“QUEBEC SHUTS DOOR ON SPOUSAL SPONSORSHIPS UNTIL 2026”

In a sudden and far-reaching decision, the Quebec government has suspended new applications to sponsor spouses, common-law partners, conjugal partners, and dependent children aged 18 or older for permanent residence. The moratorium takes effect immediately and is expected to remain in place until June 25, 2026.

The news came as a shock to many Quebec residents who were in the process of preparing or submitting sponsorship applications. The reason: the province has reached its cap on the number of allowable applications under its two-year family reunification quota.

According to the Ministry of Immigration, Francisation and Integration (MIFI), the quota system introduced in June 2024 outlined the following limits for the period June 26, 2024 – June 25, 2026:

• 13,000 total applications were authorized for family sponsorships.
  • 10,400 applications were allocated for:
    • Spouses
    • Common-law partners
    • Conjugal partners
    • Dependent children aged 18 or older
  • 2,600 applications were designated for:
    • Parents
    • Grandparents
    • Other eligible relatives

As of July 9, 2025, the 10,400 cap for sponsoring spouses and adult dependent children has officially been reached. The Ministry confirmed that any additional applications received in these categories will be returned without processing, and all government fees refunded.

WHAT IT MEANS FOR FAMILIES IN QUEBEC

The suspension applies only to sponsorships involving adult family members. Quebec residents can still sponsor:

• • Dependent children under the age of 18.
  • Adult children who are dependent due to disability.
  • Parents, grandparents, and other relatives (as this quota has not yet been filled).

However, for those hoping to reunite with a spouse or adult child, the only option now is to wait until the moratorium is lifted in June 2026, or to explore alternative temporary residence pathways.

The situation is particularly difficult for couples and families separated by borders. Many individuals have spent months collecting documents, investing in legal fees, and preparing detailed submissions—only to have the door abruptly closed.

WHY QUEBEC HANDLES FAMILY SPONSORSHIP DIFFERENTLY

Unlike the rest of Canada, Quebec requires additional steps in the family sponsorship process. Residents must:

• • Apply federally through Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
  • Obtain a Quebec Selection Certificate (CSQ) through MIFI.
  • Sign a provincial undertaking to financially support the sponsored person for a defined period.

These requirements often lengthen processing times and now present another hurdle: the risk of being blocked altogether if the province’s cap is reached.

HOW IMMIGRATION EXPERTS ARE RESPONDING

Immigration professionals across Quebec are now mobilizing to help clients reassess their options. At Agos Immigration Inc., Founder and Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant, Arcely Kerkhoven says the firm is fielding a surge of inquiries from concerned applicants.

“This decision affects real people—spouses, parents, and adult children—who simply want to live together in safety and stability,” Kerkhoven explains. “While the cap is firm, there may still be legal alternatives depending on the case. Some clients might qualify for temporary resident visas, humanitarian grounds, or federal processes outside Quebec.”

She advises families not to lose hope, but to take swift, informed action.

Agos Immigration is currently offering consultations to families impacted by the suspension and encourages those affected to seek legal guidance before attempting to reapply or pursue alternative streams.

For more information, or to book a consultation, visit www.agosimmigration.ca.