Quebec Hits Family Sponsorship Cap: Key Immigration Update

Quebec Reaches Cap on Family Sponsorship Applications: What It Means for Sponsors

If you’re living in Quebec and planning to sponsor a loved one for permanent residency, there’s some important news you need to know. As of July 9, 2025, the Quebec government has officially hit its cap for certain family sponsorship applications—and that means major changes for applicants.

Key Highlights

• Quebec has reached the maximum number of applications for sponsoring spouses, common-law partners, and dependent children aged 18 or older.
• No new applications in these categories will be accepted until June 25, 2026.
• Applications submitted after the cap was reached will be returned, and fees refunded.
• Sponsorship for children under 18 and dependents with disabilities are still being accepted.
• Applications for parents, grandparents, and other relatives are still open under a separate cap.
• Quebec follows a unique process for family sponsorship, including the requirement for a Quebec Selection Certificate (CSQ).

What’s Happening with Quebec’s Family Sponsorship Program?

In a move that’s left many hopeful sponsors disappointed, Quebec has officially stopped accepting new applications to sponsor spouses, common-law partners, conjugal partners, and dependent children aged 18 or older. This decision follows the province reaching its pre-set quota for these categories.

The Quebec government had set a limit of 10,400 applications for this group under the current intake period, which runs from June 26, 2024 to June 25, 2026. That cap has now been fully reached, and no further applications will be processed for these family members until after the moratorium lifts.

What Happens If You Apply Now?

If you submit an application to sponsor a spouse or adult dependent child after the cap has been hit, your application will be returned without processing, and your fees will be refunded. It’s not a pleasant surprise, especially for families who were counting on reuniting sooner rather than later.

Who Can Still Submit a Sponsorship Application?

While this news may be frustrating for many, there are still some sponsorship categories that remain open:

• Dependent children under 18 years old
• Adult dependents with disabilities
• Parents, grandparents, and other eligible relatives (within a cap of 2,600 applications)

If you’re hoping to sponsor one of the above relatives, you’re still in the clear—for now. But keep in mind that spots are limited, and the cap for these categories could be reached as well.

Why Is Quebec Doing This?

Quebec manages its own immigration system separately from the federal government, and that includes a unique process for family sponsorship. To sponsor a family member in the province, applicants must obtain a Quebec Selection Certificate (CSQ) and sign a Quebec-specific undertaking agreement.

These changes are part of the province’s efforts to manage immigration levels and ensure that new residents are integrated smoothly into Quebec society. The cap system is designed to balance immigration numbers with available resources like housing, education, and social services.

Quick Recap of the Cap Numbers

Here’s how the 13,000-application cap for family sponsorships is divided:

• 10,400 applications for spouses, common-law partners, conjugal partners, and dependent children aged 18 or older – Now closed
• 2,600 applications for parents, grandparents, and other family members – Still open

How This Affects Quebec Residents

For many families, this unexpected pause in sponsorship options is a real setback. The wait to bring a partner or older child to Canada just got longer, and the next available window won’t open until June 26, 2026.

It’s also a reminder of how Quebec’s immigration process can differ from the rest of the country. While residents in other provinces go through the federal process, those in Quebec must work with the province’s immigration ministry and obtain a CSQ before permanent residency can be granted.

If you’re living in another province and looking into family sponsorship, you may want to explore programs like the Manitoba PNP, which offer different options for family reunification.

What You Can Do Now

If your application type is currently on hold, what are your options?

• Stay informed: Keep an eye out for updates in case of changes or additional quotas down the road.
• Consider alternate pathways: Explore other immigration programs that may fit your family’s situation.
• Talk to a professional: Consulting with an immigration specialist can help you plan your next steps and avoid unnecessary delays.

It’s also worth noting that this moratorium doesn’t affect your ability to include dependents in an existing sponsorship application—that part of the process remains intact.

Final Thoughts

The cap on family sponsorships in Quebec is certainly a blow for many families hoping to reunite. But understanding the rules and staying proactive can help you prepare for when the program reopens—or identify other ways to bring your loved ones to Canada.

Need help navigating your options? Don’t wait until the next intake period to get started. Book a free consultation and speak with an expert about how to bring your family to Quebec or another Canadian province.

For more updates on immigration policies and family sponsorships, check out our latest news and insights.