Introduction

One of the most common concerns for sponsors applying under the Family Class is whether they make enough money to qualify.

For many family sponsorship categories, the sponsor must meet the strict Low-Income Cut-Off (LICO) criteria. But does this apply to sponsoring a spouse, common-law partner, or child?

In this guide, we clarify the financial rules for spousal sponsorship. You can estimate your application status and plan timelines with the Spousal Sponsorship Wizard.

The Rule: No Minimum Income Requirement (With Exceptions)

In general, there is no minimum income requirement (LICO) to sponsor a spouse, common-law partner, or dependent child.

This means that even if you are currently earning a modest income, you can still sponsor your partner. However, you must still meet other financial obligations.

Core Financial Obligations for Sponsors

Although there is no strict income cutoff, you must satisfy the following conditions:

1. The 3-Year Undertaking

When you sponsor a spouse, you must sign a binding Undertaking with the Canadian government. This is a promise to provide for the basic needs of your sponsored partner (food, clothing, shelter, health needs not covered by public healthcare) for 3 years from the day they become a permanent resident.

• This obligation remains in place even if your relationship ends, you get divorced, or your partner moves out.
• If your spouse claims provincial social assistance during this period, you must repay that debt to the government.

2. No Active Social Assistance

You cannot sponsor a spouse if you are currently receiving social assistance from a province (welfare) for reasons other than a disability.

3. No Un-discharged Bankruptcy

If you have declared bankruptcy, you must be fully discharged before you can submit a sponsorship application.

When Does LICO Apply?

A minimum income requirement only applies to spousal sponsorship if your spouse has a dependent child who has a child of their own (a grandchild) included in the application. In all other standard spouse cases, LICO is not evaluated.

Conclusion

While you do not need to show a high salary, you must still prove you can support your household without resorting to government assistance.

To check your eligibility and review the full document checklist for your application, use the Spousal Sponsorship Wizard.