Last Updated: March 26, 2026
Starting March 31, 2026, Canada’s Super Visa program undergoes a significant change that will make it easier for families to reunite. The most important update: parents’ foreign income can now be counted toward the family income requirement. This change dramatically lowers the financial barrier for many families, especially new immigrants who may not yet have established high Canadian incomes.
1. Policy Update: Income Threshold Relaxation
The new regulation effective March 31, 2026, introduces a crucial flexibility to the Super Visa income requirements:
- Previous Rule: Only the Canadian host’s income counted toward the Low Income Cut-Off (LICO) + 30% requirement
- New Rule (March 31, 2026): Parents’ foreign income (pensions, rental income, investments, etc.) can now be included in the total family income calculation
This change recognizes that many parents have substantial retirement incomes or assets in their home countries that should be considered when assessing their ability to support themselves during their stay in Canada.
2. LICO+30% Family Income Reference Table (2026)
Use this table to determine if your family meets the income requirements for Super Visa sponsorship:
| Family Size (including parents) | 2026 LICO (Low Income Cut-Off) | LICO + 30% (Super Visa Minimum) | Example: Host Income + Parents’ Foreign Income |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 persons | $32,898 | $42,767 | Host: $30,000 + Parents: $15,000 = $45,000 ✅ |
| 3 persons | $40,444 | $52,577 | Host: $35,000 + Parents: $20,000 = $55,000 ✅ |
| 4 persons | $49,106 | $63,838 | Host: $40,000 + Parents: $25,000 = $65,000 ✅ |
| 5 persons | $55,694 | $72,402 | Host: $45,000 + Parents: $30,000 = $75,000 ✅ |
| 6 persons | $62,814 | $81,658 | Host: $50,000 + Parents: $35,000 = $85,000 ✅ |
| 7 persons | $69,934 | $90,914 | Host: $55,000 + Parents: $40,000 = $95,000 ✅ |
Important Note: These figures are based on Statistics Canada’s 2026 LICO values for urban areas with populations over 500,000. Requirements may be slightly lower for smaller communities.
3. How to Calculate “Parents’ Foreign Income”
To include parents’ foreign income in your Super Visa application, you’ll need to provide documented proof of their regular income sources. Here’s how to calculate and document each type:
Types of Acceptable Foreign Income
| Income Type | How to Calculate | Required Documents | Conversion to CAD |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pension/Retirement | Monthly amount × 12 | Pension statements, bank deposits | Use Bank of Canada exchange rate |
| Rental Income | Monthly rent × 12 (minus expenses) | Lease agreements, bank statements | Use average annual exchange rate |
| Investment Income | Dividends + interest (annual) | Investment statements, tax returns | Use transaction date rate |
| Business Income | Net profit after expenses | Business licenses, tax returns | Use annual average rate |
| Savings/Assets | Not counted as income (but can show financial stability) | Bank statements, property deeds | Current market value |
Document Preparation Checklist
- Income Proof Documents:
- Notarized income certificates (with official translation)
- Bank statements showing regular deposits (last 12 months)
- Pension fund statements
- Property rental agreements
- Investment portfolio statements
- Translation & Notarization:
- All non-English/French documents must be translated by certified translators
- Translations must be notarized or certified
- Currency Conversion:
- Use Bank of Canada’s official exchange rates
- Provide conversion calculations
- Host’s Documents:
- Notice of Assessment (last 3 years)
- T4 slips and employment letters
- Bank statements showing salary deposits
4. Super Visa vs Visitor Visa vs Parent Sponsorship: Comparison Table
| Feature | Super Visa | Regular Visitor Visa | Parent/Grandparent Sponsorship |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stay Duration | Up to 5 years per entry (Renewable for 2 years) | Up to 6 months (Extensions possible) | Permanent residence |
| Application Difficulty | Moderate (Income proof required) | Easy to Moderate | Very Difficult (Lottery system, long wait times) |
| Income Requirement | LICO + 30% (Now includes parents’ income) | No specific amount (Must show ties to home country) | LICO + 30% for 3 consecutive years |
| Medical Insurance | Mandatory ($100,000 coverage, 1 year minimum) | Recommended but not mandatory | Covered by provincial healthcare after waiting period |
| Processing Time | ~4-8 weeks | ~2-4 weeks | 20-24 months (current) |
| Best For | Long visits (1-5 years) Parents with retirement income | Short visits (weeks to months) Tourism or family events | Permanent family reunification Parents who want to live in Canada permanently |
5. Step-by-Step Application Process (Post-March 31, 2026)
- Calculate Total Family Income:
- Add host’s Canadian income (last 3 years average)
- Add parents’ foreign income (converted to CAD)
- Verify total meets LICO+30% for your family size
- Gather Documents:
- Host’s NOA, T4s, employment letter
- Parents’ income proofs (translated & notarized)
- Proof of relationship (birth certificates, etc.)
- Purchase Medical Insurance:
- Minimum $100,000 coverage
- Valid for at least 1 year from entry date
- From Canadian insurance company
- Complete Application Forms:
- IMM 5257 (Visitor Visa)
- IMM 5645 (Family Information)
- IMM 5257 Schedule 1
- Submit Online:
- Create IRCC account
- Upload all documents
- Pay fees ($100 per person)
- Biometrics & Processing:
- Complete biometrics if required
- Wait for decision (typically 4-8 weeks)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: When do the new rules take effect?
The new rules allowing parents’ foreign income to be counted take effect on March 31, 2026. Applications submitted before this date will be processed under the old rules.
Q2: What exchange rate should I use for foreign income?
Use the Bank of Canada’s annual average exchange rate for the most recent complete year. For monthly income, use the average monthly rate.
Q3: Can I use my parents’ savings instead of income?
Savings and assets are not considered “income” for Super Visa purposes. However, they can be included as additional proof of financial stability. The primary requirement is regular, verifiable income.
Q4: What if my income alone doesn’t meet LICO+30%?
After March 31, 2026, you can combine your income with your parents’ foreign income. If the combined total meets LICO+30%, your application should be approved.
Q5: How do I prove my parents’ rental income?
Provide notarized lease agreements, bank statements showing regular rental deposits, and property ownership documents. All documents must be translated if not in English or French.
Q6: Can siblings combine income to sponsor parents?
Yes, siblings can combine their incomes to meet the LICO+30% requirement. Each sibling must provide their NOA and employment documents, and all must sign a letter agreeing to the sponsorship.
Important Disclaimer
This guide is for informational purposes only. Immigration policies change frequently. Always refer to the official IRCC Super Visa page for the most current information. The LICO values are based on Statistics Canada data and are subject to annual adjustment. Consult with a licensed immigration consultant for personalized advice.
Next Step: If you’re planning to apply for a Super Visa after March 31, 2026, start gathering your parents’ income documents now. The new rules make it easier than ever to bring your parents to Canada for extended visits.
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