OTTAWA — The federal government is making it easier for Canadian families to bring their parents and grandparents to Canada under the Super Visa program, with new income rules set to take effect on March 31, 2026.
Under the updated policy, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada will introduce more flexible ways for sponsors to meet the minimum income requirement, a key condition for hosting family members on a Super Visa.
Previously, hosts were required to meet or exceed the Low Income Cut-Off (LICO) based on a single taxation year — typically the most recent one. The new changes now allow applicants to qualify using additional methods.
One major update introduces a two-year income assessment window. Sponsors can now meet the income requirement using either of the two taxation years prior to their application, providing greater flexibility for families whose income may fluctuate year to year.
Another significant change allows part of the visiting parent’s or grandparent’s income to be counted toward the requirement. Under this approach, the sponsor must still meet a minimum portion of the required income, but the remaining amount can be supplemented by the visiting family member’s income. The exact percentage requirement has not yet been specified by the government.
The Super Visa is a popular option for families, allowing parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens and permanent residents to visit Canada for extended periods. The visa is valid for up to 10 years, with each stay lasting up to five years at a time.
The updated rules will apply to all applications submitted on or after March 31, 2026, as well as those already in process. Families who already qualify under the previous criteria will remain eligible.
Applicants will still need to provide proof of income through documents such as Canada Revenue Agency notices of assessment, T4 or T1 forms, employment letters, pay stubs, or other financial records.
To qualify, applicants must also meet other requirements, including being outside Canada at the time of application, passing a medical exam, and obtaining private health insurance valid for at least one year.
The Super Visa remains an important alternative to the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP), which offers a pathway to permanent residency but has not opened a new intake since 2020.
The new measures are expected to help more families reunite, especially those who previously struggled to meet strict income thresholds, reinforcing Canada’s focus on family reunification within its immigration system.