Quebec has officially halted new spousal sponsorship applications and those for certain family members after hitting a two-year maximum limit. Quebec residents hoping to sponsor spouses or adult dependent children for permanent residency must shelve plans until June 2026, effective now. Such news hits really hard for lots of people nowadays.
Why has Quebec closed Spousal Sponsorship applications?
The Quebec government introduced a cap on family sponsorship applications in early 2024, ostensibly to manage its intake rather effectively, it seems.
Here’s how the cap was divided:
| Category | Application Limit (2024–2026) | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Spouses, common-law partners, and adult children | 10,400 | ❌ Cap Reached (as of July 9, 2025) |
| Parents, grandparents, and other relatives | 2,600 | ✅ Still Open |
Spousal sponsorship and adult dependent children cap was officially met on July 9, 2025. No new applications will be accepted under this category till June 25, 2026, when the ap period ostensibly ends rather abruptly.
What Does This Mean for You and Your Family?
Applicants sponsoring spouses or adult children via Quebec's family sponsorship program will have their applications returned unprocessed, with fees fully refunded.
But not all hope is lost.
You can still apply if you’re sponsoring:
- A dependent child under 18
- An adult child who is disabled
- Parents or grandparents (within the remaining 2,600 cap)
- Or if you’re simply adding family members to an existing application
Why Quebec’s Process Is Different
In Quebec, immigration isn’t just a federal matter; it’s a shared responsibility. While most provinces use the federal family sponsorship process, Quebec requires an additional step: the Quebec Selection Certificate (CSQ).
Here’s what Quebec residents must do:
- Submit an undertaking application to Quebec’s immigration ministry
- Obtain a CSQ before the federal government processes the PR application
- Show they can financially support the person they are sponsoring
This extra layer is why Quebec sets its limits, like the one currently in place.
The Emotional Toll on Families
This announcement has left many couples and families in tears and confusion. Those who were just preparing their documents now face months of uncertainty.
For others, the timing couldn't be worse; some were just weeks away from applying, planning weddings, or already separated by borders.
But experts say now is the time to act strategically, not emotionally.
What Can You Do Right Now?
If you're affected by this pause in spousal sponsorship, don’t panic; there are still paths forward.
Here are your options:
- Consider moving to another province where the federal process applies
- Explore a spousal open work permit or a temporary resident visa
- Sponsor your loved one under other eligible categories
- Start preparing now so your application is ready to go in 2026
- Get in touch with an immigration advisor who understands both Quebec and federal processes
How Visa Solutions 4u Can Support You
At Visa Solutions 4u, we understand how heartbreaking it is to be separated from your loved ones. Our team is here to guide you through this temporary roadblock.
We offer:
- Free consultation to assess your case
- Help exploring alternative pathways, like work or study permits
- Step-by-step assistance with Quebec Selection Certificate (CSQ) and federal PR
- Application prep so you're ready as soon as the cap reopens
- Updates and alerts so you don’t miss any changes in Quebec’s immigration policies
You don’t have to face this alone. Let our experts help you reunite with your family, even during a sponsorship pause.
Final Thoughts: Don’t Lose Hope
This might feel kinda like slamming into a closed door, yet it's not necessarily an impassable barrier or a dead end. Quebec has stopped accepting new spousal sponsorship applications for now, but your family's aspirations can surprisingly continue elsewhere nonetheless. You can still stumble upon a forward path by fervently gathering intel and sporadically seeking sage counsel from seasoned experts. When clueless about next steps, reach out for help from Visa Solutions 4u quickly. We're here helping you keep moving forward steadily with plans unfolding and flickers of hope somehow remaining eerily alive.
