Super Visa income requirement 2026: the LICO table and how to prove it
By Deepika Minhas, Class L3 RCIC-IRB (CICC licence R706527) · Published November 5, 2026 · Last reviewed November 5, 2026
Quick answer: The child or grandchild who invites a parent or grandparent on a Super Visa must meet a minimum necessary income based on family size. IRCC’s current table (updated July 29, 2025) starts at $30,526 for 1 person and $38,002 for 2 people. Since March 31, 2026, the host can meet it in either of the 2 tax years before applying, or reach at least 75% in the last year and add the visiting parent’s own income.
What is the minimum income for a Super Visa?
This is the table on IRCC’s Super Visa proof of financial support page. Amounts are in Canadian dollars.
| Number of family members | Minimum income the host needs |
|---|---|
| 1 | $30,526 |
| 2 | $38,002 |
| 3 | $46,720 |
| 4 | $56,724 |
| 5 | $64,336 |
| 6 | $72,560 |
| 7 | $80,784 |
| More than 7 | Add $8,224 for each extra person |
Why is it called the LICO table?
IRCC’s 2026 Ministerial Instructions for the Super Visa say the minimum necessary income is based on Statistics Canada’s low income cut-off (LICO) for urban areas of 500,000 people or more, using the most recent edition. That is why the numbers change from time to time. Always check IRCC’s page on the day you apply.
Who counts in the family size?
Count everyone the host is responsible for. IRCC lists:
- you and any other Super Visa applicants the host will support (for example, your spouse or common-law partner);
- the host child or grandchild;
- the host’s spouse or common-law partner (which might include a separated spouse);
- dependent children of the host and of their spouse or partner;
- previously approved Super Visa holders named in another letter of invitation that still applies, signed by the host or their spouse or partner;
- people the host or co-signer sponsored before (or co-signed for) whose sponsorship undertaking is still in effect.
Example: a married host with 2 dependent children who invites both parents is a family of 6. The minimum is $72,560.
What changed on March 31, 2026?
IRCC’s notice of March 20, 2026 announced two new ways to meet the requirement, in effect from March 31, 2026. Applications already in processing are assessed under the new rules, and families who qualified before still qualify.
- Option 1: the host’s total income (with a co-signer’s, if any) meets or exceeds the minimum in either of the 2 tax years before the application is submitted.
- Option 2: the host’s total income in the year before the application was at least 75% of the minimum. The parent or grandparent can add their own income to cover the rest. The combined amount must meet or exceed the minimum.
Can my spouse co-sign to add their income?
Yes. IRCC’s Super Visa forms and documents page says the host’s spouse or common-law partner can co-sign the letter of invitation if they are a Canadian citizen, permanent resident or registered Indian. Their income is then included.
What proof of income does IRCC accept?
For Option 1, IRCC asks for the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) notice of assessment (NOA).
For Option 2, the NOA is preferred. If it isn’t available, IRCC lists other documents, such as:
- T4 or T1 for the last tax year;
- pay stubs for the most recent 12 months;
- an original employer letter with job title, job description and salary;
- bank statements for the last calendar year;
- other proof such as pension statements, or rental property ownership and lease documents.
If the parent or grandparent adds their own income, they must support it with pay stubs, an original employer letter, bank statements or other proof. They must also prove they will keep receiving that income while in Canada, and the document must state the currency.
Is income the only Super Visa requirement?
No. The host must also write and sign a letter of invitation (see our guide to the invitation letter for a visitor visa or Super Visa). The applicant needs private medical insurance (see Super Visa insurance requirements) and a medical exam, and must meet the general visitor conditions. Our Super Visa and visitor visa page explains the full application.
How UW can help
In a paid consultation we count your family size with you, check which income option fits your tax years, and review your documents against IRCC’s current checklist before you submit. IRCC decides all applications and no outcome is guaranteed.
Deepika Minhas is a Class L3 RCIC-IRB, CICC licence R706527. You can check her licence on the College’s public register before you book. Paid consultations are available in English, Punjabi and Hindi, in person in Greater Vancouver or online. Request a consultation.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Super Visa income requirement for 2 people?
$38,002, based on IRCC’s table updated July 29, 2025. Check IRCC’s page on the day you apply, as the table can change.
Do I need to meet the income in the last tax year only?
No. Since March 31, 2026, the host can meet it in either of the 2 tax years before the application is submitted.
Can my parents’ income count toward the Super Visa income?
Yes, under Option 2. If the host earned at least 75% of the minimum in the year before applying, the parent or grandparent can add their own income to cover the rest.
Do my children count in the family size?
Yes. IRCC counts dependent children of the host and of the host’s spouse or partner.
Is the notice of assessment required?
For Option 1, yes. For Option 2, the notice of assessment is preferred, and IRCC lists other documents you can use if it isn’t available.
Sources (checked November 5, 2026)
- IRCC, Super visa: Proof of financial support (date modified 2026-07-06)
- IRCC, Super visa: Who can apply (date modified 2026-07-06)
- IRCC, Super visa: Forms and documents (date modified 2026-07-30)
- IRCC notice, Changes to how the parents and grandparents super visa income requirement is calculated (March 20, 2026)
- IRCC, Ministerial Instructions regarding the Parent and Grandparent Super Visa (2026) (March 31, 2026)
General information only, not legal advice. Immigration rules change; check IRCC’s website or speak with a licensed professional about your situation. IRCC decides all applications. United World Immigration Services Inc. does not guarantee any application outcome.