01/24/2026
When applying for a mortgage in Canada,
the bank doesn’t just ask how much you make—they ask what type of income you have and how stable it is.
Not all income is treated the same.
Common types of income lenders can use:
✔ Full-time or Part-time Employment
Salary or hourly income with consistent hours
✔ Overtime & Bonus
Usually averaged over 2 years
✔ Self-Employed Income
Based on reported income from tax returns (NOA)
✔ Commission Income
Typically needs a 2-year average
✔ Rental Income
A portion can be added to help you qualify
✔ Pension Income
CPP, private pensions, and employer pensions
✔ Maternity / Parental Leave Income
Can be used with a return-to-work letter
✔ Disability or Long-Term Benefits
If guaranteed and ongoing
✔ Investment or Interest Income
✔️CBB, OAS, CPP
Must be consistent and documented
What lenders care about most:
• Stability
• Continuity
• Proof on paper
This is why two people earning the same amountcan have very different mortgage approvals.
Income is not just a number—
it’s a story that must make sense to the lender.