Canada changed the Super Visa income test on March 31, 2026. A host and eligible co-signer can now meet the full minimum necessary income in either of the two tax years before filing, or use a second route where their most recent qualifying income reaches at least 75% of the minimum and the applicant’s continuing income covers the balance. Applications already in process when the new Instructions took effect are assessed under the new rules.
Canada’s Super Visa income rules changed on March 31, 2026. The 2026 Ministerial Instructions created two ways to establish minimum necessary income, and applications already in processing when the Instructions took effect are assessed under the new rules. This article focuses on that income-calculation change. For the broader current eligibility, insurance, medical and application rules, see our Super Visa guide. Official IRCC sources checked: August 15, 2026.
If you are comparing the Super Visa with a standard visit, our Temporary Resident Visa guidance explains the visitor visa route.
Two Income-Proof Options Under the March 31, 2026 Rules
The March 31, 2026 Instructions changed how minimum necessary income can be proven for a Super Visa. They do not create an average or balancing test across two years. The two current routes are described below.
Option 1: Meet the Full Income Requirement in Either of Two Tax Years
The host’s total income, including an eligible co-signer’s income where applicable, can meet or exceed the minimum necessary income in either one of the two tax years immediately before the application is filed. This is not a two-year average. IRCC currently asks for the relevant Canada Revenue Agency notice of assessment to prove this route.
Option 2: Host/Co-Signer Income Plus Applicant Income
Under the second route, the host’s total income, including an eligible co-signer’s income where applicable, for the year before filing must be at least 75% of the minimum necessary income. The Super Visa applicant can then add their own qualifying income to cover the remaining amount. IRCC also requires proof that the applicant will continue to earn that income while in Canada. The combined amount must meet or exceed the applicable minimum necessary income.
When the March 31, 2026 Rules Apply
The Instructions took effect on March 31, 2026. IRCC states that applications already in processing on that date, as well as applications submitted on or after that date, are assessed under the new income requirements.
Current Super Visa Eligibility: Keep the Income Change in Context
The income calculation is only one part of Super Visa eligibility. The applicant and host must also meet the current Super Visa and temporary-resident requirements. The broad program rules can change, so use the current IRCC instructions and our maintained Super Visa service guide for the full application framework.
Requirements for the Host (Child or Grandchild in Canada)
Under the current 2026 Instructions, the host must be the applicant’s child or grandchild and must:
- Be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident of Canada or registered Indian
- Be at least 18 years old and reside in Canada
- Meet or exceed the applicable minimum necessary income under one of the current income routes
- Write and sign the required invitation letter, including the required promise of financial support and family-size information
An eligible spouse or common-law partner of the host can co-sign the invitation letter and have their income included under the current rules.
Requirements for the Applicant (Parent or Grandparent)
The applicant must meet the current Super Visa requirements, including:
- Be the parent or grandparent of the Canadian citizen, permanent resident or registered Indian host
- Be outside Canada when the Super Visa application is submitted
- Complete the required immigration medical examination
- Provide private health insurance valid for at least one year from the date of entry, with at least CAD $100,000 in emergency coverage, from a Canadian insurer or an eligible foreign insurer that meets IRCC’s current requirements
- Meet the applicable requirements to enter Canada as a temporary resident, including satisfying the officer that the visit is temporary
IRCC’s current document instructions also require evidence of the relationship to the host and the host’s status in Canada.
Current Minimum Necessary Income: Check IRCC’s Live Table
The minimum necessary income depends on family size and is updated by IRCC. Because the threshold can change, this article does not hard-code an older income table. Confirm the current amount on IRCC’s Super Visa financial-support page immediately before filing.
How Family Size Is Calculated for a Super Visa
Family-size calculation is more detailed than simply counting the people living in the host’s household. Under IRCC’s current instructions, the calculation can include:
- The Super Visa applicant and any other Super Visa applicants the host will support
- The host
- The host’s spouse or common-law partner
- Dependent children of the host and of the host’s spouse or common-law partner
- Previously approved Super Visa applicants covered by an invitation that is still applicable
- Certain people for whom the host or co-signer has a sponsorship undertaking that is still in effect
Use IRCC’s current family-size instructions for the actual file because the calculation depends on the host’s and co-signer’s circumstances.
Super Visa Application Costs
Super Visa costs can include the government application fee, biometrics where applicable, an immigration medical examination and the required private health insurance. Government fees and private insurance costs can change, so verify the current amounts before filing.
Super Visa Processing Times
IRCC processing-time estimates can change and can vary by application circumstances and processing location. Check IRCC’s current processing-time tool rather than relying on a fixed number published in an older article.
Who Can Use the New Income Options?
The March 31, 2026 change creates two alternative ways to prove the income requirement. A host/co-signer who meets the full minimum in either of the two preceding tax years can use Option 1. Where the host/co-signer meets at least 75% of the minimum under the most recent qualifying income test, the applicant may be able to contribute qualifying income under Option 2, provided the combined amount reaches the minimum and the applicant proves the income will continue while in Canada.
What the March 31, 2026 Super Visa Income Change Means
The change gives families two defined ways to meet the Super Visa income requirement, but it does not remove the other Super Visa or temporary-resident requirements and it does not guarantee approval. The evidence submitted should match the income route being relied on and the current IRCC instructions in force when the application is filed.
