Canadian family sponsorship can make your dream of bringing your family to Canada a reality. One critical aspect of these programs is meeting the Minimum Necessary Income (MNI) requirement, and understanding this is essential for anyone planning to sponsor family members.
This blog will reveal everything about the Minimum Necessary Income for Family Sponsorship, the requirements for different programs, and how it varies depending on family size and location.
Bringing Families Together With Family Sponsorship in Canada
Family sponsorship is one of the most compassionate aspects of Canada’s immigration system, designed to keep families united. Eligible sponsors can bring spouses, common-law partners, dependent children, parents, grandparents, and, in some cases, siblings to Canada.
However, the eligibility to sponsor family members is not solely based on the relationship; financial capability, demonstrated through the Minimum Necessary Income (MNI), is equally crucial.
The Canadian government requires sponsors to prove they have sufficient income to support their family financially, especially when considering income for sponsoring parents. This measure ensures that newcomers, including sponsored parents, can integrate into Canadian society without relying on public assistance.
The MNI requirement acts as a financial safeguard, ensuring that the sponsor can cover the basic needs of their family.
What is Minimum Necessary Income (MNI)?
The Minimum Necessary Income (MNI) is the income threshold a sponsor must meet to sponsor family members to Canada. The government sets this income requirement to ensure that sponsored individuals can be supported without accessing social assistance.
The MNI varies based on factors such as family size, the program under which sponsorship is applied, and, in some cases, the sponsor’s province of residence.
Understanding the MNI for Family Sponsorship in Canada is crucial because failure to meet the required income levels could lead to application refusal. The income assessment usually involves reviewing the sponsor’s Notice of Assessment from the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) for the last three taxation years, particularly for parental sponsorships in Canada.
Sponsorship Through Federal Minimum Necessary Income
The federal Minimum Necessary Income for Sponsorship applies across Canada, except for Quebec, which has its own income requirements. The exact figures for sponsor parents’ income in Canada vary depending on the family size, and sponsors must meet the criteria for three consecutive years if they are sponsoring parents or grandparents.
For example, the MNI for Parents and Grandparents Program Sponsorship (PGP) is higher than required for sponsoring a spouse or dependent children due to the added responsibility of supporting elderly family members.
In addition, super visa income requirements must also be met when applying for a Super Visa, which allows parents and grandparents to visit Canada for extended periods.
| Family Size | 2023 Guideline | 2022 Guideline | 2021 Guideline |
| 2-person household | $44,530 | $43,082 | $32,898 |
| 3-person household | $54,743 | $52,965 | $40,444 |
| 4-person household | $66,466 | $64,306 | $49,106 |
| 5-person household | $75,384 | $72,935 | $55,694 |
| 6-person household | $85,020 | $82,259 | $62,814 |
| 7-person household | $94,658 | $91,582 | $69,934 |
| Additional person (over 7) | $9,636 | $9,324 | $7,120 |
Scholarship Through Quebec Minimum Necessary Income
Quebec, with its distinct immigration policies, sets its own MNI for Family Sponsorship in Quebec. Like federal requirements, Quebec’s MNI calculations consider family size and require proof of stable income for the preceding taxation year.
The income levels in Quebec are generally comparable to federal standards but may differ slightly due to provincial adjustments. In Quebec, the minimum income needed to sponsor someone differs from the federal requirement. Sponsors in Quebec must consider not only their own family’s basic expenses but also the basic needs of the person they’re sponsoring and that person’s family, even if some family members aren’t immigrating.
Prospective sponsors must familiarize themselves with these requirements to ensure compliance when applying to sponsor parents and grandparents or other eligible family members.
| Household Size | Minimum Yearly Income |
| 1 person | $28,242 |
| 2 persons | $38,124 |
| 3 persons | $47,068 |
| 4 persons | $54,135 |
| 5 persons | $60,250 |
| For each additional member beyond 5 | Add $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 |
| 0 | 1 | $9,776 |
| 0 | 2 | $15,493 |
| – | Each additional person who is under 18 years of age | $5,166 (add this amount) |
| Number of Persons 18 Years of Age or Over | Number of Persons Under 18 Years of Age | Gross Annual Income Required of the Sponsor |
| 1 | 0 | $20,657 |
| 1 | 1 | $27,755 |
| 1 | 2 | $31,341 |
| Each additional person under 18 years of age | $3,582 (add this amount) |
| Number of Persons 18 Years of Age or Over | Number of Persons Under 18 Years of Age | Gross Annual Income Required of the Sponsor |
| 2 | 0 | $30,294 |
| 2 | 1 | $33,935 |
| 2 | 2 | $36,634 |
| – | Each additional person 18 years of age or over | $9,630 (add this amount) |
| – | Each additional person under 18 years of age | $2,689 (add this amount) |
Family Unit Size Calculation
Calculating the family unit size is a crucial step in determining the applicable MNI. The family unit includes:
- The sponsor
- The sponsor’s spouse or common-law partner
- The sponsor’s dependent children
Plus,
- How many people do you want to sponsor?
- How many family members does that person have (whether or not they’re coming with them)?
- How many people are you already sponsoring (or have sponsored in the past, either alone or with someone else)?
- How many people is your co-signer currently sponsoring (or has sponsored in the past, either alone or with you)?
Calculating the family size accurately is essential because even a minor miscalculation can lead to incorrect income requirements and possible application rejection.
MNI Requirements For Different Family Sizes
The Minimum Necessary Income for Family Sponsorship varies according to family size. The Canadian government provides an updated MNI table each year, which outlines the income thresholds based on the number of family members.
In 2024, the minimum income needed to sponsor someone (MNI) in most of Canada is tied to the Low Income Cut-Off and increases with family size. It’s between about $35,576 for a family of two and roughly $77,750 for a family of seven, with each extra person adding almost $7,916 to that amount. However, Quebec has a different system that considers family size and whether the sponsor can adequately support everyone.
On the other hand, the super visa income requirements must be met only for the most recent taxation year.
What Are The Special Considerations for Parent and Grandparent Sponsorship?
The Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) has distinct financial requirements compared to spousal or child sponsorship. The PGP income requirement is notably higher to account for the increased financial responsibility of caring for older family members.
For PGP sponsorship 2025, sponsors must submit Notices of Assessment from the CRA for the past three years to prove their income stability.
Additionally, the super visa minimum income must align with the required figures published by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). Super visa income requirements are particularly important for applicants who wish to bring their parents and grandparents to Canada for extended stays without permanent residency.
The Minimum Necessary Income (MNI) for this specific sponsorship category is usually 30% higher than the Low Income Cut-Off (LICO). However, exceptions were made in 2000 and 2021 (due to the COVID-19 pandemic) when the base LICO was used.
What is the Impact and Importance of MNI?
The MNI plays a crucial role in the family sponsorship process. It ensures that sponsors have the financial means to support their family members without overburdening Canada’s social assistance programs.
Understanding the income requirements, including the distinctions between federal and Quebec MNI and the different thresholds for parents’ sponsorship income, is essential for a successful application.
Sponsors must also be mindful of the implications to sponsor a sibling to Canada, as the inclusion of siblings can significantly impact the required income.
The Importance of Meeting the MNI Requirement
Meeting the Minimum Necessary Income requirement involves thorough preparation and accurate documentation. Sponsors must:
- Gather Financial Documentation
- Calculate Family Size Correctly.
- Stay Informed.
Additionally, consulting an Immigration Lawyer in Canada can provide clarity and increase the likelihood of application success.
Looking for Expert Assistance?
Sponsoring family members in Canada involves navigating complex requirements, including the Minimum Necessary Income for Family Sponsorship.
If you need guidance on the MNI for Parents and Grandparents Program Sponsorship, super visa income requirements, or any other aspect of family sponsorship, consulting with an experienced Immigration Lawyer in Canada can simplify the process.
Conclusion:
Navigating the Minimum Necessary Income (MNI) requirements is crucial for anyone hoping to sponsor family members to Canada. From Super Visas to the Parents and Grandparents Program and sponsoring siblings, demonstrating you meet the MNI isn’t just a formality—it’s a fundamental step towards a successful application.
Need assistance with family sponsorship applications? Call 416-447-6118 today for professional guidance from our experienced immigration lawyers in Canada.
FAQs about Minimum Necessary Income (MNI)
What is the minimum necessary income to sponsor a spouse in Canada?
The MNI to sponsor a spouse in Canada is generally based on the Low-Income Cut-Off (LICO) and varies by family size. As per recent guidelines, sponsors must meet or exceed the LICO for their household size.
What are the parents’ sponsorship Canada 2025 income requirements?
The income requirements for PGP sponsorship in 2025 will be based on the MNI for the past three taxation years, as published by IRCC.
How do you calculate the Minimum Necessary Income?
Calculate the MNI by adding the number of family members and referring to the corresponding income threshold provided by the government.
How much income do you need to sponsor a family in Canada?
The required income varies depending on family size and the sponsorship program. For instance, the income for a parent’s sponsorship differs from that needed to sponsor a spouse.
What are the requirements for family sponsorship in Canada?
Requirements include meeting the MNI, providing proof of relationship, and signing a sponsorship undertaking. To learn more, call us at 416-447-6118.
How much bank balance is required for a Canada sponsorship visa?
The requirement is based on annual income rather than a bank balance. Sponsors must submit Notices of Assessment to demonstrate their income.
