Canada Raises Financial Standards for Hosting Parents and Grandparents

New Income Requirements for Canada’s Super Visa Program: What You Need to Know

As of July 29, 2023, Canada has raised the income thresholds for citizens and permanent residents wishing to host their parents or grandparents under the Super Visa program. This change significantly impacts the financial criteria that potential sponsors must meet, making it more challenging for many families to bring their loved ones to Canada.

Key Changes to Income Requirements

The new income requirements for the Super Visa program are structured based on family size, with the following minimum gross income levels:

• 1 person (sponsor): $30,526 (up from $29,380 in 2024)
• 2 persons: $38,002 (up from $36,576)
• 3 persons: $46,720 (up from $44,966)
• 4 persons: $56,724 (up from $54,594)
• 5 persons: $64,336 (up from $61,920)
• 6 persons: $72,560 (up from $69,834)
• 7 persons: $80,784 (up from $77,750)
• Each additional person: $8,224 (up from $7,916)

These income thresholds have increased by 3.9% and are based on the federal government’s Low-Income Cut-Off (LICO) criteria, which are adjusted annually.

Determining Family Size

Calculating the number of individuals in a household is crucial for sponsors. The family size includes:

• The sponsor
• The sponsor’s spouse or common-law partner
• Dependent children
• Any super visa applicants
• Previously sponsored individuals still under the sponsorship obligation

This means that even if a sponsor has a complex family situation—such as shared custody or previous sponsorship obligations—each family member must be counted, potentially raising the income requirement significantly.

Real-World Examples

To illustrate how these rules apply, consider the following examples:

1. Maria: A divorced mother with two dependent children wants to invite her parents. She counts herself, her parents, and her children, totaling five family members, which requires an income of $64,336.

2. Arjun: A married man with a dependent child and a grandmother to invite must include his spouse and their child, as well as his in-laws already in Canada, totaling six family members, which requires an income of $72,560.

3. Chinonso: A divorced father with one child who wants to host both parents must include his former in-laws from a previous sponsorship, leading to a total of seven family members and an income requirement of $80,784.

Proof of Income

Sponsors must provide documentation to verify their income, including recent tax assessments, pay stubs, and employment letters, among other forms of evidence.

Comparing Super Visa and Parents and Grandparents Program

It’s essential to differentiate between the Super Visa program and the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP). The PGP offers permanent residence, allowing beneficiaries to live and work in Canada indefinitely, while the Super Visa allows for extended visitor status without work or study permissions. The PGP operates on a lottery system, while the Super Visa is accessible year-round.

Conclusion: Navigating the New Requirements

The increased income thresholds for the Super Visa program pose a substantial hurdle for families wishing to reunite with their parents or grandparents. This change may limit opportunities for many potential sponsors, particularly those from lower-income backgrounds. As the cost of living continues to rise, these adjustments highlight the need for prospective sponsors to carefully evaluate their financial situations and seek professional advice if necessary.

Staying informed about these changes is crucial for families looking to navigate the complexities of immigration policies in Canada effectively.