🎯 What Changed — Explained Simply
You can now use income from either of the last two tax years — whichever is higher.
If you meet the minimum threshold, your visiting parent's income can help cover the rest.
All applications in process or submitted after March 31 use the new rules.
Recognizes that families often support each other financially across generations.
📊 How the New Income Rules Work
The Super Visa program has always required you to prove you can financially support your visiting parents or grandparents. Now there are two new ways to meet this requirement.You still need to meet the Low Income Cut-Off (LICO) plus 30% for your family size. The new rules just give you more ways to prove you meet this requirement. Check the current LICO amounts on IRCC's website.
🇮🇳 What This Means If You Are From India, Philippines, or Nigeria
🚨 This is especially good news for families from countries with:
Family support systems
Elder income/pensions
Many Indian parents have government pensions, rental income, or business income that was previously ignored. Now this income can help your application succeed.
OFW remittances, SSS pensions, or business income from the Philippines can now be counted toward meeting income requirements.
Parents with pension income, property rental income, or formal employment in Nigeria can now contribute to meeting the financial requirements.
✅ What To Do If You Want to Apply Now
The new rules take effect March 31, 2026. If you apply on or after this date, you automatically get the benefits of both new options. Here is your action plan:
Get your Notice of Assessment for 2024 and 2025. See which year gives you higher income. You only need to meet the requirement in one of these years, not both.
If you already meet the LICO requirement on your own, you don't need additional documentation. If you're short, then gather your parent's income documents.
- Tax returns from their home country
- Pension statements or employment letters
- Bank statements showing regular income deposits
Don't rush to submit. Get everything ready first. Medical insurance, invitation letter, proof of relationship, travel history — all the usual Super Visa requirements still apply.
Applications submitted on or after this date automatically use the new income calculation rules. No special forms needed — just include the documents that prove your income eligibility.
Super Visa processing times vary by country. Check current processing times on IRCC's website. Don't call IRCC unless it's been longer than their posted processing time.
If you already submitted your Super Visa application before March 31, 2026, don't worry! IRCC will automatically review it under the new, more flexible rules. You don't need to resubmit or send additional documents unless they specifically ask.
📈 What To Do If You Were Previously Rejected
If you applied for a Super Visa in the past and got rejected due to insufficient income, this could be your second chance. The new rules might make you eligible now.Look at your rejection letter. If it was due to insufficient income, calculate whether you'd qualify under the new rules. Use your higher income year or add your parent's income.
Use this time to gather better documentation. Get official translations of foreign documents. Ensure your parent's income sources are clearly explained and properly documented.
If your situation is complex (multiple income sources, self-employment, foreign investments), consider consulting with an immigration consultant to ensure your application is bulletproof.
If you still don't qualify, use this time to increase your income. Consider moving to a lower-cost province, getting additional qualifications, or exploring the Parent and Grandparent Program instead.
- → You have more flexibility to meet income requirements using your best tax year
- → Your parent's retirement income, pensions, or other earnings can now help your application
- → Families who were previously rejected due to income shortfalls may now qualify
- → The changes apply automatically to all applications processed after March 31, 2026
These changes only affect income calculation. You still need medical insurance coverage, proof of relationship, invitation letter, and your parent still needs to meet health and security requirements. Don't skip the other parts of your application.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
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