Quebec Pauses Certain Immigrant Sponsorship Applications Through June 2026
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The July 9, 2025 update marks Quebec’s official prohibition on accepting new sponsorship applications for spouses, common-law partners, conjugal partners, and dependent children aged 18 or older.
Effective immediately, the province will no longer issue Quebec Selection Certificates (CSQs) for these categories, as the annual cap target has been reached. This temporary suspension will remain in place until June 25, 2026, with all newly submitted applications being returned unprocessed and fees refunded.
However, sponsorship remains open for:- Dependent children under 18
- Adult children with disabilities
- Parents and grandparents (as their quota has not yet been filled)
Key Updates on Quebec’s Family Sponsorship Prohibition
1. All Applications Will Be Returned & Fees Refunded
- Applications that are submitted for sponsoring spouses, common-law partners, conjugal partners, or dependent adults (18+) will be returned without processing.
- The application fees will also be refunded.
2. Prohibition in Effect Until June 25, 2026
- The pause on accepting new applications will remain until June 25, 2026.
- Exceptions are considered for:
- Dependent children under 18
- Adult children with disabilities
3. Cap Reached for Spouses & Adult Dependents
- Quebec set a total cap of 13,000 family sponsorship applications for June 26, 2024 – June 25, 2026, broken down as:
- 10,400 spots for spouses, common-law partners, and dependent adults (18+).
- 2,600 spots for parents, grandparents, and other relatives.
- As of July 9, 2025, the 10,400 cap for spouses and adult dependents has been reached.
4. Parents & Grandparents Sponsorship Are Still Eligible To Apply
- The 2,600-spot quota for parents, grandparents, and other relatives has not yet been filled.
- Quebec is still accepting applications under this category.
Also Read: Canada Increases Minimum Fund Requirements for Express Entry Candidates
Quebec’s Family Sponsorship Process:
1. Know The Different Process for Residents of Quebec
Residents of Quebec are going to follow a separate and different sponsorship process from the rest of Canada. While the federal government oversees permanent residency approval, Quebec imposes additional requirements.
2. Quebec-Specific Undertaking Requirement:
Before applying for federal sponsorship, Quebec residents must remember to:
- Sign a Quebec-specific undertaking (a legal contract to financially support the sponsored family member).
- Submit the undertaking to Quebec’s Ministry of Immigration (MIFI) for approval.
3. Get a Quebec Selection Certificate (CSQ)
- Once the MIFI approves the undertaking, sponsors must apply for a CSQ, which is mandatory before submitting the federal sponsorship application.
- Without a CSQ, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will not process the permanent residency application.
Also Read: Canada Announces New C11 Work Permit Requirements For Business Owners in 2025
To summarise, Quebec has introduced quite a few restrictions on family sponsorship, halting new applications for spouses, common-law partners, and dependent adults (18+) until June 25, 2026, after the province has reached its 10,400-application cap.
Need Help Navigating Quebec's New Sponsorship Rules?
Quebec's sudden changes to family sponsorship have left many applicants uncertain about their options. While the door has temporarily closed for spouses and adult dependents, other pathways remain open. Connect with GetGIS to get expert and personalized guidance for your Canada immigration journey.
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