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First visit? Here's how the map works.

Steps run in order. A dashed step is blocked: something before it has to be finished first.

Check a step off when it's done. Whatever it was blocking unlocks by itself.

Some steps are IRCC's to make, not yours. Those show as waiting and can't be checked off.

Start with step 1: Check you can be a sponsor

Family sponsorshipCheck you can sponsorStep · of 9

BlockedOptionalYou are here

·. Income requirement, in the rare cases it applies

In most cases there is no income requirement to sponsor a spouse, partner or dependent child.

Waiting on: Check who you can sponsor

Open this step

The rest of the pathway, folded up

This view fits the whole pathway on one screen: the step you're on is enlarged, its neighbours are shown small, and everything further out is folded into a summary bar you can open. The idea is borrowed from degree-of-interest trees (Card and Nation, 2002).

Times and fees on this page are rough and change without notice. Check canada.ca before you pay for anything or make a plan around a date.

Step · of 9 · OptionalClose

Income requirement, in the rare cases it applies

BlockedOptional

The authority on this stepSponsor your spouse, partner or child: check if you're eligiblecanada.ca · Government of Canada

IRCC is the only authority here. Our summary is here to help you find your way. If anything below differs from the official page, the official page is right. Requirements, fees and processing times change without notice.

Our plain-language summaryLast reviewed 29 July 2026

In most cases there is no income requirement to sponsor a spouse, partner or dependent child. It applies only when the person you're sponsoring has a dependent child who in turn has a dependent child of their own. The Financial Evaluation Form sets out the amounts.

Why it's required: This is one of the most common misconceptions about spousal sponsorship. Most sponsors do not have to prove an income at all, and a low income is not, by itself, a barrier.

Spouse or childUsually noneNo income requirement in the ordinary case.

When it appliesGrandchildrenOnly where a sponsored child has a dependent child of their own.

Documents you'll need

Notices of assessment, if the requirement applies to you
The Financial Evaluation Form (IMM 1283)

Before this step

BlockedCheck who you can sponsor

This is the last step of the pathway.