The Super Visa is a well-known choice for Canadian citizens and permanent residents looking to bring their parents or grandparents to Canada for a longer visit. Unlike a standard visitor visa, which usually allows stays of up to six months, the Super Visa offers multiple entries and enables parents and grandparents to remain in Canada for up to five years per visit.

A crucial eligibility requirement for the Super Visa is meeting a designated income threshold. The Canadian government establishes this minimum income level to confirm that sponsors can financially support their visiting relatives. This requirement, known as the Minimum Necessary Income (MNI), is updated annually.

Who Needs to Meet the Income Requirement?

The income requirement applies to the host in Canada, who is the child or grandchild inviting their parent or grandparent. The host must prove they have the financial means to support their visitor’s stay. The invited parent or grandparent is not required to meet any financial criteria themselves.

Understanding the Minimum Necessary Income Requirement

The Minimum Necessary Income (MNI) is a financial threshold set by the Canadian government to determine whether a family has adequate income to support additional household members. This requirement is based on the family size, which includes the host’s dependents, spouse, and the number of parents or grandparents being sponsored under the Super Visa.

As of June 3, 2024, the minimum income thresholds for Super Visa applicants are approximately:

Family Size	Funds you need (in Canadian dollars)
1	$29,380
2	$36,576
3	$44,966
4	$54,594
5	$61,920
6	$69,834
7	$77,750
If more than 7 people, for each additional family member, add	$7,916

 

It’s important to check the official IRCC (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada) website for the most updated figures, as these values are adjusted each year.

How to Prove Your Income for the Super Visa?

To demonstrate that you meet the income requirement, you must provide proof of income through official documents. Some commonly accepted proof of income documents include:

• Notice of Assessment (NOA) from the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) for the most recent tax year.
• T4 or T1 slips from your employer for the last year.
• Letter of employment stating your job title, salary, and length of employment.
• Bank statements showing your financial stability.
• Pay stubs covering several months.

What Happens If You Don’t Meet the Income Requirement?

If you do not meet the minimum income requirement, your Super Visa application may be refused. However, you can explore the following options:

1. Combine Income with a Spouse – If you are married or in a common-law relationship, you can combine your income with your spouse’s to meet the minimum income threshold.
2. Improve Financial Situation – You may wait until your income increases before reapplying.
3. Consider a Visitor Visa – If your parent or grandparent cannot qualify for a Super Visa, they may apply for a regular visitor visa, which has no income requirement but allows shorter stays.

Conclusion

Meeting the minimum income requirement is crucial for a successful Super Visa application. It ensures that the host can financially support their visiting parent or grandparent, reducing the financial burden on Canada’s social services. If you are planning to apply, you can reach out to Saranova Immigration Inc. to represent you for the entire application process.