The minimum necessary income (MNI) is the amount of money that a person or family must earn to meet their basic needs. In Canada, the MNI is used to determine eligibility for certain government programs and services, such as family sponsorship and immigration. It is also used to set minimum wages and other social safety nets.
The MNI is an important concept in Canada because it helps to ensure that everyone has a basic level of income to meet their basic needs. It also helps to reduce poverty and inequality.
In this article, we will discuss the MNI in more detail, including how it is calculated, and how it is used. We will also provide information on the MNI requirements for family sponsorship and immigration.
Minimum necessary income Canada requirements
The minimum necessary income (MNI) requirements for Canada vary depending on the province or territory in which you live and the size of your family unit. The MNI is the amount of money that you must earn to support yourself and your sponsored family members.
To calculate your MNI, you will need to add up the basic living expenses for you and your sponsored family members. This includes things like food, rent, utilities, and transportation. You can use the Low Income Cut-Off (LICO) table to estimate your basic living expenses.
Once you have calculated your basic living expenses, you will need to add 30% to arrive at your MNI. This additional 30% is to account for unexpected expenses and to help ensure that you are able to maintain a reasonable standard of living.
Read more: Work Visa Options
The federal minimum necessary income
The federal minimum necessary income (MNI) for sponsorship is the amount of money that sponsors living in Canada outside of Quebec must earn to support themselves and their sponsored family members. The MNI is updated annually and depends on the size of the family unit.
Sponsors must provide their Notice of Assessment from the Canada Revenue Agency to prove they meet the MNI requirements for the following years:
| Family Members | MNI 2021 |
MNI 2020 |
MNI 2019 |
| 2 persons | $32,898 | $32,270 | $41,007 |
| 3 persons | $40,444 | $39,672 | $50,414 |
| 4 persons | $49,106 | $48,167 | $61,209 |
| 5 persons | $55,694 | $54,630 | $69,423 |
| 6 persons | $62,814 | $61,613 | $78,296 |
| 7 persons | $69,934 | $68,598 | $87,172 |
| Each additional person | $7,120 | $6,985 | $8,876 |
Quebec minimum necessary income
In Quebec, the minimum income required for family sponsorship depends on the size of the sponsor’s family unit and the number of sponsored individuals and their family members, even if they are not accompanying the sponsored persons.
The table below shows the minimum income required for family sponsorship in Quebec, based on the number of people in the sponsor’s family unit:
| Number of current Family Members | MNI |
| 1 person | $26 877 |
| 2 persons | $32,898 |
| 3 persons | $40,444 |
| 4 persons | $49,106 |
| 5 persons | $55,694 |
| More than 5 persons, for each additional person add | $7,120 |
Read more: Work in Specific Provinces
How to calculate your minimum necessary income in Canada?
- Determine the size of your family unit. This includes yourself, your spouse or common-law partner, and your dependent children.
- Look up the MNI requirements for your province or territory. The MNI requirements vary by province and territory.
- Add up the basic living expenses for your family unit. This includes things like food, rent, utilities, and transportation.
- Add 30% to your basic living expenses. This additional 30% is to account for unexpected expenses and to help ensure that you are able to maintain a reasonable standard of living.
Minimum necessary income Canada FAQs
Q: What if I can’t meet the MNI requirements on my own?
A: If you can’t meet the MNI requirements on your own, you may be able to get help from a co-signer. A co-signer is someone who agrees to be financially responsible for your sponsored family members if you are unable to support them.
Q: What is the difference between the MNI and the Low Income Cut-Off (LICO)?
A: The LICO is a measure of low income in Canada. It is used to determine eligibility for certain government programs and services. The MNI is based on the LICO, but it is higher because it includes an additional 30% to account for unexpected expenses and to help ensure that sponsors are able to maintain a reasonable standard of living.
Q: Do I need to meet the MNI requirements if I am sponsoring my spouse or common-law partner?
A: Yes, you must meet the MNI requirements even if you are sponsoring your spouse or common-law partner.
Q: Can I meet the MNI requirements if I am self-employed?
A: Yes, you can meet the MNI requirements if you are self-employed. However, you will need to provide proof of your income, such as your tax returns.
Q: What happens if I fall below the MNI requirements after I have sponsored my family members?
A: If you fall below the MNI requirements after you have sponsored your family members, you may be required to provide additional financial support or to find a co-signer. If you are unable to do either of these things, your sponsored family members may be at risk of deportation.
Q: What are some tips for meeting the MNI requirements?
A: Here are some tips for meeting the MNI requirements:
- Combine your income with your spouse or common-law partner’s income, if applicable.
- Count all sources of income, including employment income, investment income, and government benefits.
- Consider getting a part-time job or starting a side hustle to supplement your income.
- Reduce your expenses by cutting back on unnecessary spending.
