Super Visa Income Requirements 2026: LICO, Sponsor Rules & Insurance Proof
The Super Visa is one of Canada's best-loved immigration programs, letting parents and grandparents stay up to 5 years per visit. But every year, thousands of applications are refused for one simple reason: the sponsor did not meet the minimum income requirement (LICO). This 2026 guide walks you through exactly what you need.
What is LICO, and why does it matter for Super Visa?
LICO stands for Low-Income Cut-Off. It is the minimum income IRCC expects a Canadian sponsor to earn before being allowed to bring a parent or grandparent on a Super Visa. The number is updated yearly and is set by Statistics Canada.
If the sponsor does not meet LICO, the application is almost always refused even if the parent has the right insurance and ties to their home country.
2026 LICO table for Super Visa sponsors
The minimum income required is based on the total household size, including the visiting parent(s) you intend to host. Approximate 2026 LICO thresholds (always verify with IRCC before applying):
2 people: ~$36,000
3 people: ~$44,500
4 people: ~$54,000
5 people: ~$61,500
6 people: ~$69,500
7 people: ~$77,000
Each additional person: add ~$7,500
Always confirm the exact figures on the IRCC website before submitting your application.
Accepted proof of income for Super Visa
IRCC requires recent and verifiable evidence. The strongest documents are:
Notice of Assessment (NOA) from the most recent tax year
T4 slips from your employer
T1 General with all schedules
Employer letter stating job title, salary, hire date, and employment status
Pay stubs for the most recent 3 months
Bank statements showing salary deposits
For self-employed sponsors, IRCC will additionally want business registration documents and 2 years of NOAs.
Who can be a sponsor?
You qualify as a Super Visa sponsor if you are:
A Canadian citizen or permanent resident
The child or grandchild of the visiting parent/grandparent
Living in Canada
Earning at or above the LICO for your household size
Willing to sign a letter of invitation and provide financial support
The Super Visa insurance requirement (often misunderstood)
Even if your income is perfect, the visa will be refused without proof of 1 full year of Canadian medical insurance with at least $100,000 in coverage. The insurer must be a Canadian company, and the policy must cover hospitalization, healthcare, and repatriation.
This is where most sponsors get tripped up they buy the wrong type of policy or use a foreign insurer that IRCC does not accept. Every plan on DaddySafe Super Visa is fully IRCC-compliant and comes with the official insurance letter the visa officer needs.
Cheapest IRCC-compliant Super Visa insurers in 2026
Manulife Super Visa — best for pre-existing condition coverage
GMS Super Visa — often cheapest for healthy ages 60–69
21st Century Super Visa — flexible deductibles to lower premium
Destination Canada Super Visa — strong value at ages 70+
RIMI Standard Plan — clean, predictable pricing
What if my income is just below LICO?
You have three options:
Co-sign with your spouse. Combined income counts.
Wait for next year's NOA. If your most recent year shows higher earnings, apply right after filing taxes.
Apply for a regular visitor visa instead. Shorter stay, no LICO requirement, no insurance requirement (though insurance is still highly recommended).
Super Visa application checklist (2026)
Sponsor's NOA, T4, and employer letter
Sponsor's letter of invitation
Sponsor's proof of status (citizenship card, PR card, or passport)
Parent's passport, photos, and biometrics
Parent's medical exam (panel physician)
Canadian Super Visa insurance letter get yours instantly at daddysafe.ca
Get the insurance letter today
The insurance proof letter is usually the last step before you submit. Get yours in under 5 minutes compare Super Visa insurance now.
Related reading on DaddySafe: How to Buy Super Visa Insurance in Canada in Under 5 Minutes | Super Visa Insurance Cost in Canada 2026 | Visitor Insurance for Parents Visiting Canada: 2026 Buyer's Guide
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