On This Page You Will Find
- Details of Quebec’s sponsorship application cap
- Family members affected by the pause
- Exemptions still eligible for sponsorship
- Timeline for when new applications may resume
- What happens if you submitted an application after the cap
The Quebec government has halted new applications to sponsor spouses, common-law partners, conjugal partners, and dependent children aged 18 or over under its family reunification program until June 25, 2026.
The Ministère de l’Immigration, de la Francisation et de l’Intégration (MIFI) announced on July 9, 2025, that it has reached the maximum number of allowable undertaking applications for these family members for the period from June 26, 2024, to June 25, 2026.
Who Is Affected?
The suspension applies specifically to those looking to sponsor:
- A spouse
- A common-law spouse
- A conjugal partner
- A dependent child aged 18 or older
Any applications for these categories received after the cap was reached are being returned without processing. No application fees will be charged.
When Will Sponsorship Reopen?
MIFI has stated that no new applications for these family members will be accepted until June 25, 2026. A decision about future intake periods will be made by that date.
Exceptions to the Pause
Applications to sponsor the following family members are still being accepted:
- Dependent children under 18
- Orphaned minor children who are the sponsor’s close relatives
- Adopted minor children
- Dependent adult children with physical or mental disabilities
- Dependants of a person already covered by an undertaking
These exemptions allow sponsors to continue applying at any time during the current period.
Application Limits by Category
The pause means that MIFI has accepted the following numbers of applications, as per its plan for June 26, 2024, to June 25, 2026.
- Up to 10,400 applications for sponsoring a spouse, common-law spouse, conjugal partner, or adult dependent child
- Up to 2,600 applications to sponsor parents, grandparents, and other eligible relatives
Applications were processed on a first-come, first-served basis until the limits were reached.
FAQ
Why has Quebec paused family reunification applications?
Quebec has reached its limit of 10,400 applications to sponsor spouses, partners, and adult children for the 2024–2026 period. No further applications will be processed until the next intake window opens.
Can I still sponsor my child under 18 in Quebec?
Yes. The pause does not apply to dependent children under the age of 18. You may submit an application to sponsor them at any time during the current period.
What happens if I submitted an application after the cap was reached?
Your application will be returned without being processed. No fees will be collected. You can apply again when the program reopens.
When will Quebec accept new family sponsorship applications again?
The earliest date new applications for spouses, partners, and adult children can be accepted is June 25, 2026. MIFI will announce any changes or extensions by that date.
Are applications to sponsor parents and grandparents also paused?
No. MIFI is still accepting up to 2,600 applications to sponsor parents, grandparents, and other eligible relatives during the same 2024–2026 period.
