New Low Income Cut off for Super Visa (LICO)
Understanding the New Low Income Cut off for Super Visa in 2024
Canada’s Super Visa program is an appealing option for parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens and permanent residents who wish to visit their families in Canada for extended periods. This program, which allows for multiple entries over a period of up to 10 years and permits stays of up to 5 years per visit without the need for renewal, has recently undergone an update to its Low Income Cut-Off (LICO) requirements. Understanding these changes is crucial for applicants and their sponsoring family members in Canada.
The Super Visa is a long-term, multiple-entry visa specifically designed for parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens or permanent residents. Introduced in 2011, it aims to facilitate family reunification by allowing extended visits without the need for frequent renewals. Unlike a regular visitor visa, the Super Visa permits holders to stay in Canada for up to five years at a time.
The Importance of the Low Income Cut-Off (LICO)
A key requirement for the Super Visa is that the sponsoring child or grandchild in Canada must meet a minimum income threshold, known as the Low Income Cut-Off (LICO). This ensures that the sponsor has sufficient financial means to support their visiting family members during their stay. The LICO is determined by the size of the sponsor’s family unit, including the visiting parents or grandparents.
The Importance of the Low Income Cut-Off (LICO)
As of May 2024, the LICO figures have been adjusted to reflect the rising cost of living and other economic factors in Canada. These changes are designed to ensure that sponsoring family members have adequate financial resources to support their visiting relatives. Here are the updated LICO figures for 2024:
| Size of Family Unit | Minimum Necessary Gross Income (LICO 2024) |
| 1 person (your child or grandchild) | $27,514 |
| 2 persons | $34,254 |
| 3 persons | $42,100 |
| 4 persons | $51,128 |
| 5 persons | $57,988 |
| 6 persons | $65,400 |
| 7 or more | $72,814 |
| More than 7 persons, for each additional person, add | $7,412 |
These figures are a slight increase from previous years, reflecting the need for sponsors to demonstrate a higher level of financial stability.
How to Prove Income
To meet the LICO requirements, sponsors must provide proof of their income. Acceptable documents include:
- Notices of Assessment (NOA) from the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) for the most recent tax years.
- T4/T1 slips.
- Employment letters stating job title, job description, and salary.
- Pay stubs.
- Bank statements showing regular deposits.
These documents help immigration officers assess whether the sponsor can financially support their parents or grandparents during their stay in Canada.
Impact on Applicants
The updated LICO thresholds mean that potential sponsors need to ensure their income meets or exceeds the new minimums. It’s advisable for sponsors to gather and organize their financial documents well in advance of the application process to avoid delays or complications. Applicants should work closely with their sponsors to ensure all documentation is complete and accurate.
Benefits of the Super Visa
Despite the rigorous financial requirements, the Super Visa offers significant benefits:
- Longer Stays: Holders can stay in Canada for up to 5 years per visit.
- Multiple Entries: The visa is valid for up to 10 years, allowing for multiple entries.
- No Need for Frequent Renewals: Unlike regular visitor visas, there is no need to renew the Super Visa every six months.
- Family Reunification: It enables parents and grandparents to spend extended time with their families in Canada, fostering closer family ties.
The update to the Low Income Cut-Off for Canada’s Super Visa in 2024 underscores the importance of financial preparedness for sponsors. By understanding and meeting the new LICO requirements, Canadian families can successfully bring their parents and grandparents to Canada for extended visits, enjoying the numerous benefits this visa offers. Staying informed and prepared is key to navigating the Super Visa application process smoothly.