Who the new instructions affect
IRCC's August 25 operational update implements ministerial instructions that took effect March 31, 2026. Decision makers must apply the new financial-support rules to every Super Visa application processed on or after that date, even if the application was submitted earlier.
A host must still be the applicant's child or grandchild and meet the other Super Visa requirements. The change creates two ways to satisfy the minimum necessary income test; it does not remove the invitation, medical, insurance, admissibility or temporary-intent requirements.
Option 1: meet the full income level in one of two tax years
The host and an eligible co-signing spouse or common-law partner may combine income to meet 100% of the current minimum necessary income in either of the two taxation years immediately before the application date. IRCC uses the most recent income threshold even when the earlier tax year is selected.
A Canada Revenue Agency Notice of Assessment is the main evidence. IRCC may consider T4 or T1 records if the assessment is unavailable or incomplete, but the documents must establish the relevant income for the chosen year.
Option 2: host income at 75%, with limited applicant income
The host and eligible co-signer may instead prove at least 75% of the current minimum using income from the most recent 12-month period or the relevant taxation year. A parent or grandparent applicant may supplement the shortfall, but applicant income can account for no more than 25% of the required amount.
When both parents or grandparents apply, their qualifying income may be combined. IRCC lists pension, remote employment, investment or business income, and rental or leasing income as possible sources when supported by official records and 12 months of bank evidence. Foreign income is converted to Canadian dollars at the rate on the application date.
Family size, invitation and insurance still matter
Family size can include the host, the host's spouse or common-law partner—including a separated spouse—dependent children, the Super Visa applicant, other people covered by valid Super Visa invitations, and people still covered by a sponsorship undertaking. Other family members of the visiting parent or grandparent are not automatically counted.
The invitation should identify everyone counted and every income provider. The applicant must also hold qualifying medical insurance for at least one year with at least $100,000 in emergency coverage, paid in full or through an accepted instalment arrangement with a deposit, from a Canadian insurer or an eligible foreign insurer authorized by OSFI and issuing the policy in the course of Canadian insurance business.
This article is not legal advice. Immigration rules and program instructions can change, and the result depends on the facts of each case.