Low Income Cut Off (LICO)
In most cases, if landed immigrants or Canadian citizens want to sponsor members of the Family Class, they are required to demonstrate that they are able to support all of the people that they wish to sponsor as well as all of their dependants already in Canada. This is accomplished using a formula designed by the government.
Refer to the low-income cut-off table below and go down the column until you come to the line that corresponds with the number of people who already depend on you for support in Canada as well as the number of people you intend to sponsor. This is the amount of income you must have to sponsor your relatives for immigration to all provinces but Quebec. For Quebec please access the CIC Website.
Under special circumstances you may be able to bring family to Canada where you cannot meet the LICO amount. Please contact our office for a consultation and further information on this issue.
Low Income Cut-off (LICO)
Effective until December 31, 2010
Size of Family Unit
Minimum necessary income
1 person (the sponsor)
$22,171
2 persons
$27,601
3 persons
$33,933
4 persons
$41,198
5 persons
$46,727
6 persons
$52,699
7 persons
$58,673
More than 7 persons, for each additional person, add
$5,974
source:http://www.migrationlaw.com/general.php?category=Immigration+to+Canada&subhead=Permanent+Residence&headline=Family+Class