Super Visa LICO 2026: Interactive Calculator & Complete Guide
🧮
Quick Answer: What is LICO for Super Visa 2026?
LICO (Low Income Cut-Off) is the minimum income threshold Canadian sponsors must meet to bring parents or grandparents on a Super Visa. For 2026, requirements range from $30,526 for a single sponsor to $80,784+ for larger families. Use our calculator below to instantly check if you qualify based on your specific family size and income.
Let's cut to the chase—figuring out whether you meet LICO requirements can feel like decoding a tax return (and nobody enjoys that, eh?). That's exactly why we've built this interactive calculator. Plug in your numbers, and you'll know within seconds whether you're good to go or need to make some adjustments before applying.
Minimum Income Required:
$0
Analyzing your situation...
Understanding LICO for Super Visa Applications
LICO stands for Low Income Cut-Off, and it's Statistics Canada's measure of what families need to earn to maintain a basic standard of living. For Super Visa purposes, IRCC uses LICO figures to ensure sponsors have sufficient financial capacity to support visiting family members without relying on social assistance.
Here's the reality: income requirements aren't arbitrary numbers pulled from thin air. They're carefully calculated to reflect actual living costs across urban Canada, adjusted annually for inflation. The 3.9% increase in 2025 reflects rising costs for housing, food, transportation, and other essentials.
2026 LICO Thresholds by Family Size
| Family Size | Minimum Annual Income (Gross) |
|---|
| 1 person | $30,526 |
| 2 persons | $38,002 |
| 3 persons | $46,720 |
| 4 persons | $56,724 |
| 5 persons | $64,336 |
| 6 persons | $72,560 |
| 7+ persons | $80,784 |
đź’ˇ
Critical Reminder: Family size isn't just who lives under your roof. It includes everyone you're financially responsible for according to IRCC's definition—including that ex's parents you co-sponsored years ago if the undertaking is still active.
Who Gets Counted in Your Family Size?
This trips up a lot of applicants. Your family size calculation must include:
- You (the sponsor/host)
- Your spouse or common-law partner
- All dependent children (even with shared custody arrangements)
- The parent(s) or grandparent(s) you're inviting on this application
- Other parents/grandparents currently in Canada on Super Visas you sponsored
- Anyone you've previously sponsored where the undertaking remains in effect
That last point catches people off guard. Previous sponsorship commitments don't disappear when relationships end—they stay on your record for the duration of the undertaking period.
What Counts as Income for LICO?
IRCC accepts various income sources when assessing whether you meet LICO requirements:
- Employment income: Salaries, wages, commissions, tips
- Self-employment income: Business profits (after expenses)
- Investment income: Dividends, interest, capital gains
- Rental income: Net rental earnings from properties
- Pension income: CPP, OAS, private pensions
- EI benefits: Employment Insurance payments count
What doesn't count? Social assistance, disability benefits, child support received, and other government support payments typically don't qualify toward your LICO income calculation.
Need Help with Your Super Visa Income Documentation?
Understanding LICO is just one piece of the puzzle. Get comprehensive guidance on meeting all Super Visa financial requirements.
Complete Income Requirements Guide →Frequently Asked Questions About LICO
What if I'm just below the LICO threshold—is there any flexibility?
Unfortunately, LICO requirements are firm thresholds, not guidelines. If you're below the minimum, your application will likely be refused. However, you have options: combine income with your spouse, wait until your next tax year when income may be higher, or explore whether you've overlooked any eligible income sources like investment returns or rental income.
How does IRCC verify that I meet LICO requirements?
IRCC primarily relies on your Notice of Assessment (NOA) from the Canada Revenue Agency. They cross-reference this with your T4/T1 forms, employment letters, and pay stubs. That's why accuracy is crucial—discrepancies between documents raise red flags and can lead to processing delays or refusals.
Can I use my spouse's income if we file taxes separately?
Absolutely. Spouses and common-law partners can pool their incomes regardless of how you file your taxes. Both partners simply need to provide their respective income documentation, and IRCC will consider your combined gross income when determining LICO eligibility.
Do LICO requirements change every year?
Yes, LICO thresholds are adjusted annually to reflect inflation and changes in the cost of living. For 2025, IRCC implemented a 3.9% increase over 2024 figures. Always check the most current LICO table when preparing your application, as using outdated figures can cause problems.
What happens if my income drops after I submit the application?
IRCC assesses your income based on what you earned during the tax year reflected in your NOA. Temporary income fluctuations after submission typically don't affect applications already in processing. However, you must genuinely meet the requirement at the time of application—misrepresenting your financial situation is serious misrepresentation.
Are LICO requirements different for Quebec residents?
While federal LICO thresholds apply initially, Quebec has its own immigration authority (MIFI) that may impose additional provincial requirements. Quebec sponsors typically need to submit a separate undertaking application after federal approval. The province may assess financial capacity using slightly different criteria.
Can my parents' or grandparents' income help me meet LICO?
No, only the Canadian sponsor's (and co-signer's, if applicable) income counts toward LICO calculations. Your parents' or grandparents' income, pensions, or savings don't factor into the minimum income requirement. That said, demonstrating they have their own financial resources can strengthen the overall application.
How is LICO different from the Minimum Necessary Income (MNI)?
They're closely related but not identical. LICO is the base Statistics Canada measure. For Super Visa, the Minimum Necessary Income (MNI) equals the LICO threshold for your family size. For the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP), MNI is LICO plus 30%, which is significantly higher.
What if I have rental income—how does that get calculated?
Rental income counts toward your LICO calculation, but IRCC uses your net rental income (gross rent minus expenses) as reported to CRA on your tax return. Make sure your NOA accurately reflects this income. If you have significant rental properties, include documentation showing consistent rental payments.
Can siblings pool their income to sponsor parents together?
Unfortunately, no. Only spouses or common-law partners can combine incomes for Super Visa sponsorship. Siblings cannot jointly sponsor using pooled income. However, if multiple adult children live in the same household with their parents/grandparents visiting, only one needs to meet the LICO requirement as the primary sponsor.
Meeting LICO requirements is non-negotiable for Super Visa approval, but with proper planning and accurate documentation, most Canadian residents can successfully demonstrate they have the financial capacity to host their parents or grandparents. The key is understanding exactly how IRCC calculates family size, knowing which income sources count, and gathering the right supporting documents from CRA and your employer.
Related Information: