This tool counts the family size IRCC uses for the parent and grandparent super visa and shows the minimum necessary income the host must prove. The table and rules come from IRCC's page "Super visa for parents and grandparents: Proof of financial support" (page last modified July 6, 2026, with the income table headed "Updated July 29, 2025") and IRCC's notice of March 20, 2026, all opened on October 18, 2026. Since March 31, 2026 a host can use either of two income options, and the tool tests both.
| Item | Result |
|---|
IRCC minimum income table
| Number of family members | Minimum income the host needs (Canadian dollars) |
|---|---|
| 1 | $30,526 |
| 2 | $38,002 |
| 3 | $46,720 |
| 4 | $56,724 |
| 5 | $64,336 |
| 6 | $72,560 |
| 7 | $80,784 |
| More than 7 | Add $8,224 for each additional family member |
The amounts are in Canadian dollars. IRCC updates the table from time to time; check the date on the IRCC page before you rely on a figure.
Who counts in the family size
IRCC includes these people in the count, and the host's own child or grandchild role always counts as one:
- the super visa applicants the host will support (you and, for example, your spouse or common-law partner);
- the host child or grandchild;
- the host's spouse (which can include a separated spouse) or common-law partner;
- dependent children of the host and of the spouse or partner, regardless of custody and child support arrangements;
- previously approved super visa applicants who are on another letter of invitation, signed by the host or the host's spouse or partner, that is still applicable;
- people the host or co-signer previously sponsored or co-signed for, while the undertaking is still in effect.
| Example from IRCC | Family size |
|---|---|
| Host child invites one parent; the host is unmarried with no children: 1 host + 1 parent | 2 |
| Host child invites two parents; the host has a spouse and 2 dependent children: 1 + 2 + 2 + 1 | 6 |
| Host grandchild invites one grandparent; the host has a spouse and 1 dependent child; the spouse already hosts their 2 parents on super visas, who count even if not in Canada: 1 + 1 + 1 + 1 + 2 | 6 |
| Host child invites two parents; spouse; 1 dependent child; the host co-signed the sponsorship of the spouse's 2 parents and it is still in effect: 1 + 2 + 1 + 1 + 2 | 7 |
| Host child invites two parents; the host is divorced with 2 children and shared custody: 1 + 2 + 2 | 5 |
The two ways to meet the income requirement
Option 1: full income in either of two years
The host's total income, including the co-signer's if there is one, meets or exceeds the minimum in either of the two tax years before the application is submitted. The documents are the host's (and co-signer's) CRA notice of assessment.
Option 2: 75% from the host, the rest from the applicant
The host's total income, including the co-signer's, in the year before the application was at least 75% of the minimum. The visiting parent or grandparent's income can cover the remaining amount, and the combined total must meet or exceed the minimum. The applicant must show they will keep earning income while in Canada, and the document must state the currency.
IRCC's notice says that, as of March 31, 2026, applications already in processing and applications submitted on or after that date are assessed under these criteria, and that families who were eligible before continue to qualify.
Documents IRCC lists
- Preferred: the host's or co-signer's CRA notice of assessment.
- If no notice of assessment is available, any of: the T4 or T1 for the last tax year, pay stubs for the most recent 12-month period available, an original employer letter with job title, job description and salary, bank statements from the last calendar year showing investment income or regular deposits for employment or pension, proof of other income such as pension statements, and ownership proof and leasing contracts for rental properties.
- For the visiting parent's or grandparent's income under option 2: pay stubs for the most recent 12 months, an employer letter, bank statements, proof of other income, and proof of ownership and leases for rental properties, with proof that the income will continue while in Canada.
Other super visa requirements
Meeting the income requirement is one condition among several. The host must be the applicant's biological or adopted child or grandchild, a Canadian citizen, permanent resident or registered Indian, at least 18 and living in Canada, and must write and sign a letter of invitation. The applicant must be outside Canada when applying, be admissible, show private health insurance valid for at least 1 year from the date of entry from a Canadian insurance company or an approved company outside Canada, take an immigration medical exam, and meet the general visitor requirements, including being a genuine visitor who will leave at the end of the visit.
Limits of this estimate
What to check next
- Read the super visa guide for the full application and the insurance and medical requirements.
- If the visit will be six months or less, a visitor visa may be enough.