How Much Income Do I Need to Sponsor My Family?

Family reunification is one of the most valued parts of Canada’s immigration system. Whether you want to bring your spouse, children, parents, or grandparents to Canada, financial eligibility plays a major role. But the income requirements are different depending on who you’re sponsoring. Many applicants feel confused about what counts as income, which years matter, and how family size affects the required amount.

In this detailed guide, you’ll learn exactly how much income you need to sponsor your family, how the calculations work, and what documentation you must prepare.

At Sambhav Immigration, our team of experienced immigration consultants in Mississauga helps families understand sponsorship rules clearly so they can apply with confidence.

Why Income Requirements Exist

IRCC (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada) requires sponsors to show financial stability for one important reason: to ensure that the sponsored family members will not need to rely on government social assistance.

Depending on the sponsorship category, the required income may be:

• Strictly fixed (example: Parents and Grandparents Program)
• Flexible and not fixed (example: Spousal sponsorship)

Understanding the difference is the key to preparing a successful application.

1. Income Requirements for Parents & Grandparents Sponsorship (PGP)

This category has the strictest income rules of all family sponsorship programs.

Minimum Necessary Income (MNI)

To sponsor parents or grandparents, you must prove that you meet the Minimum Necessary Income (MNI) for the last 3 tax years before your application is submitted.

For a 2025 intake, IRCC will look at income from:

• 2024
• 2023
• 2022

You must meet the income threshold for all three years based on your family size.

MNI Table for 2025 Intake

Family Size	Required Income
2 People	$47,549
3 People	$58,456
4 People	$70,972
5 People	$80,496
6 People	$90,784
7 People	$101,075
Each additional person	Add $10,291

How to Calculate Family Size for PGP Sponsorship

Include:

• You (the sponsor)
• Your spouse or partner
• Your dependent children
• The parent(s) or grandparent(s) you are sponsoring
• Their spouse or dependents (if applicable)

Family size must remain consistent through the entire processing period.

What Counts as Income for PGP?

IRCC accepts:

• Line 15000 income shown on your Notice of Assessment
• Employment income
• Small business income
• Certain benefits (not social assistance)

Because the financial requirement is strict, many applicants seek help from professionals to ensure accuracy before submitting.

2. Income Requirements for Spousal or Common-Law Partner Sponsorship

This category is much simpler.

No Minimum Income Requirement

Unlike PGP, there is no fixed income threshold for sponsoring a spouse or partner.

However, you must prove you can financially support your partner and will not depend on government assistance.

What Proof Can You Provide?

You may need:

• Employment letters
• Pay stubs
• Bank statements
• Savings or investment proofs
• CRA Notice of Assessment
• Job contracts

IRCC mainly checks that the sponsor is stable, not on social assistance, and capable of supporting the household.

This is why many people ask questions like “How much income do I need to sponsor my spouse?”—though there is no set number, consistent employment and financial stability strengthen your application.

3. Income Requirements for Sponsoring Dependent Children

If you are sponsoring only your dependent child, there is no specific income requirement—unless the child has their own dependent children.

In most cases, similar to spousal sponsorship, IRCC only checks whether you are:

• Financially stable
• Not receiving social assistance
• Able to support your family

If your dependent child has dependents of their own, income rules may change, so it’s important to verify your exact family size.

4. Sponsorship Income Rules for Quebec Residents

If you live in Quebec, sponsorship rules include:

• IRCC eligibility assessment
• A separate financial assessment by the province’s immigration ministry (MIFI)

Quebec uses its own income scale and its own undertakings, which can differ from federal guidelines.

5. How to Calculate Your Family Size Correctly

Family size determines how much income you need.

You must include:

• Yourself
• Your spouse or partner
• Your dependent children
• Any dependent children already sponsored
• Anyone you previously sponsored and are still financially responsible for
• The family members you want to sponsor now
• Their spouse or dependent children

Even a small mistake in calculating family size can cause refusal, which is why double-checking is essential.

6. What Income Doesn’t Count Toward Sponsorship

IRCC does not count:

• Social assistance (except disability payments)
• Income earned informally without documentation
• Temporary income that cannot be verified

Maintaining proper tax records is crucial because IRCC checks your NOA directly with CRA.

7. Common Questions About Sponsorship Income

Do bonuses, commissions, and part-time income count?
Yes, as long as they are declared on your tax return.

Can two people combine income to sponsor?
Yes, but only if:

• You are sponsoring parents/grandparents and
• Both you and your spouse/partner co-sign the application.

What if I recently started a new job?
It still helps, but IRCC mainly examines past income—especially for Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) sponsorships, where previous tax years are mandatory.

What if I don’t meet the income requirement?
You may need to wait until the next intake year to qualify or consult an immigration expert to explore alternative options.

8. Why Working with a Professional Helps

Income eligibility is one of the top reasons family sponsorship applications face delays or refusals. Missing documentation, incorrect income calculations, or misunderstanding family size rules can easily cause problems.

At Sambhav Immigration, our experienced immigration consultants in Mississauga guide clients through every step, including:

• Assessing income eligibility
• Calculating family size accurately
• Preparing and reviewing financial documentation
• Understanding Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) vs. spousal sponsorship rules
• Helping you submit a strong and complete application

Having expert guidance saves time, reduces stress, and removes uncertainty—especially when families are waiting to be reunited.

Final Thoughts

“How much income do I need to sponsor my family?” is one of the most common questions among Canadians planning to bring loved ones to Canada. The answer depends on the type of sponsorship:

• Parents & grandparents: Strict income requirements for three consecutive years
• Spousal sponsorship: No minimum income, but financial stability is required
• Dependent children: Flexible rules depending on whether the child has dependents
• Quebec residents: Separate provincial financial assessment

Understanding these requirements helps you plan ahead, avoid costly mistakes, and improve your chances of approval.

If you’re preparing to sponsor a family member and want clear, reliable assistance, Sambhav Immigration is here to help. Our team of experienced immigration consultants in Mississauga can guide you through the entire process with confidence and care.