How to get a Super Visa (full step-by-step)
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Every Super Visa applicant needs a Canadian host (their child or grandchild) who meets the Minimum Necessary Income (MNI) — derived from the Low Income Cut-Off (LICO) published by Statistics Canada. IRCC uses this number to confirm the host can financially support the visiting parent or grandparent.
If you don't meet LICO, the Super Visa application is refused — no matter how strong the rest of the file is. This guide covers the exact 2026 thresholds and what counts as valid proof of income.
Why LICO is the make-or-break number
IRCC requires the Canadian host to demonstrate sufficient income to care for the visiting parent(s). "Sufficient" is defined as meeting LICO for the host's existing household plus the visiting parents counted as new household members.
Example: you live in Calgary with your spouse and one child (household of 3). Your two parents are visiting. For LICO purposes, you're now sized as a household of 5 — and your gross annual income must meet the LICO threshold for 5 people.
2026 LICO thresholds (IRCC Minimum Necessary Income)
IRCC publishes updated LICO numbers annually. Projected 2026 thresholds (based on current-year-plus-inflation patterns):
| Household size (host + dependents + visiting parents) | 2026 MNI (gross annual) |
|---|---|
| 1 person | ~$31,200 |
| 2 people | ~$38,900 |
| 3 people | ~$47,800 |
| 4 people | ~$58,100 |
| 5 people | ~$65,900 |
| 6 people | ~$74,300 |
| 7+ people | ~$82,700 + $8,400 per additional person |
Always verify the current LICO figures at the time of application on the Canada.ca IRCC Super Visa page — these are projected 2026 numbers.
How to calculate your household size
Count: yourself + your spouse/common-law partner (if they live with you) + all dependent children (under 22, or 22+ with qualifying disability) + the parents or grandparents you're inviting.
What counts as valid proof of income
IRCC accepts a combination of these documents. The more you provide, the stronger the file:
Primary proof (at least 2 of the last 3 years required)
- CRA Notice of Assessment (NOA) for the last 3 tax years — most important single document
- T4 statements for the most recent tax year
- T4A, T4E, T5007 if any apply (contract work, EI, social assistance — not a problem if disclosed)
Supporting proof
- Employment verification letter (from current employer, on letterhead, with start date, salary, position)
- Recent pay stubs (last 3 months)
- Bank statements for 3-6 months
- For self-employed: business registration, financial statements, accountant's letter, GST returns
If you're paid outside Canada in foreign currency
You can still qualify if you file Canadian tax returns showing worldwide income. Include exchange-rate-adjusted figures on your NOA.
What if your income falls short of LICO?
If you don't meet LICO on paper, the application will be refused. Options:
- Wait a year and reapply. If your income is trending up, the next year's NOA will show it.
- Add a co-signer (spouse) — combined income can be counted if you're both on the invitation.
- Invite only one parent. Household size drops by 1, MNI threshold drops by ~$8,000. Sometimes the difference.
- Strengthen savings narrative. While IRCC technically weighs income (not savings), a strong bank account can occasionally bridge a borderline case.
Using a spouse as co-signer
If you're married or in a common-law relationship, your spouse's income can be combined with yours to meet LICO. Requirements:
- Spouse must be Canadian citizen or PR
- Both spouses must provide their NOAs
- Both sign the invitation letter
- Relationship status must be declared in the application
Other financial considerations
Who pays for the insurance?
Either party can pay — the Super Visa insurance policy must be paid in full (or first month for monthly-pay) before the visa application is submitted, but IRCC doesn't care who wrote the cheque. Most Canadian hosts pay on the applicant's behalf for simplicity.
Can my parents bring their own money?
Yes, and they should. Demonstrating ties to home country — including savings that will remain in the home country — strengthens the application. But the Canadian host's income is what IRCC actually evaluates.
If your income is borderline, or you're a self-employed Calgary resident with less straightforward NOAs, our visa desk can review your financial documents and flag what to strengthen before you submit.
Frequently asked questions
What is the minimum income to sponsor parents on a Super Visa in 2026?
For a host family of 4 (yourself, spouse, 1 child) inviting 2 parents (household total 6), the 2026 MNI is approximately $74,300 CAD gross annual income. For a single host inviting 1 parent (household of 2), the threshold is approximately $38,900 CAD.
Does CERB, CRB, or EI count as income for Super Visa?
Generally no for CERB/CRB (these were emergency benefits and IRCC excludes them). EI is counted but treated as less stable than employment income — you may be asked for additional proof of current employment.
Can I combine my spouse's income for Super Visa sponsorship?
Yes, if your spouse is a Canadian citizen or PR and both of you sign the invitation letter as co-sponsors. Combined gross income is what's evaluated against LICO.
What if I'm self-employed with inconsistent income?
Provide 3 years of NOAs + business registration + financial statements prepared by an accountant. IRCC is stricter on self-employment income; having 3 consistent years above LICO is much better than 2 out of 3.
Can I use savings instead of income to qualify?
Officially no — IRCC evaluates income, not assets. Unofficially, strong savings can support a borderline case but won't rescue an income below LICO. Best strategy if income is borderline: delay one year or add a co-signer.
About the author
Sumeet Singh Maroque
Founder of Wings Travels (Calgary, since 2015). IATA-accredited travel consultant specialising in Super Visa insurance, flights to the Indian subcontinent, and visa guidance. Has handled 5,000+ Calgary family bookings. Speaks English, Punjabi, Hindi, and Urdu.