Canada Lowers Income Requirement for Super Visa Family Sponsorship

Starting March 31, 2026, the Canadian government will make it easier for families to bring their parents and grandparents to Canada under the Super Visa program. The new rules will change how the minimum income requirement is calculated, giving families more flexibility in meeting the financial requirements.

Changes to Income Requirements

Under the current Super Visa program, Canadian citizens or permanent residents who want to host their parents or grandparents must prove that they can financially support their guests during their stay. This is done by meeting a minimum income threshold based on their family size.

Previously, the income requirement was calculated based on the host’s income from the year immediately before submitting the application. But starting in 2026, families will have more ways to meet the income requirement.

Two New Ways to Qualify

The government is introducing two new options for meeting the income threshold. The first is an extended income assessment period, which allows hosts and their co-signers to qualify by showing income from either of the two years prior to the application, instead of just the previous year. This change will give families more time to meet the financial requirements.

The second option allows the income of the visiting parent or grandparent to be included in the income calculation. In this case, the host must still meet a minimum percentage of the income threshold, but the guest’s income can help cover the rest. The exact percentage has not been specified yet.

What This Means for Applicants

The Super Visa is a visitor visa that allows parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens or permanent residents to stay in Canada for up to five years at a time, with the possibility of renewing their stay for up to 10 years. The new income rules will apply to all Super Visa applications, both new and in process, starting March 31, 2026.

Families who were already eligible under the old rules will still qualify under the new system. However, if they want to take advantage of the new income calculation options, they must submit the necessary documents proving they meet the new requirements.

The Super Visa vs. the Parents and Grandparents Program

The Super Visa is an alternative to the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP), which is a pathway to permanent residency for parents and grandparents. However, the PGP has not been accepting new sponsorship applications since 2020.

To apply for the Super Visa, hosts must meet specific income requirements, which are based on family size. The family size includes the host, their spouse or common-law partner, any dependent children, and the parent or grandparent applying for the visa.

Proof of Income

To prove they meet the income requirement, hosts can submit various documents, including their most recent notice of assessment from the Canada Revenue Agency, T4 or T1 slips, pay stubs, and letters from employers or accountants confirming their income.

The income requirement for the Super Visa depends on the number of people in the host’s family. For example, a family of four needs to earn at least $56,724. For each additional family member, the host needs to show an extra $8,224.

Super Visa Eligibility

To apply for the Super Visa, parents or grandparents must be outside Canada when submitting their application. They must also meet several conditions, including having private health insurance valid for at least one year, passing an immigration medical exam, and being admissible to Canada.

Canada is making it easier for families to bring parents and grandparents to visit through the Super Visa by adjusting income requirements. Starting in 2026, families will have more ways to meet the financial threshold, including a longer income assessment period and allowing the visitor’s income to be counted. This change makes the process more flexible for families and helps keep loved ones together.