Parent / Grandparent Sponsorship Income Checker
The Parents and Grandparents (PGP) sponsorship program requires sponsors to meet the Minimum Necessary Income (MNI) — Statistics Canada's Low Income Cut-Off (LICO) plus 30% — for each of the past 3 tax years. Spousal and dependent-child sponsorship have no income requirement.
Count: yourself, your spouse/partner if any, all sponsored persons (parents, grandparents) plus their dependents, plus your other dependents and any prior sponsorship undertakings still active.
Your income for the past 3 tax years (line 15000 of CRA Notice of Assessment)
Minimum income required (LICO + 30%)
$46,992 / year
For family size 2, all 3 tax years.
✗ At least one year is below the minimum. You may not qualify for PGP sponsorship — you can re-apply after a higher-income year.
Reference table — LICO + 30% (2025)
| Family size | LICO | LICO + 30% |
|---|---|---|
| 2 | $36,148 | $46,992 |
| 3 | $44,438 | $57,769 |
| 4 | $53,949 | $70,134 |
| 5 | $61,190 | $79,547 |
| 6 | $69,013 | $89,717 |
| 7 | $76,823 | $99,870 |
| Each additional | +$7,811 | +$10,154 |
Super Visa alternative
If your income doesn't meet the PGP threshold, the Super Visa is an alternative — a 10-year multi-entry visitor visa for parents and grandparents that allows up to 5 years per visit. Income requirement: regular LICO (no +30%), private medical insurance with at least CAD $100,000 coverage, and a signed letter of invitation from the host child or grandchild.
Related: Family sponsorship guide.