Immigration Corner | Is there an income requirement when applying for a Super Visa?

Dear Miss Powell,

Is there an income requirement when doing an application for a Super Visa? I would like my mom to visit and spend a year with me to give my sister a break from caring for her, and I just want to make sure I can qualify.

– S.A.

Dear S.A,

The Super Visa is one of Canada’s more generous pathways for family reunification, but it comes with a financial requirement that must be carefully met before the door opens.

Income Requirement

There is a clear income requirement. As a child or grandchild inviting your parent or grandparent to Canada, you must show that you meet or exceed the minimum necessary income (MNI) based on your family size. This requirement is set by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada each year and it is not discretionary.

Family size includes yourself, your spouse or partner, your dependent children, anyone else you are financially responsible for, and the parent or grandparent you are inviting. That last addition is where many applicants often miscalculate.

WHAT INCOME YOU ACTUALLY NEED

The income thresholds are tied to Canada’s Low-Income Cut-Off and were most recently updated in July 2025 and could change again soon. The current requirements are as follows:

Family Size Minimum Income Required

1 person $30,526

2 persons $38,002

3 persons $46,720

4 persons $56,724

5 persons $64,336

6 persons $72,560

7 persons $80,784

Each additional person – add $8,224

To put this into context: if you are a household of three and you are inviting your mother, you will be assessed as a family of four. You must therefore demonstrate income of at least $56,724.

This is not a guideline. It is a threshold. If your income falls below it, the application will likely be refused regardless of how strong the rest of your documents may be.

WHAT OFFICERS ARE LOOKING FOR

Meeting the number is necessary, but officers go further. They must be satisfied that you can genuinely support your parent during her stay without reliance on public funds. They will look at whether your income is stable, whether it is supported by your Notice of Assessment from the Canada Revenue Agency, and whether it is consistent with your employment or business activities. Your income will be assessed based on the last two years although the visiting parent may supplement your income as the host.

Other Key Requirements

Meeting the income requirement alone is not enough. A complete Super Visa application must also include a written invitation letter confirming your commitment to support your mother financially during her stay, proof of private medical insurance from a Canadian insurance company valid for at least one year with a minimum coverage of $100,000, and evidence that your mother is admissible to Canada, including medical and background checks.

Purpose of the Visit

Your reason for wanting your mother to come, to spend meaningful time with the family and to give your sister some relief, is entirely understandable. However, the application must still present the visit as temporary, even if it is for an extended period.

You should clearly outline how long she intends to stay, where she will live, how her expenses will be covered, and what ties she maintains to her home country. Even under a Super Visa, the officer must be satisfied that your mother intends to leave Canada at the end of her authorised stay.

A Practical Note

Think of the income requirement as the foundation of the application. If it is solid, everything else can stand. If it is not, the application will not succeed.

Before applying, calculate your family size carefully and compare your income against the most current thresholds published on Canada.ca. If you are unsure whether you qualify, or if your income situation is complex, for example if you are self-employed or have multiple income sources, I would encourage you to consult with a Canadian immigration lawyer before submitting.

Deidre S. Powell is a Canadian lawyer, mediator and author of “Tell me a story Grandma”. Connect with her via www.deidrepowell.com or via Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Telephone/WhatsApp 613-695-8777.