FINANCIAL REQUIREMENT FOR SPONSORSHIP
When sponsoring family members, you must prove you can financially support them and any dependents already living with you. Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) uses the Minimum Necessary Income (MNI) to evaluate your financial ability to provide this support.
MINIMUM REQUIREMENT
The Minimum Necessary Income (MNI) is the income level set by IRCC to determine if a Canadian citizen or permanent resident can sponsor family members. The required amount depends on the family size of the sponsor and the applicants.
A family unit consists of members of the family residing in Canada, which includes the sponsors. The family unit comprises:
- The sponsor (yourself)
- Spouse or common-law partner
- Dependent children of the spouse or common-law partner
- Previously sponsored individuals for whom you are currently responsible
- Intended family members (parents and grandparents) you plan to sponsor
- Dependent children, spouses, and common-law partners of parents and grandparents (even if they are not coming to Canada)
Sponsors must provide Canada Revenue Agency Notices of Assessment for the past three years to prove they meet the MNI requirement. The 2020 income threshold was adjusted by IRCC due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Financial Requirements for Parent and Grandparent (PGP) Sponsorship
To sponsor parents and grandparents, one must surpass the MNI for the preceding three years. These eligibility criteria ensure that elderly or dependent family members receive adequate care and support during their stay in Canada. The charts below illustrate the different Low Income Cut-off (LICO) figures for sponsors (Table 1) and the corresponding Minimum Necessary Income (MNI) figures (Table 2). The MNI figure can be calculated by adding 30 percent of the Low Income Cut Off figures (LICO).
Table 1. Low Income Cut-off figures (LICO)
| Family Unit size | Required basic annual income |
|---|---|
| 1 member | $25,921 |
| 2 Members | $32,270 |
| 3 members | $39,762 |
| 4 members | $48,167 |
| 5 members | $54,630 |
| 6 members | $61,613 |
| 7 members | $68,598 |
| For Additional Person | $6,985 |
Table 2. MNI Figures for Three Years
| Family UNIT SIZE | MNI2019 | MNI 2019 | MNI 2019 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 members | $32,270 | $41,007 | $40,379 |
| 3 Members | $39,672 | $50,414 | $49,641 |
| Additional Person | $48,167 | $61,209 | $60,271 |
| 5 MEMBERS | $54,630 | $69,423 | $68,358 |
| 6 members | $61,613 | $78,296 | $77,095 |
| For Additional Member | $6,985 | $8,876 | $8,740 |
Meeting MNI Requirements
MNI is calculated based on the number of family members each year, including any changes in family size. If a sponsor’s income is insufficient, they may combine their spouse or common-law partner’s income, provided the partner meets eligibility criteria and agrees to share financial responsibility. Proving common-law status is required in such cases.
Canada emphasizes the financial responsibility of sponsors, and meeting MNI is essential for successful family sponsorship. Consulting immigration experts can help applicants navigate the process effectively and improve their chances of approval.
