If you’re planning to reunite with family in Quebec, here’s the latest: the province has temporarily shut the door on new sponsorship applications for spouses, common-law partners, and dependent children aged 18 or older. The freeze runs until June 25, 2026.

The move comes after Quebec’s Ministry of Immigration, Francisation and Integration (MIFI) reached its newly introduced cap on sponsorships for these categories under the Family Reunification Program.

What Does the Cap Mean for Applicants?

Quebec will now accept a maximum of 13,000 applications from Canadian citizens and permanent residents wishing to sponsor eligible family members for permanent residence. Within this total:

• 10,400 applications are reserved for the sponsorship of spouses, common-law partners, and dependent children aged 18 or over.
• 2,600 applications are allocated for parents, grandparents, and other eligible relatives.

Once these quotas are reached, MIFI will halt the intake of new applications for these categories until the next intake period begins on June 25, 2026. Any applications received beyond the cap will be returned, and unfortunately, applicants will not receive a refund for processing fees.

Who Can Still Apply?

Not all categories are off-limits. There are important exceptions to this new rule. The cap does not apply to:

• Unmarried dependent children under 18
• Children being adopted
• Orphaned minors (siblings, nieces/nephews, grandchildren of the sponsor)
• Dependent adult children with disabilities
• Dependents added to an already pending application

These exemptions ensure that the most vulnerable family members can still be sponsored without delay. In short, if you’re sponsoring a minor or adding someone to an existing file, the cap doesn’t affect you.

Why Is Quebec Doing This?

It’s not just about immigration processing capacity. The province is also looking to ease pressure on housing demand, especially in urban areas. With rising rents and housing shortages, controlling immigration growth has become a tool to stabilise the market.

What Should Applicants Do Next?

If you were planning to submit a sponsorship application for a spouse, partner, or adult child, you will now need to wait until the next intake period opens in June 2026. Those with applications already in process or who fall under the exempt categories can proceed as usual.

For those affected, it’s wise to:

• Monitor official updates from MIFI for any changes or early reopening of the application window.
• Consult with immigration experts to explore alternative pathways or understand your eligibility under the new rules.
• Prepare documentation early so you’re ready to apply as soon as the intake period reopens.

Final Thoughts

This two-year cap in Quebec is a big deal for Canadian citizens and permanent residents hoping to bring their adult family members over. It’s essential to check your eligibility, watch for exemptions, and plan around this timeline.

If you’re affected, consider speaking with a licensed immigration consultant or exploring sponsorship options through the federal pathway in another province.