Financial Requirements For Sponsoring A Family Member To Canada

Sponsoring a loved one to come live with you in Canada is a rewarding journey—but it comes with responsibilities. One of the most important factors is meeting the financial requirements set by the Canadian government. This ensures that sponsors can support the family members they bring in, helping them settle comfortably without relying on public assistance.

If you’re planning to sponsor your spouse, child, parent, or other eligible relatives, it’s essential to understand the financial rules involved. Let’s break it down in simple terms so you can be fully prepared.

Why Financial Requirements Matter

When you sponsor someone to immigrate to Canada, you agree to provide for their basic needs like:

• Food
  
• Shelter
  
• Clothing
  
• Transportation
  
• Medical care not covered by public health services
  

This commitment, known as an "undertaking," helps ensure that newcomers are supported as they begin life in a new country. Meeting the financial requirements shows you can take care of your family member without them needing social assistance.

Who Needs To Meet Financial Requirements?

Not all sponsorships require income checks. It depends on who you’re sponsoring.

a) Spouse, Common-law Partner, or Dependent Child

• In most cases, there’s no minimum income requirement for sponsoring a spouse or dependent child.
  
• However, you must not be receiving social assistance, and you must prove you can financially support them once they arrive.
  

b) Parents and Grandparents

• These cases have stricter rules.
  
• Sponsors must meet or exceed a Minimum Necessary Income (MNI) level for each of the last three years before applying.
  
• You also need to provide proof of income through tax documents (Notice of Assessment).
  

c) Other Relatives (like orphaned siblings, nieces/nephews, etc.)

• These cases are rare and allowed under specific conditions.
  
• Financial proof is typically required and is similar to that of parent/grandparent sponsorships.
  

How Is The Minimum Income Calculated?

The MNI is based on:

• Family size (including yourself, your dependents, and the people you want to sponsor)
  
• Low Income Cut-Off (LICO) figures—an income threshold updated yearly
  

The more people you support, the more income you need to show.

Example:
If your family includes you, your spouse, and two children, and you want to sponsor two parents, your financial requirement will be calculated based on a household of six people.

What Income Counts?

To prove you meet the financial requirement, the following income sources may be considered:

• Employment income
  
• Self-employment income
  
• Pension
  
• Rental income
  
• Investment income
  
• Certain government benefits
  

You’ll need to provide official proof of income such as:

• Notices of Assessment from the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA)
  
• Employment letters or contracts
  
• Pay stubs (if self-employed, proof of business income)
  

What Is The Undertaking Period?

When you sponsor a family member, you sign a legal agreement with the government to support them financially for a specific period. This is called the undertaking period.

The duration varies by the relationship:

• Spouse or partner: 3 years
  
• Dependent child (under 22): 10 years or until they turn 25 (whichever comes first)
  
• Parents/grandparents: 20 years
  
• Other relatives: Varies depending on the case
  

During this time, if the sponsored person receives social assistance, you may have to repay the government.

What If You Don’t Meet The Financial Requirements?

If you don’t meet the required income:

• You cannot sponsor parents or grandparents at this time.
  
• For a spouse or child, you may still be eligible, but a careful assessment of your financial situation will be done.
  

If you're close to meeting the income limit:

• You may wait another year and improve your financial standing before reapplying.
  
• Consider combining income with a co-signer (usually your spouse or common-law partner), if allowed.
  

Tips To Prepare Financially

1. Organize Your Documents Early
   
   • Gather your last three years of tax returns.
     
   • Keep employment records and pay stubs ready.
     
2. Reduce Debts
   
   • High debt can impact how your financial situation is viewed.
     
3. Budget for Additional Costs
   
   • Aside from proving income, you'll also pay processing fees, biometrics fees, and possibly medical exams for the sponsored person.
     
4. Stay Employed and File Taxes on Time
   
   • These simple steps help build a strong application.
     
5. Don’t Rely on Savings Alone
   
   • Your ability to generate steady income matters more than one-time savings.
     

Final Thoughts

Bringing family together is one of the most beautiful aspects of Canadian immigration. While the financial requirements may seem complex, they’re designed to ensure that newcomers are well cared for.

By understanding how income is calculated, who qualifies, and what documents are needed, you can confidently plan your sponsorship journey. Whether you're looking to reunite with your spouse, welcome your parents, or sponsor other relatives, preparing early and meeting the financial standards is the key to a smooth application process.

If you're unsure about your eligibility or how to calculate your required income, consider reviewing your documents closely or speaking with a regulated immigration professional to ensure you're on the right track.

Bringing your loved ones to Canada is possible—and with a solid financial foundation, you’ll be one step closer to making it a reality.