If your income relies on commissions, IRCC lets you meet the Low Income Cut-Off (LICO) using your CRA Notice of Assessment (Line 15000) from either of the past two tax years, or by pooling your earnings with the visiting parent’s income if you meet at least 75% of the threshold.
Sponsoring a parent or grandparent for a Super Visa is a major financial commitment. 💰 To prove you can support them during their stay in Canada, you must meet the Low Income Cut-Off (LICO) requirements based on your family size. For Canadians with stable salary jobs, proving income is as simple as showing a pay stub.
However, for real estate agents, car sales professionals, or any commission-based employees in provinces like Ontario, Quebec, or British Columbia, income can fluctuate wildly from month to month. Proving financial stability requires a bit more paperwork. Hiring an experienced immigration lawyer or law firm from our directory can help you present your financial documents perfectly to avoid a frustrating refusal.
Step-by-Step Process for Proving Commission Income in Canada
IRCC officers know that commission-based jobs are legitimate and common in the Canadian labour market. 💼 They just need concrete proof from the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) that your overall annual earnings consistently exceed the minimum thresholds.
Step 1: Check the Current Year’s LICO Table
The federal government updates the LICO thresholds every single year to account for inflation. You must calculate your family size accurately. This includes yourself, your spouse, your dependent children, and the parents you are sponsoring. For example, if you are a family of three and inviting one parent, you need to meet the income threshold for a family of four for the 2026 calendar year.
Step 2: Obtain Your CRA Notice of Assessment
Because pay cheques for commission workers go up and down, IRCC offers flexibility in how you meet the income requirements. 📝 You can log into your CRA My Account and download your Notice of Assessment (NOA) for either of the two taxation years preceding your application date, allowing you to use whichever year is more financially favorable. The officer will review Line 15000 (Total Income) on your selected NOA to see if it surpasses the required LICO amount. Alternatively, if your income reaches at least 75% of the threshold, you may pool the visiting parent’s or grandparent’s eligible income (such as pensions or investments) to bridge the gap.
Step 3: Gather Supporting Employment Documents
While the NOA is the ultimate proof, showing current income is also essential. You should ask your brokerage, dealership, or employer for a formal letter stating your job title, how long you have been employed, and your commission structure. Additionally, provide your T4 or T4A slips, and your most recent bank statements showing regular deposits from your sales.
Step 4: Submitting the Application
Once you have bundled your CRA documents, employment letters, and the mandatory medical insurance proof, you can upload the package to the IRCC portal. 🖳 Ensure every document is clear and translated into English or French if necessary.
How Much Does the Super Visa Application Cost?
Beyond proving your income, there are concrete federal fees associated with the visa application itself. 💳 Here is what you can expect to pay in Canadian dollars.
| Requirement | Estimated Cost (CAD) | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Federal Application Fee | $100.00 | The standard IRCC processing fee per applicant. |
| Biometrics Fee | $85.00 | Required for fingerprinting and photographs at a Visa Application Centre. |
| Medical Exam (IME) | $150 – $300 | Paid directly to a Panel Physician approved by the federal government. |
| Law Firm Fees | $1,000 – $3,000+ | Professional assistance to compile complex commission-based financial proof. |
How Long Does the Process Take?
As of May 2026, processing times for a Super Visa can range from 8 weeks to over 6 months, heavily depending on the Canadian embassy processing the file in your parent’s home country. Gathering your CRA NOA and employment letters usually takes a week, but you must wait until after tax season if you need your newest tax return to prove your income.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What happens if my income dropped this year?
Under updated IRCC rules, you are no longer restricted to only the most recent tax year. If your income dropped, you can use your Notice of Assessment (NOA) from the previous tax year instead. Additionally, if your income is at least 75% of the LICO threshold, you can combine your earnings with the eligible income of the visiting parent or grandparent to meet the requirement.
Can I combine my income with my spouse?
Yes! If your commission income alone is not enough, your spouse or common-law partner can co-sign the application, allowing IRCC to combine both of your incomes from your respective NOAs.
Are business expenses deducted before LICO is calculated?
IRCC primarily looks at Line 15000 (Gross Income) on your NOA. However, if you are incorporated or a self-employed contractor with massive deductions, it is wise to consult a lawyer, as officers may scrutinize your net income as well.
Can I use a letter from my accountant instead of an NOA?
No. While an accountant’s letter can be helpful as an extra document, it cannot replace the official Canada Revenue Agency Notice of Assessment, which is a mandatory requirement.
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