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by Kathy Watkins

Understanding the Income Requirements for Family Sponsorship

Immigration to Canada’s family sponsorship programs often mandate that sponsors fulfill a specified income threshold to ensure they can adequately provide for themselves and the relatives they intend to sponsor. This financial assessment of a sponsor’s capacity to support their family is determined using the Minimum Necessary Income (MNI) criteria set by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). 

Minimum Necessary Income

Understanding Minimum Necessary Income for Sponsorship in Canada

In Canada, citizens or permanent residents interested in sponsoring family members must comply with the Minimum Necessary Income (MNI) requirement, part of the country’s sponsorship program guidelines. Meeting this income threshold is critical for eligibility to sponsor one or more relatives to Canada and varies based on your family size and the region you reside in.

The family unit size taken into account includes individuals the sponsor currently supports in Canada, as well as those they aim to sponsor in the future. To demonstrate the ability to support these individuals, sponsors must submit their Notice of Assessment from the Canada Revenue Agency as evidence that they meet the necessary income criteria.

For those applying to sponsor parents or grandparents, there are additional requirements. Sponsors need to show proof that their income exceeds the low-income cut-off for three consecutive years. Moreover, they are required to sign a commitment to reimburse any social assistance their sponsored family members receive. 

Essential Income Requirements for Canadian Sponsorship

At Immigration to Canada, we help you navigate the financial prerequisites for family sponsorship outside of Quebec. Sponsors across Canada must meet the Minimum Necessary Income (MNI), which adjusts yearly to reflect the current economic climate and family size.

Potential sponsors must demonstrate a stable financial capacity, proving their earnings meet the MNI for the past three tax years prior to receiving an invitation to apply. This ensures sponsors can adequately support all individuals they are responsible for, including themselves and any co-signers who may join their application.

For those looking to sponsor family members in the 2024 intake, and who expressed interest in 2020, it’s crucial to show financial documents that verify compliance with income standards for the years 2023, 2022, and 2021. Details on the required income for these years are provided in the following table:

Size of Family UnitMinimum Income 2023Minimum Income
2022
Minimum Income
2021
2 persons$44,530$43,082$32,898
3 persons$54,743$52,965$40,444
4 persons$66,466$64,306$49,106
5 persons$75,384$72,935$55,694
6 persons$85,020$82,259$62,814
7 persons$94,658$91,582$69,934
If more than 7 persons, for each additional person, add$9,636$9,324$7,120

Additionally, there are foundational conditions both the sponsor and the sponsored person must satisfy for eligibility under Inland sponsorship:

Quebec Income Requirements for Sponsorship

At Immigration to Canada, understanding the minimum income requirements for sponsorship in Quebec is crucial, as they differ from those at the federal level. In Quebec, sponsors need to determine the basic income needed to support their own family’s essential needs, in addition to the needs of the sponsored individuals and their family members, regardless of whether those family members are coming to Canada or not. By assessing both the sponsor’s household needs and those of the beneficiaries, you can ensure compliance with Quebec’s distinct guidelines for sponsorship. 

Total number of members in your family unitBasic annual income required
1$28,242
2$38,124
3$47,068
4$54,135
5$60,250
Each additional dependent$6,115
Number of persons
18 years of age or over
Number of persons
under 18 years of age
Gross annual income
required of the sponsor
01$9,776
02$15,493
 Each additional person under 18 years of age$5,166
   
Number of persons
18 years of age or over
Number of persons
under 18 years of age
Gross annual income
required of the sponsor
10$20,657
11$27,755
12$31,341
 Each additional person under 18 years of age$3,582
Minimum Necessary Income

How to Determine Your Family Unit Size for Immigration

At Immigration to Canada, knowing the size of your family unit is crucial when applying for sponsorship or understanding low-income cut-offs. Here’s how to calculate your family unit size: 

Include Yourself:

Count yourself as the primary applicant.

Add Your Spouse or Partner:

If you have a spouse or common-law partner, include them in the count.

Count Dependent Children:

Include all dependent children under your care.

In addition to your immediate family, consider:

  • Sponsored Individuals: Count the number of people you are applying to sponsor.
  • Their Dependents: Add any dependent family members of the individuals you want to sponsor, regardless of whether they will accompany them.
  • Previous Commitments: Consider any individuals currently covered by valid undertakings you’ve previously signed or co-signed.
  • Co-Signer Commitments: Include individuals covered by sponsorship agreements your co-signer has engaged with in the past.

By accurately calculating your family unit size, you can better understand the financial requirements and eligibility for sponsorship applications to Canada.

FAQ
How is the Minimum Necessary Income (MNI) calculated?

To calculate the Minimum Necessary Income (MNI), you must first determine your total family size. Then, ensure your income meets or exceeds the required level for sponsorship. This typically involves reviewing your income for each of the three tax years before you received the invitation to apply. For precise figures, refer to the current year’s tax table. For more information, contact Immigration to Canada.

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