Family Sponsorship in Canada: Reuniting Loved Ones
Family sponsorship is a significant pathway for reuniting loved ones in Canada, but it comes with financial responsibilities for certain categories such as the Parent/Grandparent sponsorship category for permanent residence and the SuperVisa (allowing for temporary residence status). One of the crucial factors in sponsoring family members is meeting the Minimum Necessary Income (MNI) requirements set by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). Let’s delve into what MNI entails and how it impacts sponsorship eligibility.
What is Minimum Necessary Income (MNI)?
Minimum Necessary Income refers to the minimum level of income that a sponsor must demonstrate to support themselves and their family unit, as well as the family members they intend to sponsor in Canada. This financial requirement varies based on several factors, including the number of people in the sponsor’s household and whether they reside in Quebec or elsewhere in Canada.
Determining the Family Unit
The size of the family unit includes individuals currently supported by the sponsor in Canada and those they plan to sponsor. This typically encompasses:
- Sponsor (self)
- Spouse or partner
- Dependent children
- Dependent children of spouse or partner
- Previously sponsored individuals for whom the sponsor remains financially responsible
- Parents and grandparents the sponsor wishes to sponsor, along with their spouses, partners, and dependent children
MNI Requirements for Different Family Sizes
When assessing income requirements for the SuperVisa, for sponsors outside Quebec, the MNI thresholds are adjusted annually and depend on the number of people in the family unit. As of 2024, the MNI is based on the Low Income Cut-Off (LICO) and ranges from $35,576 for a family unit of two persons to $77,750 for a family unit of seven persons. Each additional person increases the MNI by $7,916 annually.
In Quebec, the income requirements differ slightly and are based on a combination of factors including the number of family members being sponsored and the sponsor’s ability to meet basic needs.
Managing Family Size Changes for Parent and Grandparent Sponsorship Applications
When sponsoring parents or grandparents, it’s crucial to consider how changes in family size impact the income requirements. Here’s a simplified breakdown:
Increases in Family Size
Family size may increase within the three years before submitting your parent or grandparent sponsorship application. This includes events like marriages, common-law relationships, or the birth of a child.
Example Scenario
- 2018: You got married and had a newborn child.
- 2019: You submit a sponsorship application for your parents or grandparents.
Income Requirements
- You need to meet income requirements for 2016, 2017, and 2018.
- Your spouse and newborn child will only be counted in the family size for 2018.
- If your spouse co-signs the application, they must be included in all three years.
Decreases in Family Size
Family size can also decrease within the three years before submitting your application. This can occur due to the death of a family member, divorce, or children no longer being dependent.
Example Scenario
- 2017: Your father, who was married to your mother, passed away.
- 2019: You submit a sponsorship application for your mother.
Income Requirements
- You need to meet income requirements for 2016, 2017, and 2018.
- Your father must be counted in the family size for 2016 and 2017.
Special Considerations for Parent and Grandparent Sponsorship
Sponsors intending to bring parents or grandparents to Canada face additional scrutiny. They must demonstrate exceeding the MNI threshold for three consecutive taxation years (except in Quebec). This requirement underscores the commitment and financial preparedness needed to support elderly family members who may have specific healthcare and living needs. Moreover, the LICO is used as a base but then 30% is added to this for the MNI for this particular category. (Note that exceptions were made for 2000 and 2021 due to COVID when only the base LICO was used).
Impact and Importance of MNI
The MNI serves as a crucial assessment tool for IRCC to ensure sponsors have the financial means to fulfill their obligations without relying on public funds. It aims to safeguard both sponsors and sponsored family members from potential financial hardship after arrival in Canada.
Meeting the MNI Requirement
Sponsors must provide proof of income through documents like tax returns (the Notice of Assessment is key), but also potentially employment letters and bank statements. This evidence is used to demonstrate their financial stability and is crucial during the sponsorship application process to validate eligibility.
Looking for Expert Assistance?
If you are looking for an experienced lawyer for family sponsorships we can assist. Contact us to book a consultation.