Canadian province Quebec has announced a suspension of new family reunification sponsorship applications for certain categories, effective immediately and lasting until June 25, 2026.
This temporary pause affects those wishing to sponsor spouses, common-law or conjugal partners, and adult dependent children.
The Ministry of Immigration, Francisation and Integration (MIFI) confirmed that it had reached the maximum number of applications permitted under the 2025–2026 intake cycle for the Family Reunification Program.
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According to a recent statement, the cap of 13,000 applications has now been filled.
Of the total quota, 10,400 spots were reserved for sponsors of spouses, partners, and adult children.
The remaining 2,600 applications were allocated for parents, grandparents, and other eligible relatives. Applications were accepted on a first-come, first-served basis, and the intake closed on July 9, 2025, when the limit was officially reached.
As a result, any attempts to submit new sponsorship applications in these categories after that date will not be processed and will be returned to applicants. The next opportunity to submit under this program will be when the new intake period opens on June 25, 2026.
This development significantly impacts those residing in or planning to move to Quebec who had hoped to sponsor a spouse or adult family member.
Until the pause is lifted, these individuals will be unable to proceed with that aspect of the sponsorship process through MIFI.
However, not all sponsorship categories are affected by this suspension. The following groups are exempt from the intake freeze and may still be sponsored:
Dependent children under the age of 18
Children being adoptedOrphaned minors who are siblings, nieces, nephews, or grandchildren of the sponsor
Adult dependent children living with a disability
Dependents being added to an already-submitted family sponsorship application
These exemptions aim to protect vulnerable family members and ensure that urgent and compassionate cases can still proceed under the current framework.
In explaining the decision, Quebec officials highlighted that the suspension is not solely about managing immigration volumes. It is also part of a broader effort to respond to challenges related to housing and public service availability in the province.
According to Travel Biz, MIFI indicated that aligning immigration levels with Quebec’s integration capacity—particularly in areas such as housing and access to public services—was a key factor in implementing the intake freeze.
Quebec, especially urban areas like Montreal, has been experiencing mounting pressure in the housing sector, with limited rental availability and increasing costs prompting action from provincial authorities.
Those who submitted their applications before the July 9 deadline or who fall into the exempted categories may still proceed with the immigration process. For others affected by the suspension, patience and preparation will be critical over the coming year.
Prospective applicants are encouraged to stay informed by regularly checking MIFI’s official communications. It is also advisable to consult certified immigration professionals for guidance and begin gathering necessary documents well ahead of the 2026 reopening.
