Super Visa Income: What If My Income Dropped Last Year?
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Life happens. Maternity leave, a job change, a slow year for a small business — any of these can pull one year's income down. Before 2026, that single year could sink a super visa application. Now it usually does not.
The two-year rule fixes this
Since March 31, 2026, you can qualify using either of the two most recent tax years. If one year was low, you simply use the other, stronger year. You only need one of the two to meet the threshold.
Worked examples
Example 1 — maternity leave: The host was on maternity leave for much of 2025, so 2025 income was low. But 2024 income was well above the threshold. The host qualifies using 2024.
Example 2 — job change: The host changed jobs in 2024 and had several months without pay, so 2024 was weak. 2025 was a full, strong year. The host qualifies using 2025.
Example 3 — both years borderline: Neither year alone clearly clears the threshold. The host can pair the stronger year with a co-signing spouse's income, or with a parent's pension, to close the gap.
If your application is already in
The two-year rule is retroactive. If your application was already submitted and waiting on March 31, 2026, the officer can apply the new rule to it. If you are asked for more documents, sending proof of your stronger year can make the difference.
Find your stronger year
Compare both years against the threshold for your family size using the income calculator. Then read the 2026 income changes for the full picture, and confirm the current LICO figures on canada.ca.
Frequently asked questions
My income dropped last year — can I still get a super visa?
Often yes. Since March 2026 you can qualify on either of the two most recent tax years, so you can use your stronger year instead of the weak one.
Which two years count?
The two most recent tax years. For an application reviewed in 2026, that is usually 2025 and 2024. You only need one of them to meet the threshold.
What if both years are a bit low?
You can combine your stronger year with a co-signing spouse's income or, under the new rules, a parent's pension and investment income to close the gap.
Related guides
- Super Visa LICO Income Table 2026The Low Income Cut-Off (LICO) table for super visa applications by family size, updated for 2026.
- New Super Visa Income Rules (March 2026)The March 31, 2026 income changes explained: the two-year assessment and how a parent's income can supplement the host's once the host meets 75% on their own.
- Can My Parent's Pension Count Toward Super Visa Income?Under the March 2026 rules, a visiting parent's pension or investment income can supplement the host's income. Here is how it works.
- Super Visa Income With a Spouse on a Work PermitWhether a spouse or co-signer's income counts toward the super visa requirement, including work-permit holders.