How is the host’s income calculated for a super visa?

Zoe Zhou · Licensed Life & Health Insurance Agent, regulated by FSRA (Ontario)

Last reviewed: August 10, 2026 · checked against IRCC directly

The short answer

There are two routes. You only need to satisfy one.

Ask me anything — plain answers, no sales pitch.

(General information only, not financial advice. Speak to a licensed professional about your own situation.)

Route 1: either of the last two tax years

Not just last year. IRCC lets the host use either of the two tax years before the application.

Source text: “Your host can show that their total income (including the co-signer’s income, if applicable) meets or exceeds the minimum required amount in either of the 2 tax years before the application is submitted.”
IRCC, Proof of financial support · checked August 10, 2026

If last year was weak but the year before was strong, this alone can save an application.

Route 2: 75% plus the applicant’s own income

The host reaches at least 75% of the minimum, and the parent’s own income covers the rest.

For a family of four the minimum is $56,724.

$56,724 × 75% = $42,543. The host needs $42,543; the remaining $14,181 can come from the applicant.

Source text: “Your host can show that their total income (including the co-signer’s income, if applicable) in the year before the application is submitted was at least 75% of the minimum required amount.”
IRCC, Proof of financial support · checked August 10, 2026

What proves it

The CRA notice of assessment.

A self-prepared return is not enough. It has to be the assessment CRA issues.

Who can co-sign

Only a spouse or common-law partner.

Source text: “Other family members of your host, such as siblings, can’t co-sign.”
IRCC, Super visa — Forms and documents · checked August 10, 2026

Tell me the two years’ figures and I will tell you which route is safer.