Quebec suspends Family Class sponsorship applications after hitting cap

Quebec suspends Family Class sponsorship applications after hitting cap

The Ministère de l’Immigration, de la Francisation et de l’Intégration (MIFI) has officially announced that it has reached the maximum number of family-sponsorship undertakings for spouses, common-law or conjugal partners, and dependent children aged 18 or over. As a consequence, new applications in these categories are being returned unprocessed, with fees refunded. This suspension will remain in effect until June 25, 2026

What’s Behind This Decision?

• In June 2024, Quebec imposed a two-year cap of 13,000 total undertakings:
  • 10,400 for spouses, partners, and adult children
  • 2,600 for parents, grandparents, and other relatives
• As of July 9, 2025, the 10,400 was reached for spouses and adult children

Who Is Affected and Who Isn’t

Applications currently suspended until mid‑2026:

• Spouses
• Common‑law and conjugal partners
• Dependent children aged 18+

Still accepted:

• Dependent children under 18
• Adult children with disabilities
• Parents, grandparents, and other eligible relatives (remaining cap still available)

Why Only Some Categories?

Quebec sets its own intake quotas as part of its unique two-step selection process:

1. Federal sponsorship approval via IRCC
2. Provincial “undertaking” via MIFI, necessary to obtain the CSQ

Suspension Timeline & Re-opening

• The suspension began immediately on July 9, 2025
• No new undertakings for the affected categories will be accepted until June 25, 2026, at the earliest
• MIFI will monitor and announce any further updates before that date

Impacts & Alternatives

• Disappointment & delays: Many Quebec residents aiming to sponsor spouses or partners now face at least a year’s delay
• Extended processing: Even existing applications face long review times, with Quebec’s spousal sponsorship taking around 36–38 months, compared to roughly 11–13 months in other provinces
• Bridge solutions: Affected families can consider:
  • Sponsoring from another province, if relocation is genuine
  • Applying for temporary status (work, study, visitor permits)
  • Launching Super Visa applications for parents/grandparents — a multi‑year, multiple‑entry visitor visa — as an interim option

What Prospective Sponsors Should Do

Before 2026 re-opening:

• Continuously track announcements on MIFI’s official site
• Prepare complete documents: proof of status, relationship, financial eligibility (L I C O+ 30% for sponsors)
• Be ready for a fast submission once the intake window opens

After suspension lifts:

• Submit undertaking applications at the earliest opportunity
• Ensure CSQ approval is secured alongside any federal IRCC sponsorship steps

Final Take

Quebec’s decision underscores how the province is reasserting control over immigration intake, particularly family reunification. It’s a reminder for families and sponsors to stay vigilant, be prepared, and explore temporary legal pathways while waiting until June 2026 to reunite permanently.

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