The Low Income Cut Off - Citizenship and Immigration Canada financial assessment

With the exception of spouses, and dependent children, Citizenship and Immigration Canada requires a financial assessment, in order to determine whether or not sponsors are financially capable of sponsoring a relative from the family class. The Low Income Cut Off is the mandatory minimum amount of annual income that sponsors are required to have.

This page is to assist sponsors in determining what their Low Income Cut Off point is:

1. On the LOW INCOME CUT-OFF TABLE, determine the SIZE OF AREA OF RESIDENCE in which you reside;
2. Take note of the category you are in, ie. A, B, C, or D.
3. Then, determine how many individuals are currently in your household, and add the number of individuals that you intend to sponsor, from this figure you will have the TOTAL SIZE OF FAMILY UNIT.
4. Then, determine what level of annual income is required to sponsor your relatives.
5. If your income is insufficient considering having a co-signer.

Co-Signers

If the sponsor's income is under the Low Income Cut-Off point, the sponsor's spouse, including common-law spouse, is allowed to co-sign the financial undertaking, in order to have their income added to the sponsor's. Co-signers are equally responsible for supporting the sponsored immigrant, and is jointly liable if there is a default in the agreement.