Low Income Cut-Off Table 2018 – LICO 2018 for Canadian Immigration
| Note: Click here for LICO 2023 tables. |
Theo is a permanent resident of Canada who is originally from Luxembourg. He moved to Canada five years ago. Theo intends to sponsor his orphaned sister to Canada. Their parents died in a freak car accident a couple of weeks ago in Italy. Theo’s sister is only 12 years old. Theo has heard, he needs to meet the minimum necessary income based on a table called LICO (Low Income Cut Off). He needs to know the exact figure he needs to meet.
Some methods of immigration to Canada expect the applicant to show minimum income in the past year (or sometimes the past three consecutive years). For example, parental sponsorship expects the sponsor to meet the minimum necessary income (MNI) test for the past three consecutive years. The sponsorship of some family members such as brothers and sisters calls for the MNI in the past taxation year.
Most economic immigration options to Canada ask for some settlement funds. The amount needs to belong to the applicant and easily accessible with no strings attached (also known as unencumbered funds).
The gauge that helps us find the minimum settlement funds and minimum necessary income is the Low Income Cut-off (LICO) for families who live in urban areas of Canada with populations more than 500,000. Statistics Canada publishes LICO tables every year (click here for a historical table). The following table shows LICO for 2018. I have posted the numbers both for a full-year and a half-year. Please keep in mind that MNI for parental sponsorship is the 12-month figures multiplied by 1.3.
| Size of Family Unit | LICO – 12 Months | LICO – 6 Months |
| 1 person | $24,950 | $12,475 |
| 2 persons | $31,062 | $15,531 |
| 3 persons | $38,186 | $19,093 |
| 4 persons | $46,362 | $23,181 |
| 5 persons | $52,584 | $26,292 |
| 6 persons | $59,304 | $29,652 |
| 7 persons | $66,028 | $33,014 |
| If more than 7 persons, for each additional person, add | $6,722 | $3,361 |
This table does not reflect official numbers. I have done my best to make sure the figures are correct but double check the figures elsewhere. Also, keep in mind that these numbers change every year.
If you wish to visit or move to Canada or if you have encountered any issues with the immigration authorities, you may fill out our free assessment form or book a consultation session to assess your potential opportunities or offer you immigration, visa, or citizenship advice.
Al Parsai, MA, DTM, RCIC
Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant
Ashton College Instructor – Immigration Consulting
Disclaimer:
This article provides information of a general nature only. It may no longer be current. It does not give legal advice nor should you rely on it as legal advice. If you have specific legal questions, you should consult a lawyer. If you are looking for immigration advice, book an appointment. All the characters in the articles are fictional, unless otherwise clearly stated. Any resemblance in names, dates, and places (whether individuals, organizations, regions, or countries) is coincidental.
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Al Parsai, MA, DTM, RCIC
Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant
Ashton College Instructor – Immigration Consulting
Author – 88 Tips on Immigration to Canada
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