Which applications are affected
IRCC's operational update of August 25, 2026 follows new ministerial instructions that took effect on March 31, 2026. Decision makers must apply the updated instructions to every Super Visa application processed on or after that date, whenever the application was submitted.
The host must still be the applicant's biological or adopted child (or grandchild) and meet the other Super Visa requirements. The change gives two ways to meet the minimum necessary income (MNI). It does not remove the invitation, medical, insurance or temporary-resident requirements. The MNI is based on Statistics Canada's low income cut-offs (LICO) for the family size.
Option 1: the host's best income of the last two tax years
The host, and a co-signer if there is one, must show that their total income in either of the two tax years immediately before the application was submitted meets or exceeds the most recent LICO. A spouse or common-law partner of the host may co-sign the letter of invitation so that their income counts.
The main evidence is a Notice of Assessment (NOA) or an equivalent document from the Canada Revenue Agency. Where the NOA is unavailable or does not capture all income for the year, officers may also consider the T4 or T1.
Option 2: at least 75% from the host, topped up by the applicant
The host (and co-signer) show that their total income over the most recent 12-month period, or the most recent tax year, before the application was submitted is at least 75% of the current LICO. The visiting parent or grandparent can then supplement the shortfall with their own income, up to a maximum of 25% of the LICO. If the host invites both parents or both grandparents, the income of both visiting parents or grandparents can be counted.
For the host and co-signer, the NOA for the latest tax year is the accepted evidence. If it is unavailable, officers may consider the T4 or T1 for the last tax year, pay stubs, proof of other income such as pension statements, an employer letter with job title, description and salary, and bank statements.
For the applicant, the instructions list examples of acceptable evidence: pension statements or a pension letter with bank statements showing regular deposits, remote employment letters with at least 12 months of bank deposits, investment or business statements for the previous year, and rental contracts with proof of ownership and bank statements. Evidence should cover a 12-month period, and IRCC advises applicants to consider submitting multiple documents. Foreign income is converted to Canadian dollars at the rate in effect on the day the application was submitted.
Family size and the letter of invitation
The family size count includes the host, the host's spouse or common-law partner (including a separated spouse), dependent children of the host and spouse, the Super Visa applicant and anyone applying at the same time, previously approved Super Visa applicants whose visa is still valid, and people the host or co-signer previously sponsored whose undertaking is still in effect. The visiting parent's or grandparent's own family members are not counted.
The letter of invitation must be written and signed by the host and must include a promise of financial support, a list of everyone counted in the family size with their full names and dates of birth, and a list of everyone whose income is being used, with the documents provided for each.
Medical insurance still applies
The applicant must hold health insurance from a Canadian insurer, or from a foreign insurer authorized by the Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions that issued the policy in the course of its insurance business in Canada. The policy must be valid for at least one year from the date of entry, be paid in full or in instalments with a deposit (quotes are not accepted), and provide at least $100,000 in emergency coverage per applicant.