The sponsor’s income must meet the minimum necessary income requirement to support all members of their own family and all the people they intend to sponsor, which also includes family members who are not accompanying. The applicable Low Income Cut Off level is based on urban areas of 500,000 people or more, regardless of where the sponsor might live.

Sponsors should also provide their latest Notice of Assessment from their Income Tax Return provided by Canada Revenue Agency or the Option C printout, as well as copies of their T4s etc., to help demonstrate financial capabilities.

The officer will consider your total income as the total income shown on the Notice of Assessment. If a sponsor cannot provide a Notice of Assessment/Option C printout or your income on the Notice of Assessment is insufficient, you must provide evidence that you meet the applicable minimum necessary income by any other means; otherwise, you will most likely be refused on these grounds.