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SuperVisa.caCanada's Super Visa Guide

New Super Visa Income Rules (March 2026)

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On March 31, 2026, IRCC changed how super visa income is assessed. You can now qualify using EITHER of the two most recent tax years, and this two-year rule applies retroactively to applications already in process. A parent or grandparent's own income can also help top up the host's income — but the host (with any co-signer) must first meet at least 75% of the required amount on their own before the parent's income covers the rest.

The income test is the part of the super visa that worries families the most. On March 31, 2026, IRCC made two changes that make it easier to qualify. Here is what changed, what it means for you, and exactly how the new 75% rule works.

The two-year rule

Before this change, the host normally had to show enough income for the most recent tax year. Now you can qualify using either of the two most recent tax years. For an application reviewed in 2026, that means either the 2025 or the 2024 tax year — whichever is stronger.

You do not have to meet the threshold in both years. You only need one of the two years to be high enough. This is a big help for anyone who had one weaker year.

Using the parent's own income

The second change lets the parent or grandparent's own income count toward the total. Their pension and investment income can help top up the host's income to reach the threshold for the family size.

This does not replace the host's income — it supplements it. The host (with any co-signer) must first meet at least 75% of the requirement on their own, and only then can the parent's income fill the remaining gap. See can my parent's income count for the details.

What this means for you

  • Check both of your two most recent tax years — you only need one to qualify.
  • If your own income falls short, find out whether your parent's pension or investment income can supplement it.
  • Remember the host must reach at least 75% of the threshold on their own first; the parent's income covers the remaining share.
  • Keep your Notices of Assessment for both years ready in case the officer asks.

Check your numbers

The income you need depends on your family size and the LICO table for the year. Use the income calculator to see the threshold for your situation, and read parent income to learn how supplementation works.

Income figures change each year, so always confirm the current LICO numbers on canada.ca before you submit.

Frequently asked questions

Do I have to meet the income requirement in both tax years?

No. You only need to meet it in one of the two most recent tax years. The two-year rule lets you pick your stronger year.

Does the two-year rule help applications already submitted?

Yes. The rule is retroactive, so officers can apply it to applications that were in process on March 31, 2026.

Can my parent's pension count toward the income now?

Yes, a parent or grandparent's pension and investment income can supplement the host's income. But the host (with any co-signer) must first meet at least 75% of the requirement on their own; the parent's income then covers the remaining amount.

Where do I find the exact income I need?

Use our income calculator for your family size, then confirm the current LICO figures against canada.ca before submitting.

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