ordinary visitor visas use a flexible enough-money-for-the-stay test. Super Visa uses this published host minimum necessary income framework.
- Is this legal advice?
- No. This guide summarizes official IRCC guidance. Outcomes depend on your full facts and officer assessment.
See also
References
- Proof of financial support (income table)
- Get your documents ready
- Who can apply (Super Visa eligibility)
- Notice: changes to Super Visa income calculation
- Ministerial Instructions (Super Visa 2026)
Note: This guide is general information, not legal advice. Outcomes depend on your facts and IRCC’s assessment. Confirm current rules on Canada.ca before you apply.