Family sponsorship holds a significant place in immigration policies across various nations, facilitating the reunification of loved ones and promoting familial bonds. In Canada, the process of family sponsorship entails certain financial obligations for the sponsor, ensuring the well-being and support of the sponsored individuals. Central to this financial responsibility is the concept of Minimum Necessary Income (MNI), which serves as a benchmark to evaluate a sponsor's ability to provide for their family members.
Minimum Necessary Income, commonly referred to as MNI, signifies the minimum level of income that a sponsor must possess to support themselves, their existing family members, and those they intend to sponsor. It is a pivotal criterion employed by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to ascertain whether a sponsor is financially capable of fulfilling their obligations towards their sponsored family members.
Determining the size of the family unit is crucial in assessing the MNI requirement. This encompasses individuals currently supported by the sponsor in Canada, along with those slated for sponsorship. The family unit typically comprises the sponsor, their spouse or partner, dependent children, stepchildren, previously sponsored individuals for whom the sponsor remains financially responsible, as well as the parents and grandparents intended for sponsorship.
For sponsors aiming to bring their parents or grandparents to Canada, meeting the MNI threshold is imperative. Sponsors must demonstrate a consistent ability to exceed the MNI for three consecutive taxation years, underscoring their readiness to undertake the financial responsibilities associated with elderly family members. The MNI requirements are periodically revised, reflecting economic realities and ensuring adequacy in financial support.
The MNI figures for family sponsorship vary based on the size of the family unit and the sponsor’s location within Canada. For instance, sponsors residing outside the province of Quebec adhere to specific MNI thresholds, which differ from those within Quebec due to regional variations in living costs and economic conditions.
Sponsors domiciled in Quebec are subject to distinct MNI criteria, tailored to align with the province’s economic landscape. The Quebec MNI requirements encompass a basic annual income component, supplemented by additional income necessary to meet the basic needs of the sponsored individuals and their respective family members.
The following tables outline the Minimum Necessary Income (MNI) thresholds for family sponsorship programs in Canada, including figures for both individuals residing outside Quebec and sponsors within Quebec. These figures are crucial for sponsors to assess their financial readiness for family sponsorship endeavors.
| Size of Family Unit | MNI 2022 | MNI 2021 | MNI 2020 |
| 2 persons | $43,082 | $32,898 | $32,270 |
| 3 persons | $52,965 | $40,444 | $39,672 |
| 4 persons | $64,036 | $49,106 | $48,167 |
| 5 persons | $72,935 | $55,694 | $54,630 |
| 6 persons | $82,259 | $62,814 | $61,613 |
| 7 persons | $91,582 | $69,934 | $68,595 |
| Each additional person | $9,234 | $7,120 | $6,985 |
| Size of Family Unit | Basic Annual Income Required |
| 1 person | $26,877 |
| 2 persons | $36,281 |
| 3 persons | $44,793 |
| 4 persons | $51,518 |
| 5 persons | $57,337 |
| More than 5 persons, for each additional person | $5,819 |
Additional Income Required for Sponsors in Quebec (2023)
The additional income required of sponsors in Quebec varies based on the number of persons 18 years of age or over and the number of persons under 18 years. Below are the figures outlining the additional income required:
| Number of persons 18 years of age or over | Number of persons under 18 years | Gross annual income required of the sponsor |
| 0 | 1 | $9,303 |
| 0 | 2 | $14,744 |
| 1 | 0 | $19,658 |
| 1 | 1 | $26,413 |
| 1 | 2 | $29,826 |
| 2 | 0 | $28,829 |
| 2 | 1 | $32,294 |
| 2 | 2 | $34,863 |
These comprehensive figures provide sponsors with essential information to gauge their financial eligibility for family sponsorship under Canadian immigration policies. As sponsors navigate the intricacies of family sponsorship, understanding and meeting the MNI requirements are fundamental steps toward facilitating successful reunification with their loved ones in Canada. Please be aware that these data are subject to change over time. For the most up-to-date information, please visit canada.ca.
Having an 'Identity Verified' badge or being 'Identity Verified' simply indicates that an individual has submitted information to complete our identity verification process or we have conducted internal verification using various authorized websites. While this process includes safeguards, it does not guarantee that the person is who they claim to be.
If you encounter any issues with this profile, please report them here. While all consultants who are verified have RCIC ID, we may not have the latest data in terms of their renewal/cancellation/discontinuation of their RCIC ID.
