Canada has introduced welcome changes to the Parents and Grandparents Super Visa program, making it easier for Canadian citizens and permanent residents to host their parents and grandparents for extended visits.
Effective March 31, 2026, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) updated how the minimum income requirement is calculated. The revisions provide greater flexibility while still ensuring that visiting family members are financially supported during their stay in Canada.
Previous vs New Income Rules
Previously, hosts (the Canadian citizen or permanent resident inviting the parent or grandparent) had to prove they met or exceeded the Low Income Cut-Off (LICO) plus 30% for their family size, based solely on income from the most recent taxation year.
Under the new rules, hosts now have two additional flexible options:
- Extended Income Assessment Period Hosts (and their co-signer, if applicable) can now qualify by showing they met the required income threshold in either of the two taxation years preceding the application date. This helps families who may have had a lower-income year recently but were financially stable in the year before.
- Including the Visiting Parent or Grandparent’s Income Hosts can now supplement their own income with that of the visiting parent or grandparent. The host must first meet a required minimum percentage of the total income threshold (exact percentage not specified in the announcement). The visitor’s income can then help cover the remaining portion.
These changes apply to all new applications submitted on or after March 31, 2026, as well as applications already in processing. Families who qualified under the old rules remain eligible.
Minimum Income Requirements (as of late 2025 / early 2026)
The income threshold is based on family size. Here is the current table:
Number of Family MembersMinimum Income Required (CAD)
1$30,526
2$38,002
3$46,720
4$56,724
5$64,336
6$72,560
7$80,784
Each additional member+ $8,224
Note: Family size includes the host, their spouse/common-law partner, dependent children, the Super Visa applicant(s), and any previously sponsored or approved individuals.
What is the Super Visa?
The Super Visa is a multiple-entry visitor visa that allows parents and grandparents to stay in Canada for up to 5 years at a time, with the visa itself valid for up to 10 years (or the passport’s expiry, whichever comes first). It can be extended for an additional 2 years while in Canada.
Key requirements for the visiting parent/grandparent include:
- Applying from outside Canada
- Being admissible to Canada
- Obtaining a medical exam
- Purchasing private Canadian health insurance valid for at least 1 year (minimum coverage of $100,000)
The Super Visa serves as a popular alternative to the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP), which has not opened for new interest-to-sponsor intakes since 2020.
Required Documents to Prove Income
Hosts can submit:
- Notice of Assessment (preferred)
- T4 slips or T1 General
- Recent pay stubs (last 12 months)
- Employment letters
- Pension statements, bank statements, or accountant letters (for self-employed)
Why These Changes Matter
Many families were previously excluded due to temporary income fluctuations or because parents/grandparents had retirement income that could not be counted. These updates make the program more equitable and family-friendly, helping more multi-generational families reunite in Canada.
If you are planning to apply for a Super Visa, review your family’s income situation carefully under the new rules. Applications submitted on or after March 31, 2026, will automatically benefit from the updated assessment method.
For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always check the official IRCC website or consult a regulated immigration professional.
This change reflects Canada’s continued effort to support family reunification while maintaining program integrity.
